Strategic decision-making in educational management: a systematic review of global approaches and innovations

Abstract

Policy formulation is an essential process in contemporary educational management, shaping the direction, outcomes, and responsiveness of educational institutions in changing environments. This review systematically analyzed scientific literature on decision-making strategies in educational leadership, identifying methodological approaches, emerging themes, and global trends. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with comprehensive searches in Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis. The studies reviewed showed broad geographic distribution, with Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America as the main contributors, and a predominance of qualitative designs complemented by quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. The analysis identified six main themes: digitalization and technology, strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness, performance management and competitive pressures, strategic management models, data-driven management and analytics, and innovation and organizational development. Digitalization emerged as a common transformative force, reshaping decision-making processes through artificial intelligence and predictive tools, while the findings emphasized the irreplaceable role of human judgment in ethical and relational dimensions. Overall, strategic decision-making in contemporary educational management is characterized as a multidimensional process involving technological innovation, managerial and analytical skills, and the need for integrative frameworks that balance operational efficiency with the preservation of educational values.

Keywords: Educational management, strategic decision-making, educational institutions, digital transformation, strategic leadership