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Globalisation and Higher Education Reforms pp 23–37Cite as

Higher Education and the Discourse on Global Competition: Vernacular Approaches Within Higher Education Policy Documents

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Part of the book series: Globalisation, Comparative Education and Policy Research ((GCEP,volume 15))

Abstract

Over the past few decades, globalization and global competition have become prominent buzzwords in the higher education sector. These two constructs are highly interconnected: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are becoming increasingly linked across borders in a multitude of ways (whether intentionally or not), which in turn engenders competition within the global higher education landscape. The drive toward globalization and global competition is clearly evident; its effects are not uniform, however, and local entities mediate global trends. In this chapter, we build upon our prior work by investigating evidence of the discourse on global competition (DGC)—a pervasive rhetoric about excellence, rankings, and world-class status—within national higher education policy documents. Our aim was to ascertain to what extent the DGC was evident in these policies alongside other localized priorities. Before delving into this analysis, we frame the study by outlining trends and developments related to globalization in higher education. We also delineate our approach to the study, which entails employing the construct of vernacular globalization and qualitative policy document analysis strategies.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The Times Higher Education and Quacqarelli-Symonds rankings began as a joint entity in 2004 and split into separate ranking mechanisms in 2009.

  2. 2.

    Launched in 1995, Project 211 focused on strengthening 100 HEIs with funding from central and provincial government sources as well as matching funds from HEIs. Project 985 followed in 1998 to develop 39 HEIs as strong contenders on global higher education rankings by emphasizing research and attracting elite international scholars.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Education, University of Washington, Seattle, USA

    Sylvia S. Bagley

  2. College of Education, California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA

    Laura M. Portnoi

Authors
  1. Sylvia S. Bagley
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  2. Laura M. Portnoi
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Correspondence to Sylvia S. Bagley .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fac. of Edu. & Arts, School of Edu., Australian Catholic Univ., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Joseph Zajda

  2. Education, Univ. of CA, LA Moore Hall, Hilgard Aven, LOS ANGELES, California, USA

    Val Rust

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Bagley, S.S., Portnoi, L.M. (2016). Higher Education and the Discourse on Global Competition: Vernacular Approaches Within Higher Education Policy Documents. In: Zajda, J., Rust, V. (eds) Globalisation and Higher Education Reforms. Globalisation, Comparative Education and Policy Research, vol 15. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28191-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28191-9_2

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-28191-9

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