Corporate Real Estate Alignment Strategies in Dutch Higher Education

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the management approaches concerned with the process of aligning Corporate Real Estate (CRE) with organizational goals on a strategic level and regarding day-to-day operating activities in higher education institutes. Methodology/approach – The paper first outlines theoretical issues of CRE alignment processes in general. It then presents the findings from 13 interviews with CRE managers who are responsible for the accommodation of Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences. Findings – The review of CRE theory shows three key CRE alignment process activities and six management approaches. The empirical study shows how these approaches can be used to distinct two opposite strategies for CRE alignment processes: a control-oriented strategy and an involvement-oriented strategy. Originality/value – The managerial decision-making regarding space issues and its effects on students and staff in higher education is an underexposed topic in CRE research. There is still limited understanding of how to optimally align school buildings to education. The current study combines insights from other disciplines such as ITalignment with insights from CREM theory. Furthermore it sheds light on several management approaches and on the use of these approaches for CRE alignment strategies in the field of higher education. The findings might be applicable in other sectors as well.