A case study of the College of Technology: An interorganizational arrangement in Connecticut's higher education system

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the interorganizational arrangement in Connecticut's Higher Education System called the College of Technology. This seamless pathway initiative in engineering and technology was originally mandated between the public two-year and four-year institutions of higher education. However, there is one private four-year institution that is a full partner in the collective enterprise.; The characteristics of the College of Technology were examined through the lens of Intriligator's Interorganizational Model using a modification of its IAM Survey-Version Two for the College of Technology. This research study also used confirmatory statements to validate the survey responses and in the process validate the IAM Model as an effective tool for the analysis and evaluation of interorganizational arrangements.; The research reported that the following levels of interdependence were present in the interorganizational arrange arrangement called the College of Technology: (1) the Collective Objective of the College of Technology demonstrated a collaborative initiative; (2) the College of Technology Key Personnel and its Interorganizational Procedures demonstrated characteristics that supported the collaborative nature of its Collective Objective; and (3) that while the Infrastructure and Leadership of the College of Technology demonstrated a coordinative level of interdependence, these areas were progressing towards a more collaborative nature that Would support the College of Technology's Collective Objective. Using the findings of this research study, a proposed strategic plan was presented for further development of this interorganizational arrangement.; In sum, this research proposal presented a new design for Connecticut's higher education system. In particular, it demonstrated the potential of using seamless pathway programs, with interdependent structures and processes for the transformation of the delivery mechanisms used in state-wide higher education systems.