Data-Driven System Level Mapping for Strategic Decision Support: Economic Health of UK Universities and Other Higher Education Institutes

Abstract

In exploring the HEI (higher education institute) financial health and safety data published in the Times Higher of 18 March 2010, we find some very interesting underlying patterns in the data. These patterns point to an interesting contrast involving diametrically opposite orientations of HEIs in the UK. This polarity goes considerably beyond the usual one of research-led elite versus more teaching-oriented new universities. Instead we point to the role of medical/bioscience research income in the former, and economic sectoral niche player roles in the latter. In addition to the 2010 data we also analyze data from the Times Higher on 7 April 2011, finding a similar set of outcomes.