Studying effects of globalization and exploring approaches to assure quality

Education is increasingly a commercial activity on the global market. The Privatization of higher education and technological changes have led countries to a multiplication of providers at the national and international levels. Negotiations are ongoing within world trade organizations to liberalize higher education. This may accelerate and amplify the process of higher education becoming a market commodity.

Officials in developing and/or small countries face an ever-expanding international market over which they have little control.

Research activity to address upcoming challenges

Recent research has been carried out to examine the effects of these developments on quality management and how they have been faced at the country level. The project included:

• mapping out the diversity of educational providers
• identification of policy implications for institutional decision-makers
• identification of approaches taken to ensure minimum quality standards, with a view to protecting consumer interests.