3.2. Defining your organisational profile

• What different types of organisations are there and what are their key characteristics?

• How can you identify which type your organisation is?

There are distinctive differences between the organisational structures and cultural contexts of different institutions and it is important to understand your local context. In particular there are major distinctions between large and small institutions, the FE and HE sectors and between old and new universities. These distinctions are reflected in both the organisational structures and the cultural context for the institutions. It is important to understand how the structure and operations of your institution will affect your MLE development.

The previous section helped you to map the external and internal context of your organisation and to pick out key barriers and enablers and how they might relate to your MLE development. The resources associated with this sub-section will help you understand typical institutional models and their characteristics so that you can take account of this in refining your understanding of your own organisational context.

3.2.1. Mapping the institutional landscape

The following diagram provides an example of an institution which is in essence primarily focused on learning and teaching as its main priority. The institution has a strong widening participation agenda and has committed to a studentcentred focus for learning and teaching. It has strong partnerships with local organisations, colleges and schools and aligns its institutional strategies closely with relevant local agendas. Quality assurance and enhancement are important as indicators of its focus on quality teaching and learning provision. The institution is less focused on research or consultancy, which is mainly driven through local ad hoc initiatives and opportunistic funding opportunities. The diagram shows these key areas of activity, along with an indication of their relative size and importance with respect to this primary focus and provides a snapshot of the focus and profile for the institution.

Draw up a similar diagram for your institution, considering the following questions:

• What is the core mission of the institution and the associated key words?

• What are the current agendas of importance?

• What are the main focal points of the strategic plan?

• What partnerships is the organisation involved with?

Building on the above you might want to undertake a more detailed institutional profile considering the following elements.

Sector

FE, HE (old, new)

Management styles

Core mission

Brief statement of core mission

Size

Size - number of staff (% academic and support staff), students (% full and part-time)

Profile of students

You could consider a number of indicators here, such as entry requirements, ethnic mix, age profile, etc

Funding

Sources of funding (% of income from teaching (government and other sources), research and enterprise)

Subject areas

Outline of key subject areas, list of faculties and/or departments

Culture

Key cultural features of the institute - research-led, student-centred, vocationally focussed, etc

Relevant strategic partners

List of key partners such as feeder schools or colleges, relationships with local bodies or businesses, international alliances

Follow this link for key resources for this section (these open in a new window)