Connecting the dots: University rankings, journal rankings and the cost of knowledge

May 16, 2017

University rankings shape resource allocation decisions, hiring, student selection, internationalization practices, programmatic developments and public relations. Rankings have even raised the ire of Noble Prize winners. Most university leaders recognize the limitations of them, but they are in Catch 22 situation. To ignore rankings is to become invisible and in a competitive funding context this seems dangerous, but to play the game is to ignore extensive academic research that points to the methodological and ethical flaws with rankings.

Despite the hundreds of studies that have problematized the rankings’ rationale, rankings continue to increase in influence throughout most of the world. For many, rankings are perceived as ‘natural’ tools that allow individuals and groups to sort through an increasingly complex, higher education sector. For others, rankings raise questions about equity, and who decides what knowledge is worthy of being considered world class.

Can rankings help us decide if a university is excellent or not? Are there alternatives to rankings? The panelists will discuss these important questions.

Chuing Prudence Chou Professor, Department of Education, National Chengchi University 

Heather Morrison Principal Investigator, Sustaining the Knowledge Commons

Jandhyala B. G. Tilak Vice-Chancellor, India’s National University of Educational Planning and Administration

Light refreshment will be served.