Annual Report 2021 - Papua New Guinea University of Technology

Abstract

The PNG University of Technology Annual Report 2021 documents the University's continued implementation of the Strategic Plan 2020–2024 during its third year. Strategic objectives were cascaded to staff through time-bound key performance indicators and monitored by Heads of Departments. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected implementation and performance assessment, the University made significant progress and strengthened its organisational capacity through the creation of an Executive Director of Human Resources position to support effective staff performance management.

The Strategic Plan was expanded from seven to eight domains with the introduction of a dedicated Student domain. This new focus reflects the University's commitment to creating a conducive study and living environment while improving student accommodation and employment support. Progress was also recorded in academic excellence with engineering accreditation requirements advanced and benchmarking initiatives undertaken across Business Studies, Architecture, Construction Management and Agriculture.

Investment in research produced notable results. An allocation of K800,000 supported research activities while the postgraduate programme expanded to approximately 170 students including 15 PhD candidates. Academic staff and postgraduate researchers contributed to a substantial increase in peer-reviewed publications with approximately 90 papers published annually since 2020. The University also advanced preparations for online course delivery in response to changing educational needs during the pandemic.

Financial performance strengthened during 2021 with an operating surplus of approximately K10 million and a fourth consecutive year of unqualified audits. Resources were directed towards infrastructure maintenance, student accommodation and other institutional priorities. Student enrolment remained close to 3,000 on the main campus, supported significantly by the Government's Higher Education Loan Program. With accommodation fully occupied, additional investment in student facilities became a priority, including the construction of a new Student Dining Hall.

This report provides a comprehensive record of PNGUoT's achievements, challenges and institutional development during 2021. Readers are encouraged to download the full Annual Report 2021 here for further information.