Educational Resource Management: A Key Pillar for Enhacing the Quality of National Education

In the effort to improve the quality and equity of national education, the management of educational resources (MSDP) becomes a crucial element that must be carried out in a structured, efficient manner, and in accordance with Islamic and sharia principles. This management encompasses not only human resources but also funding, infrastructure, information, and teaching methods.

By definition, educational resource management refers to managerial efforts to effectively and efficiently utilize all potentials possessed by educational institutions to achieve predetermined educational goals. The resources managed include human resources (HR), funds, educational facilities, technology, and instructional methods. In the context of Islamic education, resource management must be based on six main elements: human resources, methods, materials (facilities and infrastructure), money (funding), machines (learning tools), and market orientation. Among these, human resources are the dominant component, as all educational activities are planned, implemented, and evaluated by people.

The main objective of educational resource management is to create added value for educational institutions, whether in terms of cost advantages or service quality differentiation. In other words, educational institutions must be able to compete professionally and ethically while upholding Islamic values. The fundamental principles of resource management rest on two pillars: efficiency and effectiveness. These principles guide decision-making and actions at all levels of management, though they are flexible and adaptable to institutional needs. Functionally, MSDP management consists of six core processes: planning, organizing, leading, coordinating, motivating, and supervising.

Planning serves as a roadmap for educational activities, carefully designed (itqan) as every action has consequences. Organizing involves the structured division of tasks so that all components work in harmony. Leadership is needed to guide and direct activities, as Islam teaches that every individual is a leader, responsible for themselves and others. Coordination is essential to align all activities toward collective goals. Motivation plays a vital role, as success can only be achieved through sincere, maximum effort. Lastly, supervision ensures that all processes run according to plan and within the framework of sharia.

The effectiveness of resource management is measured using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach, a performance evaluation method that assesses efficiency and productivity across educational units. With DEA, institutions can identify areas for improvement and boost overall performance.

The scope of MSDP management includes educators, communities, funding, facilities, and modern educational management. At the institutional level, it involves managing the curriculum, students, HR, finance, administration, and public relations. Furthermore, this management must prioritize equitable access to education, particularly in underdeveloped and remote areas. By optimizing available resources, the education system is expected to foster a learning environment that is inclusive and adaptive to the times, including digital technology advancements. Comprehensive reforms in systems and regulations are also necessary to ensure that resource management addresses global educational challenges.

Effective and efficient educational resource management based on Islamic principles is the key to improving the quality and equity of national education. Through six core managerial functions and accurate performance measurement, educational institutions can establish systems that are high-quality, adaptive, and competitive. With structured, efficient, and Islamic-based educational management, the quality of national education can be enhanced sustainably and equitably, in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution.