The Urgency of Research as a Strategic Foundation for Education Management in the Global Era

Melinda Rizka Putria, 5th semester undergraduate student, MPI FTK UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

Global educational developments have positioned research as the key to facing the complex challenges of the 21st century, ranging from digital transformation to the demands of knowledge-based competencies. In Indonesia, the reality on the ground still shows significant gaps: uneven quality of education between regions, low research literacy culture among educators, and minimal use of data in strategic decision-making. Much research stops at academic formalities, rarely providing real solutions for education management. This article emphasizes the importance of research as the foundation of education management, discussing its meaning, function, advantages, and distinguishing it from other studies, so that research becomes a tool for innovation, evidence-based policy, and real improvements that impact teachers, students, and the wider community.

First: Research in educational management has a very important meaning and essence as the foundation for scientific development as well as the basis for credible and measurable decision-making. Unlike ordinary observations, which are subjective and partial, research is carried out systematically, logically, and empirically, enabling accurate problem identification, valid data analysis, and the formulation of evidence-based solutions. With this understanding, decision makers in schools, universities, and educational institutions can design effective, fair, and transparent policies. Therefore, building a culture of research among students, educators, and administrators is key to adaptive, innovative, and highly competitive educational management in the global era.

Second: The function of research in educational management is very important because it covers four complementary dimensions. Theoretically, research enriches knowledge and builds theories relevant to the local context and educational dynamics. Practically, research helps solve real problems in schools or educational institutions through accurate data analysis and evidence-based solutions. The policy function affirms research as the basis for effective, efficient, and targeted decision-making and strategic planning. Meanwhile, the academic function makes research a means of scientific learning, training critical thinking, and enriching national literature, building a sustainable scientific tradition.

Third: Research in educational management has strategic advantages that make it a key instrument in the development of scientific knowledge and effective educational practices. Research produces objective and measurable data so that decisions are not based solely on intuition or opinion. In addition, research reduces bias in decision-making, provides scientific evidence for innovation and policy, and allows solutions to be retested through replication, making findings more valid and applicable in various contexts. With research, education policy becomes evidence-based, bridging theory and practice, strengthening academic legitimacy, and building an adaptive, sustainable, and responsive education system.

Fourth: In addition to research, there are other studies that are similar but different in purpose and methodology. Evaluation studies assess the effectiveness of programs or policies, literature reviews analyze literature to strengthen theoretical frameworks, and case studies or scientific essays highlight real phenomena narratively. Although useful for reflection and decision-making, these studies do not produce new knowledge that can be retested like research. Reflection shows that research remains the main pillar of education management because it provides objective data, reduces bias, supports innovation, and forms the basis for evidence-based policies. Other studies play a supporting role, broadening insights and strengthening analysis.

Research in educational management is key to connecting theory and practice. With a systematic, logical, and data-driven approach, research not only enriches knowledge, but also solves real problems, develops evidence-based policies, and hones academic skills. Its advantages lie in objectivity, reduction of bias, scientific evidence, and potential for replication. Although other studies such as evaluations, literature reviews, and case studies support analysis, research remains central to decision-making and innovation. Understanding research as a foundation gives generations of academics and practitioners a clear direction for developing adaptive, innovative, and competitive education.

This article is a review of part 2 of research in educational management from teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana M.M.*)

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