http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/250 2013-06-19T10:53:56Z 2013-06-19T10:53:56Z Turner, David http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/314 2012-02-24T14:20:13Z 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Benchmarking in universities: league tables revisited Authors: Turner, David Abstract: This paper examines the practice of benchmarking universities using a ‘league table’ approach. Taking the example of the Sunday Times University League Table, the author re-analyses the descriptive data on UK universities. Using a linear programming technique, data envelope analysis (DEA) the author uses the re-analysis to demonstrate the major shortcomings of current league tables. Those shortcomings include the arbitrary allocation of weightings to performance indicators, the failure to differentiate between inputs and outputs, and the comparison of institutions with dissimilar comparators. DEA is used to exemplify how these three shortcomings could be overcome, and how a better approach to benchmarking could be developed. In particular, it is argued that a DEA approach to benchmarking allows for the recognition of diverse missions, which is more appropriate to universities.

2005-01-01T00:00:00Z Neale, Richard http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/306 2012-02-24T13:20:13Z 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Linkages between research, scholarship and teaching in universities in China Authors: Neale, Richard Abstract: Linkages between research, scholarship and teaching are a topic of contemporary interest in UK universities, driven by pressures such as traditional views of the nature and purpose of universities, reputation, student expectations of their teachers, educational enhancement through up-to-date research and scholarly input, and personal ambitions and satisfaction. The paper describes a study of these linkages at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) during 2006 within the Sino-UK Higher Education Leadership Development Programme, which allows for senior academics from China and the UK to study a particular management issue to identify good practice which they can apply in their institution. The activities included a preliminary workshop in the UK, a two-week visit to BIT and a workshop in Beijing. My study was conducted through a semi-structured interview programme with a wide range of academics and administrators. It was enlightening to find that a leading Chinese university, which operates within quite different systems and cultures from the UK, nevertheless has similar issues, imperatives and problems. My overall conclusion is that there is international agreement that research and scholarly performance underpins the credibility of academic staff to teach at a university, which in turn attracts good students and research staff.

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z Morgan, Bob Lydon, Julie http://dspace1.isd.glam.ac.uk:80/dspace/handle/10265/304 2012-02-24T11:52:26Z 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Bologna: some thoughts on its effect on the internationalisation of higher education Authors: Morgan, Bob; Lydon, Julie Abstract: The Bologna process is perhaps the most important factor that will shape the higher education landscape in Europe over the coming decades. This article attempts to demonstrate how the process is going to affect the strategic environment in which European universities in general, and British universities in particular, are going to have to operate. It looks first at the relationship between the Bologna process and the Lisbon Agenda. A number of mechanisms are identified on how higher education can contribute to improved economic performance within Europe. Two factors in particular—increasing university quality and the contribution to labour mobility—are identified as having important strategic implications. The article then analyses these two factors from the point of view of British universities, and concludes that there are real threats being posed to the position of British universities as a result of the Bologna process, due to differing perceptions of quality. Finally an analysis is made of the way in which strategic networks are being developed as a result of Bologna. The conclusion is reached that successful relationships must be built around ‘clusters of trust’ formed by universities of the same ‘pedigree’.

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z