Strategic Transformation Toward World-Class University: The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking System Implementation at a Public University in South Kalimantan

Mutiani Mutiani, Rifiana Rifiana, Nurmelati Septiana, Rizky Amelia, Fadloe Robby

Abstract


The global higher education landscape demands universities to continuously enhance their competitiveness through systematic quality improvement and international recognition. A regional Indonesian university (hereinafter referred to as "the Institution") has demonstrated significant progress in national and regional rankings, positioning itself strategically for global recognition. This study examines the Institution's strategic policy framework for achieving world-class university status through the implementation of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking system, targeting entry into the top 1,500 universities globally by 2027. A comprehensive policy analysis approach was employed, examining institutional strengths, strategic imperatives, and performance indicators. The study synthesizes data from national rankings (Edurank 2025, AD Scientific Index 2025) and institutional metrics, incorporating the QS ranking methodology framework. Results of the research, the Institution has achieved notable rankings including 27th nationally, 532nd in Asia, and 1802nd internationally (Edurank 2025), with recognition among 15 leading institutions nationally (AD Scientific Index 2025) and consistent top ranking in its provincial region. Three strategic pillars have been identified: World Class Research (targeting 800 Scopus/WoS publications annually), Internationalization (targeting 6 10% international students), and Global Reputation (targeting QS reputation score of 45%). The strategic transformation framework, grounded in regional competitiveness, talent quality, research impact, national reputation, and international investment, provides a robust pathway for the Institution's advancement. Implementation requires systematic monitoring through KPI frameworks, real-time dashboards, and accountability mechanisms incorporating process, output, outcome, and impact

Full Text:

PDF

References


Amaliah, I., & Suriansyah, A. (2025). The Impact of Information Technology Utilization, Work Environment and Work Enthusiasm on the Performance of Educational Staff Employees of Universitas Lambung Mangkurat. 7.

Ansari, A. H. (2025). The Effect of Using Comic Media in Social Sciences Subjects on Students Critical Thinking Abilities. 7.

Asfia, N., & Sari, E. A. (2024). Higher Education Crisis Communication In Indonesia In The Digital Era For Maintaining Reputation. INJECT : Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication, 9(2), 221–260. https://doi.org/10.18326/INJECT.V9I2.2386

Asiedu, N. K., Abah, M., & Dei, D. G. J. (2022). Understanding knowledge management strategies in institutions of higher learning and the corporate world: A systematic review. Cogent Business and Management, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2022.2108218

Del-Castillo-Feito, C., Blanco-González, A., & Delgado-Alemany, R. (2020). The Relationship between Image, Legitimacy, and Reputation as a Sustainable Strategy: Students’ Versus Professors’ Perceptions in the Higher Education Sector. Sustainability, 12(3), 1189. https://doi.org/10.3390/SU12031189

Del-Castillo-Feito, C., Blanco-González, A., & González-Vázquez, E. (2019). The relationship between image and reputation in the Spanish public university. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 25(2), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IEDEEN.2019.01.001

Erisher, W., Obert, H. H., & Frank, G. (2014). Brand Reputation Management within the Higher Education Sector: A Review of the Literature on Higher Education Brand Reputation Management. International Research Journal of Marketing, 2(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.12966/IRJM.02.01.2014

Gibran, G., & Farhan, M. (2022). Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan ilmu Politik Universitas Lampung Bandar Lampung 2022.

Hidayati, H., & Subiyakto, B. (2025). The Influence of Interacty Website on Students’ Learning Motivation at SMPN 17 Banjarmasin. 7.

Koparak, C., & Yüncü, V. (2019). Is Cultural Environment a Determinant of Perceived Corporate Reputation. Journal of Business Research - Turk, 11(2), 1044–1056. https://doi.org/10.20491/ISARDER.2019.654

Kuswati, Y., Kusmayadi, D., & Pratomo, H. W. (2025). Maintaining Public Trust and Reputation in the Digital Age. International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS), 6(1), 133–138. https://doi.org/10.56371/IJESS.V6I1.432

Lee, J. T., & Naidoo, R. (2020). Complicit Reproductions in the Global South: Courting World Class Universities and Global Rankings. 77–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7598-3_6

Liu, N. C., & Cheng, Y. (2005). The academic ranking of world universities. Higher Education in Europe, 30(2), 127–136. https://doi.org/10.1080/03797720500260116

Lo, W. Y. W. (2014). Dimension 4: Antinomy of the Power of University Rankings: World-class Worldwide versus Global Hegemony. University Rankings, 139–156. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4560-35-1_7

Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533–544. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10488-013-0528-Y

Pedro, E. de M., Leitão, J., & Alves, H. (2020). Stakeholders’ perceptions of sustainable development of higher education institutions: an intellectual capital approach. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 21(5), 911–942. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-01-2020-0030

Pertti Alasuutari, Bickman, L., & Brannen, J. (2008). The SAGE Handbook Social Research Methods.

Sherrill, L. A. (2018). Applying Situational Crisis Communication Theory to University Needs : A Case Study of the 2015 University of Missouri Crisis. Reputational Challenges in Sport, 71–86. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315165608-6.

Triyono, S. (2025). Students Perception of Civic Engagement to Improve Spatial Intelligence in SMPN Batola Regency. 7.

Woodside, A. G. (2010). Case study research : theory, methods, practice. In Emerald Group Pub. https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/654135355 VN - readcube.com




DOI: https://doi.org/10.20527/kss.v7i2.17491

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


The Kalimantan Social Studies Journal (KSSJ) has been indexed and abstracted by:

   BASE Logo     

The Kalimantan of Social Studies Journal (KSSJ) has been listed in:

The Kalimantan Social Studies Journal (KSSJ) Editorial Office:

Social Studies Education Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Lambung Mangkurat University

Jl. Brigjen H. Hasan Basry Kayu Tangi, Program Studi Pendidikan IPS Ruang 17 Lt.2, Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Lambung Mangkurat Banjarmasin, Kalimantan Selatan 70123

The Kalimantan Social Studies Journal (KSSJ) Stats:

View My Stats

Journal License:

The Kalimantan Social Studies Journal © 2019 by Social Studies Education Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Lambung Mangkurat University is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0