Cost Management in Higher Education

Higher education provision in most countries has great financial implication for both the state and higher education institutions. The state of the South African economy, the restructuring of higher education and changes in funding of higher education call for the application of cost effective strategies, which can be used to optimize the use of limited funds. This book reflects on the South African Higher Education environment before the 36 institutions existing at the time were merged into 23 universities. It also examines the management of cost in higher education institutions in South Africa. The relevant issues of cost management, especially budgeting and decision making are given adequate emphasis in relation to higher education institutions. It also reflects the extent to which cost management principles and cost management systems are applied in higher education institutions in South Africa. The author makes significant recommendations on how cost management can be improved for the benefit of institutional sustainability. The book would be of great interest to finance executives in universities and colleges, as well as governments that fund higher education.