Competition and controversy in global rankings

By Richard Holmes. Higher education is becoming more competitive by the day. Universities are scrambling for scarce research funds and public support. They are trying to recruit from increasingly suspicious and cynical students. The spectre of online education is haunting all but the most confident institutions. Rankings are also increasingly competitive. Universities need validation that will attract students and big-name researchers and justify appeals for public largesse. Students need guidance about where to take their loans and scholarships. Government agencies have to figure out where public funds are going. Read more...