Financial Management Strategies and Challenges of Technology Education Managers in CHED-Accredited Private Higher Education Institutions

Financial management is fundamental to the sustainability and effectiveness of higher education institutions, particularly technology education programs that require continuous investment in specialized laboratories, equipment, and emerging technologies. Despite its importance, empirical evidence on the financial management strategies employed by technology education managers in Philippine private higher education institutions (HEIs) remains limited. This study examined the financial management strategies and challenges of technology education managers in CHED-accredited private HEIs in Kidapawan City and determined the relationship between selected demographic variables and financial management strategies. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected through a validated researcher-developed questionnaire administered to a census of 50 technology education managers and administrators from four CHED-accredited private HEIs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that all respondents possessed at least a master's degree, indicating a highly qualified group of educational managers. Budgeting and resource allocation were the most frequently employed financial management strategies, whereas external revenue generation was the least practiced. The most significant challenges were the rising costs of laboratory equipment, software subscriptions, and limited access to external funding. Furthermore, age, length of service, and educational attainment were significantly associated with the implementation of financial management strategies. The findings suggest that strengthening funding diversification, industry partnerships, grant acquisition, and collaborative resource-sharing mechanisms is essential to sustaining technology education programs. This study contributes empirical evidence to the educational management literature by informing strategic financial planning and institutional sustainability initiatives in private higher education institutions.