ERIC Number: EJ776803
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-080X
EISSN: N/A
International University Ranking Systems and the Idea of University Excellence
Taylor, Paul; Braddock, Richard
Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, v29 n3 p245-260 Nov 2007
We look at some of the theoretical and methodological issues underlying international university ranking systems and, in particular, their conceptual connection with the idea of excellence. We then turn to a critical examination of the two best-known international university ranking systems--the "Times Higher Education Supplement (THES)" World University Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. We assess the various criteria used by the two systems and argue that the Jiao Tong system, although far from perfect, is a better indicator of university excellence. Based on our assessments of these two systems, we suggest how an ideal international university ranking system might look, concluding with some comments on the uses of ranking systems. (Contains 12 notes.)
Descriptors: Institutional Evaluation, Classification, Comparative Education, Comparative Analysis, Evaluation Criteria, Systems Analysis, Accreditation (Institutions), Standard Setting, International Education, Case Studies, Evaluation Research, Evaluation Methods, Guidelines, Higher Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A