In a previous paper, this author argued that the present governance arrangements for UK universities and colleges, and in particular the preferred official model for governing bodies, were no longer fit for purpose (if indeed they ever were), and that some fundamental reforms were needed. This paper sets out some reform proposals. The author goes…

Many institutions have difficulties in resolving complaints and grievances and other types of dispute speedily and economically. Lapses still occur in following procedures; disputes frequently grow more complicated than they were at the start; they drag on; they waste the time of administrators and those involved, even ending sometimes in an…

There has been a resurgence of interest in good practice in university governance. This may be due to a number of high profile vice-chancellor (and governor) departures, and especially the crisis at London Metropolitan University, where the Vice-Chancellor resigned in March 2009 following overclaimed public funding as a result of inaccurately…

The purpose of this paper is to describe how vignettes can be used during an institution's interview process for an education dean. Education deans are confronted with personnel, programmatic, student, and organisational dilemmas on a daily basis. The fundamental responsibilities of the position require education deans to have a strong sense of…

Higher education systems worldwide are currently facing a trio of competing challenges: increasing access and absorbing demand; promoting and safeguarding quality; and reducing and minimising costs to students, taxpayers and other investors. The growth of private (profit and not-for-profit) educational provision worldwide, in addition to other…

It is well known that bullying and work-related stress are real issues. "Bullying Survey 2005" revealed a number of insights into bullying at work. Much of this is down to lack of managerial skills. Individuals who have previously not been recruited or trained as managers have become managers but without the necessary skills set to carry out their…

The UK higher education sector is facing a significant reduction in the level of public funding over the next few years. In August 2010 the Cabinet Secretary informed groups of vice-chancellors that they should prepare for cuts of 35% over the four years 2011-2015, the period covered by the next Comprehensive Spending Review. It is inevitable…

Scenario planning is a tool which can help organisations and people to think about, and plan for, the long-term future. In basic terms, it involves creating a number of in-depth scenarios (stories), each of which tells of a different possible future for an organisation or issue, and considering how each different future might influence…

The issue of poor student behaviour within higher education institutions (HEIs) has been well documented in recent years. Although the number of reported cases constitutes a very small percentage of the overall student population in the UK, the impact of student misconduct on the rest of the student body and staff in HEIs can be substantial. For…

Since 2006 students have been paying top-up tuition fees and there has been much discussion in the sector about their impact on higher education institutions (HEIs). One of the main effects has been the frequently cited notion of the student as a fee-paying customer, seeking greater value for money not only for their fees but also for their…

This article explores some aspects of and challenges faced by those academics and administrators who undertake the leadership and management of research activity in contemporary UK universities. This analysis is set in the context of almost three decades of reforms to the UK's higher education systems in general and to research funding and audit…

This article represents a lecture given by Professor Steve Smith at the Association of University Administrators Annual Lecture on 20 October 2009. There has been considerable change in the sector since the lecture was delivered, however, the Editor and author felt that the issues still pose significant challenges to higher education (HE), and…

Corporate governance has several objectives: growth, transparency, leadership, social responsibility and trust, as well as the protection of shareholders and company assets. It also plays a key role in determining a company's control environment. In this article, the author takes a closer look at corporate governance in the private sector,…

"The key needs of Bedfordshire, to improve the participation of its people in higher education and to regenerate its economy, will be best served by a new major access and employment oriented University." This vision statement was adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of Luton on 9 December 2005 on taking the decision to go ahead…

This article arises out of responses to a survey of three management trainee schemes, analysed by the author in response to a request by the scheme organisers, and builds on the work of Bolton (2008). Based on four responses from two pre-1992 institutions, and three responses from one post-1992 institution, some clear themes emerged from the…