Diversification

Abstract

The origins of the university ensured that independence was provided for scholars, and that, in effect, scholars were insulated from external influence. Essentially this meant that scholars, and only scholars, were in a position to judge whether the work of the university was of high quality or not. Some of that attitude can still be seen today. As we move towards greater concern with ensuring quality that is transparent and assured by quality committees and review panels, academics can still occasionally be heard to complain that in their specialist area such-and-such a method is accepted practice, and that they do not admit the right of any nonspecialist to comment on its appropriateness.