Resource Allocation: Ration, Fashion or Innovashun?

Abstract

Resource allocation is one of the key factors in promoting or retarding innovation. It can either be the cause of innovative actions, or the effect of innovative strategies. The resources of tertiary institutions have tended to be allocated incrementally from an existing historical base, set in a golden age. During times of expansion, that method produces acceptable, if possibly wasteful results. There is no such luxury during periods of contracting public funding. In the presently restrictive climate, it is easy to fall into the decremental rationing mode, to disperse resources yet further by following current fashions at the periphery of the tertiary institution's primary mission, and to stifle innovative thinking.

It has been said that behind every problem lies an opportunity brilliantly disguised. Resource allocation has a major role in ensuring that the human resources within the university, institute or college are provided with an incentive to identify those opportunities, and to encourage innovative measures to respond to such challenges as are facing tertiary education today.

Notes

∗Professor Roy Lourens is Deputy Vice‐Chancellor at the University of Western Australia. This paper was delivered at the 1986 AITEA National Conference.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Roy Lourens∗

∗Professor Roy Lourens is Deputy Vice‐Chancellor at the University of Western Australia. This paper was delivered at the 1986 AITEA National Conference.