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Foreword
A paradox exists in the world, and that paradox involves the concept of change. Put simply, the only constant in the world is, in fact, the notion of change itself. Perhaps nowhere on the globe is this more evident than in the higher education system on the continent of Africa.
According to University World News (http://www.universityworld-news.com), higher education in Africa is expanding faster than anywhere on earth, but academics are in short supply. Karen MacGregor (2008) reported that a crisis exists and a new generation of scholars is needed. She quotes Professor Goolam Mohamedbhai, secretary general of the Association of African Universities, who has said that “the continent must ‘think outside the box’ if it is to succeed in developing a new generation of scholars” (para. 1).
“Thinking outside the box” is a common phrase, but all too often it is not practiced. The key is to engage others in dialogue and communication, to strategically plan and put in place critical areas of improvement with appropriate measures and metrics, to implement the plan, to evaluate the results, and to hold steadfast to the notion of accountability.