Week 2

Higher education governance, management and practice

Governance and practices in Higher Education and the Vocational Education Training sectors are determined by both external and internal organisational influences.

Australian governments political agenda's influence changes to the education sectors, therefore it is imperative that the universities understand the current government agenda and participate in dialogue with the governments to position the higher education sector accordingly.

Currently the Education sectors are in a period of reform largely influenced by changes in government  and government agendas for the future of Education policy, funding and performance  in Australia.

Government influences on universities and the Vocational Education Sectors ( VET) including TAFE NSW in which I work includes changes to funding with increasing accountability.
Universities and TAFE NSW are increasingly accountable with reporting and auditable requirements following the Bradley Review (2009) of education in Australia which was pivotal in forming the national regulation body Tertiary Education Quality Standards  (TEQSA) who oversee quality and compliance of the higher education sector with the Higher Education Standards Framework and Australian Skills Quality Authority ASQA who oversee the quality and compliance of Vocational qualifications. The Bradley review was far reaching with many recommendations aimed to  develop and improve Australia's  social economic status through education reform in Australia and through interconnected globally competitive education sectors.

Higher education governance bodies are challenged to provide strategic directions and structures that position the institutions for future success.  These changes are evident in the strategic directions and  marketing positions of TAFE NSW ( see Post) and Universities The higher education sector must be able to respond and provide flexible learning to address the demands of local and international markets.

To position universities for the future it is essential that the strategic directions of the university
are implemented throughout the organisation structure and processes. Strategic planning with specified goals and performance targets being reflected in the faculty performance targets and individual staff performance through job descriptions . Education and reforms of the structure and systems of universities and TAFE should aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes .
Increasing activity in online and flexible learning models are being used to support access to university and vocational courses with cost efficient and effective delivery of programs.
 
Institutes identity, branding and marketing in the education market is critical to ongoing success.  Funding and commitment to support promotion of quality education products, awards and success of graduates is important to create a strong market profile. This is increasingly important with globalisation of education and increasing demand for online learning and assessment.
Partnerships and relationships with credible stakeholders in industry who employ students
are critical to support business relationships and promote opportunities to other potential industry partners for example being preferred trainer for large government and non government organisations.

 The reputation of the University and VET is central to gaining addition funding and students this is also important for attracting high achieving staff. Research is essential for attracting and retaining academics in the university sector with a work balance of teaching and research. Changes to teaching and learning practices are essential however quality teaching and learning  must continue to be underpinned by research and evidence based practices.

Universities and VET governance bodies must plan for infrastructure and development of quality programs and professional development of staff .Commitment to and investment in  developing resources and learning environments that are technologically relevant and educationally sound.  Providing  learner experiences that are innovative and responsive to the changing needs of  local and global communities, industries and government's.

I have described the changing focus of TAFE NSW Higher Education in my blog post  http://sheilacoupe.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/tafe-nsw-higher-education-building-on.htmlin
TAFE NSW Higher Education Building on existing education pathways to Higher Education the organisation that I work in has established a new focus on Higher Education...

 

Bradley, D., Noonan, P., Nugent, H & Scales, B. (2008). Review of Australian Higher Education: Final Report, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Canberra.

Henry, R. Marshall, S., & Ramburuth, P. (2013). Improving assessment in higher education. A whole-of-institution approach. UNSW, Sydney: UNSW Press Ltd.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) Retrieved 16th March, 2014. from http://www.teqsa.gov.au/higher-education-standards-framework

Universities UK (2012) Futures for Higher Education: Analyzing trends, Higher Education Report on “Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century”, UK Longer Term Strategy Network, London(p 24-25).