A scoping review protocol on managerial strategic initiatives to improve institutional performance

Abstract

African institutions are under pressure to innovate, adapt, and maintain global competitiveness in rapidly changing circumstances. Innovation management, leadership changes, capacity building, and governance frameworks are increasingly seen as key to institutional performance and sustainability. These methods are becoming more important, but research on their nature, execution, and efficacy is scarce. In this scoping study, we map and synthesise the literature on management strategic initiatives to improve African institutional performance between 2015 and 2025. The six steps are establishing the research question, locating suitable studies, selecting a study, charting the data, gathering, summarising, and reporting the results, and consulting stakeholders. A comprehensive search technique will be used throughout Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, AJOL, and grey literature sites including Google Scholar, World Bank, and African Development Bank repositories. Peer-reviewed and grey material published in English between 2015 and 2025 on managerial approaches to improve African institutional performance is eligible. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and entire texts, with differences handled by discussion or a third reviewer. A standardised charting form will guide data extraction, and narrative synthesis with tables and figures will present findings. Since this study reviews current literature, ethical approval is not needed. Institutional leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners will benefit from findings. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal, academic conferences, stakeholder workshops, and policy briefings will optimise impact.