Wednesday 2 September 2015

Supply, Demand and the market for Learning

I remember my first encounter with the study of Economics at school and how I did so well there that I was selected to (literally) sit at the feet of an eminent Professor of Economics (he did not have many chairs in his office).  The confidence and enthusiasm of my teachers and the practicality of the  subject just made sense to me and, over the years, the key concepts learned have allowed me to see the different forces that set the world in balance.
And so I understand that on the Demand side (the consumers / students, employers, government bodies etc.) have different expectations of University qualifications.  On the supply side (The Universities, individual Schools and Lecturers) the expectations are equally clear - but often different to those of the Demand side.
Let's stop talking in riddles.
A degree programme is a compromise.  A market compromise, where a point of interaction (purchase) is arrived at not solely on the basis of price but also on the basis of a programme structure, the availability of staff, the likely outcome for graduates...............................

Good programmes of study are designed by institutions that take into consideration the needs, wants and appetites of the Demand side whilst making efficient use of teaching and other resources (the Supply side).

So why do programmes start in October and not at any other time?
Why do employers bemoan the preparedness of graduates for work?
Why do academic staff members appear to have such long periods away from their work?




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