This study aims to investigate and compare the strategies employed by Kazakhstani universities in diversifying their revenue streams, with a specific focus on the alignment between these practices, institutional strategic planning, and government policies.

Given this purpose, this study aims to address the following question: To what extent do Kazakhstani universities align their revenue diversification practices with their strategic planning and adhere to government policies, and how does this alignment impact their financial sustainability and overall effectiveness?

This study will employ two theories as a framework: cost-sharing and resource dependence theory (RDT). To apply the cost-sharing theory and resource dependence theory frameworks to this study, we will utilize a comprehensive approach that aligns with the research objectives. The cost-sharing theory, proposed by Johnstone (2002), suggests that higher education costs should be shared among various stakeholders, including students, parents, and the government. In the context of this study, we will examine how Kazakhstani universities distribute financial responsibilities among these key entities and assess the implications of such cost-sharing mechanisms on revenue diversification.

Simultaneously, RDT introduced by Pfeffer and Salancik (2003) posits that organizations must adapt to the requirements of their key resource providers for survival. In the case of universities, these providers include students, government funding, and other external sources. This framework will guide our exploration of how Kazakhstani universities strategically align their revenue diversification practices with external resource dependencies and whether these strategies are in harmony with institutional objectives and governmental policies.

By applying these frameworks in tandem, we aim to unravel the intricate relationships between revenue diversification, strategic planning, and government policies in Kazakhstani universities. This holistic approach will shed light on the effectiveness of current practices, providing valuable insights for both academic research and policymaking in the higher education system of Kazakhstan.

This study will integrate key findings from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with key findings from document analysis. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions will be conducted with university leadership and faculty members. Topics covered include experiences with revenue diversification, perceptions of alignment with strategic plans, challenges faced, and strategies employed. The documents to be analyzed in this research include state programs for higher education development, policies related to the financial autonomy of universities in Kazakhstan, budget strategies, development strategies of universities, and other documents. Thematic analysis will be applied to extract key themes, patterns, and trends from the documents. This process complements the qualitative data, offering a broader contextual backdrop for the study.

The findings are expected to yield varied and intricate outcomes. Alignment Assessment: The study endeavours to assess the degree of alignment between the revenue diversification strategies implemented by Kazakhstani universities and their institutional strategic plans. Anticipated outcomes include a detailed understanding of the extent to which these practices harmonize, revealing potential gaps or synergies that influence financial sustainability. Impact on Financial Sustainability: Consequences of alignment on financial sustainability will be a key aspect of the findings. By exploring how well universities adhere to government policies in their revenue diversification endeavours, the study aims to uncover correlations between alignment and financial effectiveness. Identification of Challenges and Opportunities: Expected findings encompass a thorough exploration of the challenges faced by universities in aligning revenue diversification with strategic plans and government policies. Policy Implications: The study aims to contribute to policy discourse by offering evidence-based recommendations derived from the analysis of state programs, financial autonomy policies, and university development plans. These insights are expected to inform future policy decisions, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable financial practices in higher education. Contributions to Academic Discourse: Beyond the immediate context, the outcomes of this study aspire to enrich academic discourse on the intersection of institutional practices, policies, and financial sustainability. The expected findings are expected to stimulate further research and discussions in the field of higher education management.

Johnstone, B. D. (2002). Challenges of financial austerity: Imperatives and limitations of revenue diversification in higher education. The Welsh Journal of Education, 11(1), 18–36. https://doi.org/10.16922/wje.11.1.3 Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. (2003). The external control of organizations: A resource dependence perspective. Stanford, CA: Stanford Business Books.