Findings from European benchmarking exercises on e-learning:value,impact and going beyond
(2011) TIIM2011- Abstract
- Benchmarking is becoming a more and more commonly used method for quality assurance and enhancement in higher education today. The aim of this study was to explore the impact and value of benchmarking e-learning in universities. Two European benchmarking initiatives, E-xcellence+ through the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities and the e-learning benchmarking exercise through the European Centre for Strategic Management of Universities, were studied using an exploratory multiple case study method and cross-case analysis of the findings. The open-ended research questions followed the themes of: why the University joined the benchmarking project, opinions of the process after its completion and drawbacks within the project... (More)
- Benchmarking is becoming a more and more commonly used method for quality assurance and enhancement in higher education today. The aim of this study was to explore the impact and value of benchmarking e-learning in universities. Two European benchmarking initiatives, E-xcellence+ through the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities and the e-learning benchmarking exercise through the European Centre for Strategic Management of Universities, were studied using an exploratory multiple case study method and cross-case analysis of the findings. The open-ended research questions followed the themes of: why the University joined the benchmarking project, opinions of the process after its completion and drawbacks within the project process. The findings indicated the value and impact of a variety of aspects of benchmarking e-learning on different levels, and stressed the need for a holistic and contextual approach as both benchmarking and e-learning are complex and comprehensive phenomena. This study also shows that benchmarking, in line with national and international quality boards/agencies, is a powerful tool for making improvements to teaching and learning. Some characteristics which may not be mentioned as often in a positive light are the intentions, i.e. the meaning of the benchmarking process as such. The involvement of individuals within the organisation creates an impact on both individual and organisational levels, not least through critical reflection. The meaning of the concepts ‘rhizome’ and ‘becoming’ used in this study have leant other and new dimensions to benchmarking. Thus, this study is not only relevant to management, but to philosophy as well. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/1983179
- author
- Ossiannilsson, Ebba LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2011
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- submitted
- subject
- keywords
- Benchmarking, critical success factors, e-learning
- host publication
- Proceedings TIIM2011
- pages
- 20 pages
- publisher
- Oulu University
- conference name
- TIIM2011
- conference location
- Oulu, Finland
- conference dates
- 2011-06-29 - 2011-06-30
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- additional info
- Department affilation moved from v1000887 (CED - Centre for Educational Development) to v1000942 (Division for Higher Education Development) on 2016-03-31 08:48:43.
- id
- 095119ed-da92-4f3b-84aa-a5d250456713 (old id 1983179)
- date added to LUP
- 2016-04-04 10:48:36
- date last changed
- 2018-11-21 21:00:54
@inproceedings{095119ed-da92-4f3b-84aa-a5d250456713,
abstract = {{Benchmarking is becoming a more and more commonly used method for quality assurance and enhancement in higher education today. The aim of this study was to explore the impact and value of benchmarking e-learning in universities. Two European benchmarking initiatives, E-xcellence+ through the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities and the e-learning benchmarking exercise through the European Centre for Strategic Management of Universities, were studied using an exploratory multiple case study method and cross-case analysis of the findings. The open-ended research questions followed the themes of: why the University joined the benchmarking project, opinions of the process after its completion and drawbacks within the project process. The findings indicated the value and impact of a variety of aspects of benchmarking e-learning on different levels, and stressed the need for a holistic and contextual approach as both benchmarking and e-learning are complex and comprehensive phenomena. This study also shows that benchmarking, in line with national and international quality boards/agencies, is a powerful tool for making improvements to teaching and learning. Some characteristics which may not be mentioned as often in a positive light are the intentions, i.e. the meaning of the benchmarking process as such. The involvement of individuals within the organisation creates an impact on both individual and organisational levels, not least through critical reflection. The meaning of the concepts ‘rhizome’ and ‘becoming’ used in this study have leant other and new dimensions to benchmarking. Thus, this study is not only relevant to management, but to philosophy as well.}},
author = {{Ossiannilsson, Ebba}},
booktitle = {{Proceedings TIIM2011}},
keywords = {{Benchmarking; critical success factors; e-learning}},
language = {{eng}},
publisher = {{Oulu University}},
title = {{Findings from European benchmarking exercises on e-learning:value,impact and going beyond}},
year = {{2011}},
}