University rankings are having a profound effect on both higher education systems and individual universities. In this paper we outline these effects, discuss the desirable characteristics of a good ranking methodology and document existing practice, with an emphasis on the two main international rankings (Shanghai Jiao Tong and THES-QS). We take…

The traditional model of research in West German universities, aspects of the ongoing restructuring of research and higher education there, and international trends are examined. Implications for change in Australian research and higher education, especially in light of recent policy changes, are discussed. (MSE)

It is suggested that approaches to research assessment vary according to national context. In the United States, higher education is dominated by market forces; in Britain and Australia, emphasis is on interinstitutional competitiveness; in northern Europe, focus is overall system efficiency. Performance indicators and peer review of research are…

It is proposed that Canadian universities are "alien" to women because they are dominated by men, have a large proportion of faculty who are not Canadian citizens, and are underutilizing the talents of the female half of the nation's population. Comparisons are made between the Canadian and Australian situations. (MSE)

Compares findings of two reviews of higher education--the 1997 Dearing Report on the United Kingdom's system and the not-yet-released West Review of Australia's system. Argues that both reports illustrate the parallel changes in the systems in recent years and guarantee further radical shifts in the direction of higher education systems in the…

Aspects of the Malaysian demand for overseas higher education are discussed, including public policy responsible for the demand, Australian policy concerning Malaysian students, the evolution of joint degree programs, and some persistent problems in graduate employment, the declining standard of English, and competition with Australian students…

This article examines changes in Australia's higher education system (institutional mergers, market forces, expansion of enrollment) that threaten the quality of graduate-level research and comparability of Australia's standards internationally. The role of the research supervisor, the process of supervising research, and students' perceptions of…

The review examines (1) social class and improving access to higher education in Australia from 1852-1945; (2) interventions from 1943-74; and "winners and losers" since the 1960s. It is concluded that, in comparison with western nations, Australian university students are more representative of the general population, and the curriculum…

The state of the academic profession in the United Kingdom is examined, with some comparisons to Australia. Focus is on changes during the 1980s and the role of public policy. The disadvantaged status of academic women is noted, and changes in emphasis on teaching, research, and administration are discussed. (MSE)

The key to improving the position of women in academe is improvement at undergraduate honors and graduate levels. Analysis of Australian enrollment trends in these areas since 1980, particularly in comparison with the United Kingdom, indicates gains have been minimal and the potential for further improvement is limited. (MSE)

Characteristics of the American university are examined as they are relevant to the concerns of Australian higher education. Aspects discussed include diversity of institutions, methods of governance, tenure and academic freedom, external peer review of programs and projects, research funding, and curriculum design and patterns of attendance. (MSE)