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The programme of work is defined around three or four projects which typically last two or three years and lead to a publication, together with several ongoing activities. These research activities are generally co-operative efforts, carried out by teams of experts. IMHE draws on the experience and knowledge available through consultancies and through contributions from its general membership.
Higher Education in Regional and City Development
Higher education institutions make a significant contribution to economic, social and cultural development in their regions. In 2004-2007, OECD conducted a review of higher education in 14 regions in 12 countries which resulted in recommendations for HEIs as well as for national and regions governments. In 2008-2010 the Reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development are reaching out to 15 regions and city regions within the OECD as well as emerging economies. More regions can sign up for the rolling programme of reviews that has been designed to benefit mainly regions and cities having IMHE member institutions.
The Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes
The OECD is developing a feasibility study for assessment of higher education outcomes that will allow comparison between higher education institutions across countries. This is done in the context of massive growth in higher education, and increasing international attention to comparisons between institutions.
Supporting Quality Teaching in Higher Education
The project on quality teaching in higher education is meant to highlight effective quality initiatives and mechanisms and to push forward reflection or practices that may in turn help other institutions to improve the quality of their teaching and thereby, the quality of their graduates. The project is composed of 2 phases: an overview based on initiatives taken by 29 institutions (completed) and an exploration of approaches to quality teaching at institutional level (ongoing project).
The Impact of Rankings on Higher Education
Over the past decade, higher education rankings have become increasingly prevalent in countries around the world. While they have been part of the US HE landscape for decades, the frenzy provoked by the Shanghai Jiaotong Academic Ranking of World Universities and Times QS World University Rankings, gives an indication of the seriousness which HEIs, policymakers and the media attach to them. IMHE, in collaboration with international organisations, are examing the impact of rankings.
"What Works" in Higher Education Management
Under this heading IMHE arranges a series of international seminars on different aspects of institutional management. The seminars are designed to assist Member institutions by reviewing current policy and practice and by disseminating examples of successful innovation. recruiting and retaining a new generation of academics.
Trends in Research Management and Support
The place of research at universities is changing, as the massification and diversification of the student population continues. Although universities are still responsible for the greater part of basic research in OECD countries, they are increasingly carrying out more applied research. In this field they face growing competition from other higher education institutions and from other providers.
Financial Monitoring and Effective Institutional Management
As higher education institutions in many countries become more autonomous, with devolved governance arrangements and greater financial responsibility, the question of financial sustainability arises in a new way. With the support of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) IMHE examined financial monitoring responsibilities in eight countries, in the context of national funding policies and governance arrangements.
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