Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Higher Education Administration PhD

First Advisor

David S. Penner

Second Advisor

Hinsdale Bernard

Third Advisor

Larry Burton

Abstract

Problem. Decision making is a practical day-to-day phenomenon. It manifests itself in various ways, such as choosing w/hat to do or not to do. in evaluating and fulfilling what is now and what is expected. Decision making is a cycle covering the time from when a decision is conceived to the time its outcome is visible. Because decision making appears so ordinary, it is often considered an ordinary activity. A good, well-thought-through decision can go a long way in the life of an organization. This study focuses on how Solusi went about the decision-making process, the implementation of those decisions, and the short-term and long-term outcomes of the decisions made.

Method. To accomplish the purpose of the study, literature on decision making and decision-making theory was reviewed. This historical, documentary approach was combined with ethnographic methods to gather data and add life to the context of the study. Historical analysis of the documents obtained was used by validating the authenticity of the documents. Historical documents were the main source of information. Interviews and other sources of information were also utilized to provide flavor and enlighten in areas where the documents were vague.

Findings. The founding of Solusi University resulted from the efforts of many individuals, including A.T. Robinson, who was the president of the South African Conference. He interviewed Cecil Rhodes, chair of the board of directors of the Chartered Company, and obtained from him permission for a possible land grant for the mission station. This was the beginning of the mission endeavor by many missionaries who went to Solusi and served as mission workers. Various factors, both natural and political, greatly impacted the development of Solusi. Making the services at Solusi available to individuals from other constituencies within the region served by the Southern Africa Division, including territories beyond the division, became a very significant factor in the internationalization of the school and impacted the politics of its development. The decisions made and the process for decision making were reviewed. They show that a combination of the decisions made and the political situation in Zimbabwe set the path Solusi followed. By placing an emphasis on the quality of higher education throughout its history. Solusi chose a course that culminated in its current university status. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has had a significant impact on the social and economic structure of the community that has been felt in the broader community. The full potential of Solusi was achieved by a consistent implementation of administrative decisions despite any negative factors that may have derailed the direction and growth of the University. The overarching needs of the school diminished all obstacles, internal and external, and kept a focus on the goals of the University.

Subject Area

Seventh-Day Adventist universities and colleges--Zimbabwe.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.32597/dissertations/577/

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