Is the University of Oulu a global university? : an examination of a theoretical concept and its application in textual analysis

Abstract

In this thesis the concept of the global university is examined and evaluated as an analytical tool by applying it to the University of Oulu Strategy 2016–2020. By examining the four different characteristics of this concept, the conclusion is made that it is grounded in reality. Existing research confirms the global prevalence of different modus operandi, which fall under the unified idea of the global university. Following this, the concept is converted into an analytical tool. The four characteristics are converted into categories for content analysis. This categories are applied to the University of Oulu Strategy 2016–2020. While only three categories are present in the strategy, it is concluded that in some ways the University of Oulu is going to operate like a global university. The global university as an analytical tool needs to be further developed to be used meaningfully in the analysis of universities.