A New Perspective on Educational Administration Doctoral Programs: An Evaluation in the Context of Dynamic Capabilities

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 1 , 67 - 112 , 30.03.2026

Nurdan Ödemiş Keleş , Ferudun Sezgin

https://doi.org/10.30828/real.1706364

https://izlik.org/JA73AY42CH

Abstract

While doctoral programs have traditionally prepared graduates for academic careers, the evolving global academic landscape now demands a broader approach that equips students for diverse career paths. This study examines educational administration doctoral programs within the framework of dynamic capabilities, focusing on enhancing graduate qualifications and program competitiveness. The research was conducted as an exploratory case study at public universities in Türkiye. In the research, program materials of 11 universities selected through maximum diversity and criterion sampling were analyzed. Interviews were conducted with 19 participants selected from the top six universities that most frequently used dynamic capabilities keywords in their programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis methods. Findings reveal that educational administration doctoral programs demonstrate a rich integration of key dynamic capabilities concepts and can effectively align with the dynamic capabilities framework. Dynamic capabilities are primarily developed through faculty and advisor guidance, underscoring their talent-transforming roles. This highlights the necessity of qualified supervision, effective mentorship systems, and competent faculty in fostering dynamic capabilities. To strengthen dynamic capabilities development, universities should prioritize institutional leadership, enhance collaboration with public institutions, and implement practice-oriented, mentorship-driven programs supported by clear employment pathways. These measures can help doctoral programs become more adaptive and competitive. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how educational administration doctoral programs can gain competitive advantage by producing well-qualified graduates equipped with dynamic skills and offers practical insights for future higher education policy and program development.

Keywords

Educational administration , Higher education , Doctoral programmes , Dynamic capabilities

Ethical Statement

It was unanimously decided that the research was ethically appropriate by the Gazi University Ethics Commission with the decision numbered 12 and dated 20.06.2023.

Thanks

We would like to thank all academicians and students who participated in this research.

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