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Comparative information helps improve institution ranking
The QS Intelligence Unit (QSIU) is bringing a new concept into the education arena – that of benchmarking services. Drawing on the extensive information collected for the compilation of the QS World University Rankings, and the extended profile information gathered to support QS publications and websites, the QSIU compiles a benchmarking report for higher education clients to determine how they are positioned against their peers.
What is benchmarking?
Benchmarking in the corporate world has been around since 1989. However, there is an increasing need for universities worldwide to approach business more inline with corporates. Benchmarking services offer universities an insight into their rankings position with expert recommendations for improvement. Published rankings are only the surface of performance evaluation. Benchmarking can and will provide a deeper insight into performance relative to selected peer institutions.
How does it work?
Each university that requests a benchmarking report selects those peers they want to be evaluated against. The QSIU then uses particular criteria and methodologies to determine how that individual university compares against its competitors. Each report contains trend data on ranking positions, and is designed to assist client universities to better understand why they are at a particular point in the World University Rankings and what areas they should concentrate on for improvement. These solutions help universities to establish a feel for best practice within the chosen area and also to promote continuous improvement.
Who is it for?
QSIU’s benchmarking services are designed for higher education institutions seeking to identify strategies that will improve their international position both in terms of performance and reputation. They are also a valuable source of information for governments trying to understand the competitive appeal of their higher education system in contrast to those of competing nations.
Andy King, Head of Sales and Business Development for the QS Intelligence Unit said the benchmarking services benefit clients in a number of different ways.
“Clients can use the services for external comparison and to help them to understand their position globally, nationally and regionally.”
The services also allow higher education institutions to visualise improvements in their area, which can be a strong motivator for change.
“They help to identify weak areas and may also suggest goals for recruitment and staff development,” he said
QS is the only company with the expertise and ability globally to be able to offer this benchmarking service. As the authors of the QS World University Rankings, it is uniquely placed to be able to provide trusted and accurate data.
“This makes the benchmarking process a lot easier and it’s also less expensive,” King said.
“We estimate the growth in this area over the next three to five years to be staggering. Early adopters will benefit the most, as they will get a competitive jump on the rest. Benchmarking in higher education will become a widely accepted practice and will quickly be adopted as the defacto comparison and improvement tool.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the QS Intelligence Unit’s benchmarking services then contact Andy King on andrew.king@qsnetwork.com
