Abstract
The infrastructure master plan, in a higher education institution, serves as a blueprint for the coordinated and progressive development of the physical infrastructure and services to create a suitable academic environment required for the execution of the core functions of teaching, learning and research. Master plans are usually developed for a long period in the life of the institution, subject to rational and objective adjustment due to the dynamics that are internal and external to the academic institution. Although the initial master plan was developed for a single campus setup, over the years, the university has developed into a multi-campus institution, adopting mixed methods of infrastructure development. Management and other internal operatives were faced with dynamic economic and social circumstances that called for responsive and adaptive decision making in order to implement the facilities master plan successfully. Some of the development approaches include new construction, rehabilitation of existing buildings, purchase and renting of suitable properties. The single site case study method of qualitative research was adopted in the exploration of the development and implementation process of the infrastructure master plan of a higher education institution in Zimbabwe. The findings revealed that internal and external intrigues at play were managed through the consultative approach adopted by the University Council (Board), Building Committee and the Works Department of Estates and other internal structures of the institution, which provided stability and focused developments, while trying to cope with divergent pressures.