Business Process Reengineering in Universities Under Pressure: A Contextual Analysis of Yemeni Higher Education Institutions Amidst Compound Crises

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the challenges facing the implementation of Business Process Reengineering (BPR) in Yemeni universities operating under compound crises (war, economic collapse, institutional division, staff displacement), develop a modified model integrating BPR and crisis management, and identify priorities for intervention in administrative processes.Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a stratified random sample of (287) academic and administrative leaders in Yemeni public universities (Sana’a, Aden, Hadhramaut). Qualitative data were collected through (28) semi-structured in-depth interviews with university leaders.Results: The results showed that the level of BPR implementation in Yemeni universities was low (Mean = 2.78/5), while the impact level of compound crises was very high (Mean = 4.24/5), and the level of institutional performance effectiveness was medium (Mean = 3.15/5). The results also revealed a positive and strong correlation between BPR and institutional performance effectiveness (r = 0.642, at α = 0.01). Regression analysis showed that BPR explains 41.2% of the variance in institutional performance effectiveness (R² = 0.412). Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed a partial mediating effect of compound crises on the relationship between BPR and performance (VAF = 28.0%), with good model fit indices (CFI = 0.936, RMSEA = 0.052). Qualitative results further revealed spontaneous institutional adaptation and innovation mechanisms developed by administrative staff, the most prominent challenges facing implementation, and the highest-priority administrative processes for redesign (admission and registration, financial operations, human resource management).Conclusion: A modified four-stage model was developed (Readiness and Diagnosis under Fragility, Redesign amidst Crisis, Rapid Implementation and Adaptation, Transformation and Learning from Crisis), and fit indices demonstrated its validity for application in the Yemeni context.Recommendations: The study recommends that Yemeni universities adopt the modified model, invest in spontaneous adaptation mechanisms, employ low-cost technology, and focus on core processes. It also recommends that the Ministry of Higher Education develop flexible policies, establish an emergency fund to support administrative development, and coordinate with international organizations. International organizations are urged to reconsider their support priorities and adopt the modified model in their programs.