Abstract
This chapter introduces the subject of league tables and rankings and questions the conceptual framework underpinning what are seen as the most credible and prestigious ranking systems in higher education. The authors present their arguments for defining and ranking excellence in higher education institutions using indicators based on user needs, stakeholder input and a wide variety of functions and activities overlooked by the current rankings systems. The result would be to challenge the unidimensional (research-driven) rankings, which focus almost exclusively on a single aspect of an institution’s performance, and instead to deliver tailored rankings relevant to user requirements and stakeholder interests and presenting a more balanced picture of performance across the higher education landscape.
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It should be acknowledged, however, that the THE went through an extensive process of (online) user consultation when revising its methodology in 2010.
Reference
Popper, K. R. (1980). The logic of scientific discovery (Rev. ed.). London: Hutchinson.
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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
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van Vught, F.A., Westerheijden, D.F., Ziegele, F. (2012). Introduction: Towards a New Ranking Approach in Higher Education and Research. In: van Vught, F., Ziegele, F. (eds) Multidimensional Ranking. Higher Education Dynamics, vol 37. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-3005-2_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-3005-2_1
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Online ISBN: 978-94-007-3005-2
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