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  • October 2015 (Revised November 2016)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

'World-Class' Universities: Rankings and Reputation in Global Higher Education

By: William C. Kirby and Joycelyn W. Eby
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
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Abstract

Discussions of "world-class" universities have become an academic cottage industry in the 21st century, and definitions of the term are complex and at times contradictory. This background note traces the origins of university ranking systems and their evolution from a byproduct of lists of great men in the United States to a global phenomenon that has a strong influence on the development of higher education. Then it examines commonalities across various conceptions of "world-class," including productive faculty, excellent students, flexible administration, plentiful funding, and international engagement.

Keywords

Rankings; University Faculty; University Curriculum; University Administration; Higher Education; Education Industry

Citation

Kirby, William C., and Joycelyn W. Eby. "'World-Class' Universities: Rankings and Reputation in Global Higher Education." Harvard Business School Background Note 316-065, October 2015. (Revised November 2016.)
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About The Author

William C. Kirby

General Management
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Related Work

    • October 2015 (Revised November 2016)
    • Faculty Research

    'World-Class' Universities: Rankings and Reputation in Global Higher Education

    By: William C. Kirby and Joycelyn W. Eby
Related Work
  • 'World-Class' Universities: Rankings and Reputation in Global Higher Education By: William C. Kirby and Joycelyn W. Eby
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