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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.

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The second World Congress of Colleges and Polytechnics was held in Melbourne, Australia in March 2002. The Congress explored outcomes aligned to themes of accessibility, technology and globalisation, strengthening partnerships and youth as a vocational education and training (VET) customer. Representatives from colleges and polytechnics from many countries shared experience and insight over a wide range of VET issues including VET as a positive force in economic and social development, best practice in the governance and management of institutions, the latest developments in curriculum and delivery approaches to VET and lifelong learning, and the development of global linkages intended to support colleges and polytechnics in all countries. This paper was presented under the theme of funding VET and as part of the workshop on the entrepreneurial institution. The Institute for Design, Entertainment and the Arts (i.D.E.A.) began operation in Melbourne in 1998. The Institute aimed to become a nationally and internationally recognised leader in the provision of courses in multimedia, media and graphic arts. To pursue this aim, the Institute embraced the concept of the 'pursuit of excellence'. This paper provides an overview of the key elements of this strategy as it relates to staff team building, student support, scholarships, industry consultation, online delivery, curriculum, resources, and external work for students.

The volume of papers is indexed at TD/TNC 71.726. Selected papers are indexed from TD/TNC 71.727 to TD/TNC 71.766. Show less