Optimizing benefits realization in Ghanaian public universities: The role of portfolio management practices, strategic resource alignment and institutional culture
Hameed Banu Seidu, Akua Korama Asubonteng & Lawrence Yaw Kusi
Abstract
This paper examines how portfolio management practices influence benefits realization in Ghanaian public universities, focusing on the mediating role of strategic resource alignment and the moderating role of institutional culture. It provides empirical evidence on how structured portfolio systems support institutional performance and strategic outcomes. A quantitative cross-sectional design complemented by qualitative insights was used. Data were collected from 76 professionals across three public universities through structured questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and PROCESS analysis tested the proposed relationships, while thematic analysis examined open-ended responses. Findings showed that portfolio management practices significantly enhance benefits realization both directly and indirectly through strategic resource alignment, although the mediation was not statistically significant. Institutional culture did not moderate the relationship but shaped the environment supporting effective portfolio practices. Qualitative findings revealed issues such as delayed funding and weak governance, with suggested remedies like centralized portfolio management and improved accountability. The study focused on three public universities, which may limit generalizability. Future research should adopt longitudinal and multi-institutional designs to validate these findings across broader higher education contexts.
Keywords
portfolio management practices, benefits realization, strategic resource alignment, institutional culture, higher education
Author information & Contribution
Hameed Banu Seidu. Corresponding author: Master's Student, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Email: hbanu@stu.ucc.edu.gh
Akua Korama Asubonteng. Master's Student, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Email: akuaasubonteng12@gmail.com
Lawrence Yaw Kusi. PhD. Senior Lecturer, Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. Email: lawrence.kusi@ucc.edu.gh
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality of respondents were strictly observed throughout the data collection and analysis process.
AI Declaration
The author declares the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing this paper. In particular, the authors used ChatGPT in searching appropriate literature, summarizing key points, and paraphrasing ideas. The author takes full responsibility in ensuring proper review and editing of content generated using AI.
Notes
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Seidu, H.B., Asubonteng, A.K. & Kusi, L.Y. (2026). Optimizing benefits realization in Ghanaian public universities: The role of portfolio management practices, strategic resource alignment and institutional culture. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 7(1), 24-49. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijemds.353311
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