IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i7p3116-d1625772.html

Data-Driven Leadership in Higher Education: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals and Inclusive Transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Bianca Ifeoma Chigbu

    (Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

  • Sicelo Leonard Makapela

    (Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa)

Abstract

The transformative function of data-driven leadership in higher education institutions (HEIs) is becoming crucial for advancing sustainable development. By integrating data-driven decision-making with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG4 (quality education) and SDG10 (reduced inequalities), EIs can improve the efficacy, inclusivity, and employability of their graduates. To examine this influence, this study implements a systematic literature review (SLR) that adheres to the PRISMA standards and integrates empirical and theoretical insights regarding data-driven leadership in HEI governance, teaching, and learning strategies. The results indicate that combining data analytics into decision-making processes improves institutional efficacy, aligns curricula with the market demands, strengthens student outcomes, and cultivates an inclusive and sustainable academic environment. Moreover, this study introduces a conceptual model connecting sustainable development and data-driven decision-making, offering a structured framework for HEIs to navigate digital transformation responsibly. In addition, this model also emphasizes the importance of balancing technology, ethics, and human-centric leadership in developing educational institutions that are prepared for the future. Ultimately, these insights provide practical advice for academic leaders and policymakers aligning HEI strategies with global sustainability objectives. By advocating for innovative, inclusive, and data-driven leadership, HEIs can promote long-term societal transformation and higher education excellence.

Suggested Citation

  • Bianca Ifeoma Chigbu & Sicelo Leonard Makapela, 2025. "Data-Driven Leadership in Higher Education: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals and Inclusive Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-29, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3116-:d:1625772
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/7/3116/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/7/3116/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marta Abelha & Sandra Fernandes & Diana Mesquita & Filipa Seabra & Ana Teresa Ferreira-Oliveira, 2020. "Graduate Employability and Competence Development in Higher Education—A Systematic Literature Review Using PRISMA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-27, July.
    2. Thomas Adams & Syed Muslim Jameel & Jamie Goggins, 2023. "Education for Sustainable Development: Mapping the SDGs to University Curricula," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-32, May.
    3. Eric A. Hanushek & Ludger Woessmann, 2020. "The economic impacts of learning losses," OECD Education Working Papers 225, OECD Publishing.
    4. Ignacio Carnicero & Cristina González-Gaya & Víctor F. Rosales, 2021. "The Transformation Process of the University into a Data Driven Organisation and Advantages It Brings: Qualitative Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-32, November.
    5. Elena Fleacă & Bogdan Fleacă & Sanda Maiduc, 2018. "Aligning Strategy with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Process Scoping Diagram for Entrepreneurial Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, March.
    6. Jelle Boeve-de Pauw & Niklas Gericke & Daniel Olsson & Teresa Berglund, 2015. "The Effectiveness of Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(11), pages 1-25, November.
    7. Lucie Cerna & Cecilia Mezzanotte & Alexandre Rutigliano & Ottavia Brussino & Paulo Santiago & Francesca Borgonovi & Caitlyn Guthrie, 2021. "Promoting inclusive education for diverse societies: A conceptual framework," OECD Education Working Papers 260, OECD Publishing.
    8. Hendrik van Broekhuizen, 2016. "Graduate unemployment and Higher Education Institutions in South Africa," Working Papers 08/2016, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    9. Samo Varsik, 2022. "A snapshot of equity and inclusion in OECD education systems: Findings from the Strength through Diversity Policy Survey," OECD Education Working Papers 284, OECD Publishing.
    10. Adel Saber Alanazi & Houcine Benlaria, 2023. "Bridging Higher Education Outcomes and Labour Market Needs: A Study of Jouf University Graduates in the Context of Vision 2030," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-19, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. repec:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:11:p:6686-6704 is not listed on IDEAS

