Explores perspectives from which to examine government-university relations in different countries, and discusses examples in the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany. Trends in Eastern and Central Europe are also considered briefly. Issues of both administration and governance are included. (MSE)

The use of performance evaluation and performance indicators in Finland is reviewed, and a study of Finnish researchers' perceptions and attitudes about them is discussed. Three conclusions emerged from the study: (1) departmental indicators should be developed; (2) publications are not a bad measure of performance; and (3) most scientists support…

The nature and organization of continuing education within the higher education systems of Canada, Finland, and the United Kingdom are examined and compared. Although there are considerable differences between the systems, there is also significant variation within them. Little stability is seen, and change is foreseen as pressures increase.…

Changes in internal management of higher education institutions resulting from decentralization of Finland's higher education system are discussed. A project for improving managerial efficiency in one university is described, and its effect on patterns of leadership and communication in planning and resource allocation are assessed. (Author/MSE)

A commissioned study on the possible use of vouchers for higher education in Finland is summarized. Because costs vary greatly by discipline, the voucher is defined in terms of time (period of study) rather than money. In the study, five different models were chosen for closer analysis, and comments were received from universities and other…

The higher education systems and financing mechanisms in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland are described. In each, enrollment and productivity, in terms of student flow, are important financing factors. A new budget model developed for Norway is outlined, and efforts to create a cooperative community for higher education in the Nordic countries…

Finland's traditionally closed system of higher education, in which continuing education has been segregated into special centers, must address the reality of reduced resources and consider incorporating continuing education into the university. Establishment of a separate vocational higher education institution could further diversify the system.…

The Finnish Minister of Education and Science discusses what national authorities in most contexts expect of higher education, with some attention given to the Finnish context. Issues examined include innovation, expansion of educational opportunity, demands for educational quality and relevance, research priorities and quality, responsibility for…

Changes in staffing patterns of Finnish universities are examined, particularly the increase in administrative staff in relation to academic staff. Explanations are offered for the decrease in maintenance, service, and auxiliary research and teaching personnel. New skills that are required in these areas and relations between administrative and…

This publication deals with two broad issues: (1) selection, equality, and reproduction of social hierarchies in higher education, and (2) development policies and the assessment of their effect on higher education. It contains the following 10 papers: "Ambitious Goals--Small Changes? On the Structure of Student Population in Finland in the…

At the University of Oulu (Finland), a 1992-93 institutional evaluation included both self-assessment and external evaluation. The self-evaluation paid little attention to institutional human resource management, while the external assessment gave substantial attention to personnel policy, staff development, and manpower planning. A more strategic…

Sources of University of Kuopio (Finland) funding in the context of institutional budgeting are analyzed. The decline in basic public funding is seen to require generation of new income, but new income sources may have unwanted effects on university orientation. The contract procedure between the Ministry of Education and the university is forcing…