The purpose of this paper is to highlight the complexities involved in higher education provision and how systems thinking and socio-technical systems (STS) thinking approach can be used to understand the education ecosystem. Systems thinking perspective is provided using two case studies: the development of European Learner Mobility (EuroLM)…

This study aims to understand equity issues of international students' learning in Korean higher education institutions by engaging with the issue of racism and identifies how international students in Korea reshape their learning trajectory and how we could provide equitable and quality education for international students. Espousing a…

Institutional policies and policy systems are vital to the well-being of institutions of higher education. While many institutions dedicate time and resources to the development of key policies, the establishment of a well-designed and well-functioning policy system is often neglected. We refer to the discrepancy between the importance of…

The implementation of quality assurance (QA) is one of the most challenging reform areas for Turkey due to the unique organization of its higher education system. This paper explores the development of QA systems in Turkish universities. Using a qualitative case study approach, the authors examine how Turkey accomplishes the goal of implementing…

The launch of HealthCare.gov, the website of the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare), was a major public relations disaster for the Obama administration. This case examines some of the factors that contributed to the failure of the launch and then details how Optum, an information technology service provider, considered the opportunity provided by…

Performance-based funding is a system based on allocating a portion of a state's higher education budget according to specific performance measures such as course completion, credit attainment, and degree completion, instead of allocating funding based entirely on enrollment. It is a model that provides a fuller picture of how successfully…

During the last two decades, many higher education systems in the world have attempted to evaluate and improve the quality of education, research and services at the university and higher education level. Countries which have been successful in these attempts have initiated continuous evaluation and applied internal evaluation as a basis for…

In this paper, we propose a conceptual and operational framework for process reengineering (PR) in higher education (HE) institutions. Using a case study aimed at streamlining exam scheduling and distribution in a distance learning (DL) unit, we outline a sequential and non-linear four-step framework designed to reengineer processes. The first two…

The first of two articles discusses the obstacles to and advantages of cooperative systems planning and development by a team of academic librarians and computing center staff. The second examines the differences in funding approaches to libraries and computer centers, and budgetary problems involved when the two organizations share computer…

A visit to American University's Department of Computer Services is summarized. Administrative systems in use and currently in production are described and a productive application of "structured walk-throughs" for systems design, computer programs, procedures, and documentation is discussed. (MLW)

Discussion of the development of an expert system that will serve as the primary advisor for individual course sequencing in a graduate program focuses on the characteristics and selection of an expert system shell (i.e., software that facilitates expert system development). Advantages, disadvantages, and prices of several commercial products are…

A major factor in the amazing success of the microcomputer is its inherent ability to free the user from dependence on a large central computing facility with its attendant frustrations. Almost from the beginning, however, there has been pressure to integrate the micro with a more powerful host facility. There are both technical and political…

The reasons underlying the "failure" of a management information and planning system at a unit of a large urban university system are examined. The problems experienced include the level of expectations, methodology of implementation, and degree of commitment or perceived self-interest. The factors relate to human rather than technological aspects…

A major change is underway at the University of Michigan as a new telecommunications network is being installed to become the central focus for information technology on the campus as voice communication, mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer installations all become part of the network. (MLW)

Encourages use of case studies to introduce "real-life" engineering assignments, suggesting that they should be given in a natural order as a series. Describes three such assignments being used at the University of the West Indies. Description, analysis, and design of an existing engineering system is included. (JM)