Examines the comparative approach to the study of systems of higher education, analyzes various major international trends, and discusses the problem of actual internationalization of higher education systems. (Editor/PG)

Management strategies used by higher education systems in three western industrialized societies (Quebec, France, and West Germany) and some of their consequences are described and some similarities and differences among them are examined, focusing on factors in the systems' environments. (Author/MSE)

The framework of a study of organizational effectiveness in Australian higher education institutions was applied to a similar study in the United Kingdom. The approach was found useful for classifying U.K. institutions as classical universities, former polytechnics and colleges of advanced technology, and greenfield universities. (Author/MSE)

While the university systems of many countries owe their foundation and strategies to the British model, the coordinating agencies have been thought out more systematically and in some countries show significant variation in their roles. Their futures will depend on academics' firm judgment and willingness to stand up to government. (MSE)

Politics of planning are more intensive and defensive in decline than in growth, and changes in standards for organizational consensus may occur. Developing strategic contingency plans and developing strategic planning policies differ in problems and advantages. Contrasting planning styles are characteristic of U.S. institutions and United Kingdom…

Three structural divisions between private and public sectors of higher education are compared: mass private and restricted public sectors; parallel public and private sectors; and, comprehensive public and peripheral private sectors. The private sectors are contrasted in terms of state authority, financial constraints, the student marketplace or…

Argues that comparative studies in higher education are helpful in conceptual restructuring and in understanding how higher education is shaped by common international trends, reforms based on comparisons, increasing trans-national cooperation, and some supra-national integration of systems. Recommends a semi-structured research design allowing…

In comparison with other countries' patterns of financing higher education, the United States stands out in its dependence on private aid because of the large private higher education sector and substantial private aid to public institutions. However, state patterns of finance vary and may find counterparts in some foreign systems. (Author/MSE)

A study compared employment patterns, working conditions, and workload among college and university faculty in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, England, Japan, and the United States, based on data from an international faculty survey. Results indicate considerable differences across academic rank, particularly in the European countries. However,…

An approach to organizational effectiveness in higher education developed in the United States was applied to institutions in the United Kingdom and Australia to establish a basis for policy and organizational analysis. Higher reliability was found for the United Kingdom than for Australia, apparently related to cultural differences regarding…

Examines the research-teaching relationship in faculty work in Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and South Korea, drawing on an international survey of college and university faculty. Results indicate research and teaching are not mutually exclusive activities, but the two activities have differing effects…

Organizational features (physical characteristics, academic organization, involvement, organization, and staff attitudes to distance education) are compared in six Australian and New Zealand universities. The variation among institutions argues for the use of an international agency to validate courses for transfer of credit. (MSE)

Examines gender-related nature of academic work, based on an international survey of college and university faculty. Describes commonalities for areas of discrimination among men and women faculty in Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States. Focuses on working conditions, professional activities…

Since establishment of national university systems in Mexico and Venezuela, three principal demands have dominated policy formation: government ideological demand; economic demand for expertise; and political and social demand for upward mobility through education. Tensions between these demands have stemmed from economic inability to sustain…

A survey of 20,000 college and university faculty in 14 countries, particularly in large teaching and research institutions, investigated the extent of international mobility within this group. Issues examined in relation to mobility include gender differences, distribution among disciplines, patterns of employment (full- vs. part-time,…