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Andreu Arenas & Lucas Gortazar, 2024. "Learning loss one year after school closures: evidence from the Basque Country," SERIEs: Journal of the Spanish Economic Association, Springer;Spanish Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 235-258, September.
    2. Dan Andrews & Balázs Égert & Christine de la Maisonneuve, 2024. "From decline to revival: Policies to unlock human capital and productivity," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 1827, OECD Publishing.
    3. Chen, Liang & Guo, Yirong, 2023. "The drivers of sustainable development: Natural resources extraction and education for low-middle- and high-income countries," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PB).
    4. repec:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:12:p:455-461 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Jianping Huang & Yuheng Tao & Minghong Shi & Jun Wu, 2022. "Empirical Study on Design Trend of Taiwan (1960s–2020): The Evolution of Theme, Diversity and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-22, October.
    6. Kuzmanic, Danilo & Valenzuela, Juan Pablo & Claro, Susana & Canales, Andrea & Cerda, Daniela & Undurraga, Eduardo A., 2023. "Socioeconomic disparities in the reopening of schools during the pandemic in Chile," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    7. Dharitri Basumatary & Ashok Kumar Sar, 2025. "Aligning Corporate Governance with Sustainable Development Goals," Indian Journal of Corporate Governance, , vol. 18(1), pages 132-162, June.
    8. Sandra Carrasco & David O’Brien, 2023. "Build Back Safely: Evaluating the Occupational Health and Safety in Post-Disaster Reconstruction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, May.
    9. Jean C. Kouam & Simplice A. Asongu, 2022. "Effects of Taxation on Social Innovation and Implications for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Developing Countries: A Literature Review," Working Papers 22/046, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    10. Nina Kolleck & Helge Jörgens & Mareike Well, 2017. "Levels of Governance in Policy Innovation Cycles in Community Education: The Cases of Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-16, October.
    11. Alba Manresa & Jasmina Berbegal-Mirabent & Úrsula Faura-Martínez & Juan-Vicente Llinares-Ciscar, 2021. "What Do Freshmen Know about Sustainability? Analysing the Skill Gap among University Business Administration Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-21, August.
    12. Salihagic & Ceylani AkayInternational Burch University, Bosnia, 2022. "Perception, Engagement and Satisfaction of English Language Learners with Online Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic," European Journal of Education Articles, Revistia Research and Publishing, vol. 5, ejed_v5_i.
    13. Ligia Alba Melo-Becerra & Jorge Enrique Ramos-Forero & Jorge Leonardo Rodríguez Arenas & Héctor M. Zárate-Solano, 2021. "Efecto de la pandemia sobre el sistema educativo: El caso de Colombia," Borradores de Economia 1179, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    14. Javier Cifuentes-Faura & Ursula Faura-Martínez & Matilde Lafuente-Lechuga, 2020. "Assessment of Sustainable Development in Secondary School Economics Students According to Gender," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-16, July.
    15. Matthias Kowasch & Joana P. Cruz & Pedro Reis & Niklas Gericke & Katharina Kicker, 2021. "Climate Youth Activism Initiatives: Motivations and Aims, and the Potential to Integrate Climate Activism into ESD and Transformative Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-25, October.
    16. Quentin Ssossé & Johanna Wagner & Carina Hopper, 2021. "Assessing the Impact of ESD: Methods, Challenges, Results," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-26, March.
    17. Zorica Lazić & Aleksandar Đorđević & Albina Gazizulina, 2021. "Improvement of Quality of Higher Education Institutions as a Basis for Improvement of Quality of Life," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-27, April.
    18. Konstantina Diamanti & Charalampos Barmparousis & Sousanna-Maria Nikolaou, 2021. "Friendship and Socialization in the Days of the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis Research Analysis and Suggestions," Journal of Social Science Studies, Macrothink Institute, vol. 8(2), pages 177-177, December.
    19. Diane W. Schanzenbach, 2024. "Help boys, but first do no harm," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(2), pages 623-628, March.
    20. repec:bjf:journl:v:10:y:2025:i:9:p:566-583 is not listed on IDEAS
    21. Mirko Prosen & Rebeka Lekše & Sabina Ličen, 2023. "Health Professionals’ Role in Promoting Health and Environmental Sustainability through Sustainable Food Advocacy: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-13, September.
    22. Momoe Makino & Abu S. Shonchoy & Zaki Wahhaj, 2021. "Early Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Children in Rural Bangladesh," Working Papers 2104, Florida International University, Department of Economics.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3116-:d:1625772. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.