In 2011 and 2012, two Australian university vice chancellors flagged spending cuts at their institutions to overcome financial problems. In both cases, union and staff opposition led to public protests, intense media scrutiny, delays and retreats. This article compares the two cases to see what lessons may be drawn for university leaders faced…

In a new mixed economy of higher learning, Australian universities require more strategic management to compete and collaborate sustainably. However, many scholars argue that new modes of university management are at odds with scholarly aims and values. This article examines how Australian universities frame their missions and communicate their…

This article presents the author's reply to Peodair Leihy's critique of his paper, "Two Hippocratic oaths for higher education," published in this "Journal" (Sharrock, 2010). In this article, the author focuses on several points of disagreement. The selling of wares is not a defining feature of professional work: many doctors and lawyers, for…

This essay argues that due to a confluence of trends over the last two decades, today's universities rely on managerial professionalism far more than in the past. But the legitimacy of management in academic institutions remains in question, and is often seen as a threat to scholarly aims and values. Institutions may benefit from considering two…

This paper critically examines a recent book about the University of Melbourne. It uses this as a case study to explore traditional conceptions of the university in the Western tradition, and aspects of the Australian debate about government policies and institutional strategies.

Uses the play "Life after George," involving a dispute between a professor and dean, as a springboard to explore management issues in universities. Discusses students as customers; quality and value in public institutions; funding dilemmas, particularly in the humanities; and university culture versus university management. Advocates moving beyond…