Resource Management in Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Challenges in governing human and financial resources are inevitable in an educational institution. Effective resource management is crucial for tackling challenges in school operations as it enables optimal allocation and utilization of resources.  Thus, this systematic review explored the various literature on resource management, specifically on human and financial resources through the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. The studies incorporated in this review address the challenges, strategies, and impact of resource management in educational settings, published in English and carried out between 2022 and 2023, sourced from Google Scholar. This review draws from 20 studies across nine countries, identified via Google Scholar, and highlights recurrent themes in resource management challenges, strategies, and impacts within educational institutions. Out of 137 records identified from database searching, 20 articles from nine countries revealed three themes for the challenges of resource management, namely: insufficient funds, substandard knowledge and training, and inappropriate management approach. In terms of the strategies, the analysis showed three themes for human resource management, namely: managing human resource tasks, motivating personnel, and promoting quality employees. Meanwhile, four themes appeared for the financial resource management strategies, such as planning activities, transparency and accountability, financial resource management improvement, and collaborative effort. Finally, the three themes about the impact of resource management are efficient resource utilisation, improved competitiveness, and social and economic development. These results require the implementation of efficient management techniques for human and financial resources to enhance educational organizations. Nevertheless, schools faced challenges in managing resources. Consequently, subsequent researchers might investigate additional approaches to address the mentioned issues. They may also explore matters, viewpoints, and methods of school leaders in handling additional resources not addressed in this research, such as physical and technological resources. Overall, the reviewed evidence indicates that coordinated management of human and financial resources supported by transparent governance and leadership practices can improve institutional functioning and educational outcomes. School leaders and policymakers should prioritise integrated budgeting and staffing strategies, strengthen accountability systems, and invest in capacity-building aligned to local resource constraints and institutional needs.