EDEN 2004 Annual Conference Plenary 3 Budapest 17.06.2004 © FIM-NewLearning & MENON 2004 On Regional Networked Virtual Universities The Bavarian Virtual

© FIM-NewLearning & MENON 2004

EDEN 2004 Annual Conference Plenary 3 Budapest 17.06.2004

On Regional Networked Virtual Universities

The Bavarian Virtual University and more

Walter F. Kugemann

FIM-NewLearning, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg

&MENON enabling eLearning EEIG



Bavaria is a particular region-as all European regions are particular:

13 Mio inhabitantsSecond economy in size in GermanyOwn constitution, own national anthemCentralistic inside (French heritage) with some inside-regionalistsStrong regional identity (identities ?)Self confident government and administration (Mister Stoibers two third & four decades)



Bavaria is a particular region- what does that mean ?

Big enough/too small/too big ?Rich enough – or not ?Is ‘to be different’ a value in its own ?Multi centricity, networks & tolerance as resources; centralistic dominance as a burden ?Identity and branding ?Need strong virtual universities a strong political will ?



1) First clearly define the mission of the Virtual University. If it is part of an existing University, insure that the Virtual University fits and supports the institution’s over all mission (for example, does it support faculty renewal, an institution’s commitment to access? Revenue goals?)

2) Provide adequate capital to finance start-up and growth.

3) Define the institution’s competitive advantage (price, quality, identifying a niche program, client service, convenience?)

4) Identify the primary client groups and the complete programs that meet their needs.

5) Invest in top quality offerings by employing first-rate faculty, first-rate learning technologies and approaches and by continually monitoring quality.

10 critical success factors in building a virtual university



6) Use a learner (client) centred pedagogical model.7) Develop sound marketing strategies for growth

(international markets?; offerings of new programs?; developing a new client base?)

8) Create a common learning delivery approach through faculty training and institution-wide platforms.

9) Provide comprehensive administrative resources for students and instructors.

10) Implement centralized service standards to ensure responsiveness.

Industry Canada: Online Post-Secondary Education: A Competitive Analysis

10 critical success factors in building a virtual university



WeaknessesPR and marketing still to be improvedorganisation of examsnot yet sufficient volume of mutual recognition agreementsweak operational implementationconcertation & coordination with member-universities insufficient (but still better than competitors)member universities administration not sufficient integrateduser awareness not sufficientmimicrying traditional German university structures does not fit into needs of a VUtime to market too long for new offers and services



Opportunities

Over proportional growth if demand blocking factors are lowered: e.g. actual introduction of fees (due to implemented and known / branded institutionalisation)Growing motivation to invest into own qualification (degrees) in times of risky labour marketsGrowth based on increasing familiarity with ICT useTotal reengineered labour market support measures in GermanyTrend in industry to outsource training & competence development



Threats

demand develops still slowdecreasing public funding narrows span of servicesexclusion from market by strong competitors (Scandinavia, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Asia? and German private)too low motivation of suppliers to develop good eLearning provisionservices and offers still too supply oriented



... and its weaknesses

Weak market pressureClash of cultures, lobbies, EU type of power managementProvincialism, counterproductive for brandingNon consistent policies, inner conflict management limits outside cooperation & competition potentialNetwork hostile organisation structureUnder critical mass of convinced actors, convincing by money is dangerous & not sustainable



... and its opportunities

Flexibility & speedOne step forward fighting German segregation in HENow explicit policy need for changeTraining ground for HE grey elephants towards ‘cooperation in competition’Familiarity of actors, but ...Maybe the only chance fighting a century of inertia in German HE



Lessons learnt 1998–2004, for

Europe? Let the fragile flower ‘demand orientation’ grow providing water, sun, protection and time: cut eagerly the weed ‘supply orientation’Highlight society aims and how a VU contributesGo for ‘and’ models, not for ‘or’ (with ‘Herzblut’ for ‘regional’ components)Spell ‘regional’ suitably and non doctrinaire(from sub-regions to language areas)Use wisdom, impatient patience & sensible tolerance instead of top down & too many too big sharksNetwork fullyhearted professionals, not power oriented institutions (because real professionals are reliable, aware of their limitations and their need to collaborate)



Thank you very muchfor your attention

Schee woas dasd aafbasd hobds

[email protected]

www.menon.orgwww.vhb.org

Documents

EDEN 2004 Annual Conference Plenary 3 Budapest 17.06.2004 © FIM-NewLearning & MENON 2004 On Regional Networked Virtual Universities The Bavarian Virtual