1750 H Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006 P 202.756.2971 F 866.808.6585 www.hanoverresearch.com HIGHER EDUCATION PRACTICE RESEARCH ABSTRACTS January 2012 The following abstracts describe a sampling of projects commissioned by Hanover Members during January 2012. MARKET EVALUATION SURVEYING DATA ANALYSIS BENCHMARKING LITERATURE REVIEW
MARKET EVALUATION Demand for an Interdisciplinary PhD in Health and Human Science - In this report, Hanover Research explores the potential labor market and student demand for the University s proposed interdisciplinary PhD in Health and Human Science program. The report is organized into three sections. The first section addresses potential labor market demand for the proposed program through a review of literature on evidence-based practice in health care, an examination of national and regional employment projections, and a review of current regional job opportunities. The second section examines potential student demand for the proposed program primarily through an analysis of national degree completions trends. The final section profiles existing PhD programs in similar fields in the United States. A Review of Postsecondary Programs Designed for Students with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder - In this report, Hanover Research identifies postsecondary institutions that offer degrees, certificates, structured programs, or program elements specifically designed to support students with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including Asperger s syndrome. Value of a College Degree - In this report, Hanover Research provides data comparing the value of a college degree across multiple fields of study and across institutions of varying quality, type, and cost. Local, Regional, and Statewide Labor Market Outlook - In this report, Hanover Research presents occupational and industry employment trends for the State, the defined region, and the defined statistical area. GIS Program Demand Study - In this report, Hanover Research assesses the national and regional student demand for GIS programs, focusing on certificate programs but also considering bachelor s and master s degree programs. The report is organized into two main sections. The first section looks at five-year IPEDS degree completion trends as a measure of student interest in certificate, bachelor s and master s degree programs in GIS, and also includes information on student enrollment levels and perceived demand gathered through phone interviews with administrators of regional certificate programs. The second section surveys existing certificate programs and undergraduate and master s degree programs in this and contiguous states, with detailed profiles of several regional certificate programs that highlight curricular structure, program resources, marketing strategies, and recruiting and admissions practices. Comparative Analysis of Law School Recruitment Strategies - In this report, Hanover Research profiles the recruitment strategies of ten of the School of Law s competitor institutions. Profiles include information on messaging, communication strategies, and the recruitment activities of these institutions according to content provided online, as well as an analysis of hard-copy materials sent by mail. The e-mail correspondence between Hanover Research and these institutions is also examined. Labor Market Audit: Current and Future Opportunities - In this report, Hanover Research examines the labor market outlook, as well as trends in graduate degree completions, for the region surrounding the University. The first section focuses on broad changes in the composition of the Region s labor market, and the regional employment outlook for a range of occupations through 2018. The second section discusses recent five-year trends in completions of graduate certificates and degrees at regional institutions, identifying programs that are potentially in high demand among students. 2
Master s Level International Business Law Dual Degree Program Demand - In this report, Hanover Research examines the potential demand for a dual degree program combining an LL.M. in international commerce or business law and a Master of Science in international finance or economics. The report reviews the expected demand for programs of this nature and examines similar offerings at other U.S. law schools. Graduate Program Market Scan - In this report, we aim to identify graduate programs that might be appropriate candidates for development at the College. In doing so, we take into account the labor market and employer demand in the State, and student demand via degree conferrals in the College s geographic region. Finally, we compare these programs with the strengths of the College s faculty. Further study is necessary in order to make more detailed recommendations. Research-Led Teaching: Innovative Programs and Strategies - In this report, Hanover research examines innovative models for developing and supporting research-based instruction at the postsecondary level. The first section of the report provides an overview of literature on research-led teaching, while the second section examines exemplary research institutions in detail. Competitor Comparison: M.B.A. Programs - In this report, Hanover Research provides a comparative analysis of the University s M.B.A. program and that of a peer institution. We discuss admission requirements, program type and length, total courses and credits, online and hybrid capabilities, marketing efforts, and curriculum. The final section of the report profiles several competitor programs. Domestic Growth Marketing - In this report, Hanover Research presents the results of secondary research that provides contextual information regarding the potential for distance education market expansion in the Region. The report is organized into two main sections. The first section provides demographic and employment statistics, while also discussing a locally-relevant initiative and its potential implications for the future tertiary education market. The second section contextualizes the University s existing market share within the current regional distance education landscape by presenting enrollment data for two overlapping and related groups: national distance education enrollment trends for a distance education program, and external student enrollment trends for institutions located in the State. Recruiting International Doctoral Students - In this report we discuss recruiting practices aimed at international students, as well as common methods of handling English language requirements for these students. We also discuss the relationship between student and advisor, and how funding impacts international students choice of graduate programs. Infusion of Technology Skills into the Curriculum - In this report, Hanover Research presents strategies used to develop student technology skills at community colleges to the level necessary to compete in today s workforce. It identifies current and future needs (Section One), and reviews three types of solutions to improving exposure to technology: introductory courses and assessments (Section Two), integration of technology into coursework (Section Three), and targeting populations with the least technology skills (Section Four). Ethics Training at Peer and Major Universities - In this report, we first explore how widespread ethics training is among the University s peer and peer aspirant institutions and what form this training takes. Then, we examine a larger sample of mandatory ethics training programs at universities comparable to the University in order to identify common program features. Master of Science in Business Analytics Program Profiles - In this report, Hanover Research profiles Master of Science in Business Analytics degree programs at 10 institutions across the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. Our analysis specifically focuses on Mission/Learning Objectives, 3
Program Curriculum, Admission Requirements, Program Timeframe, Program Delivery Modes, Tuition Cost, and Enrollment. SWOT Analysis Part IV: Trends and Innovations - The fourth component of the analysis examines trends and innovations in law school programming. This component is divided into two sections: innovative programming in legal education nationwide; and state trends in legal education. Market Analysis for an Online MSN Program - This report assesses the demand for online Masters of Science in Nursing programs with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, or Nurse Education. The report examines recent trends in national and regional MSN enrollments in order to estimate demand in the region surrounding the State. We also examine existing online MSN programs in the region, focusing on their enrollments, tuition, curriculum delivery format, and other information pertinent to the design of a new program. The final section presents an overview of the labor market for nursing professionals. Market Analysis for a Bachelor s Degree in Communication Management - In this report, Hanover Research assesses the market for a bachelor s degree program in Communication Management. The assessment includes an analysis of national and regional degree completion trends, focusing particularly on the University s peers and competitors, as well as an exploration of the labor market for communication graduates. The final section profiles similar programs at peer and competitor institutions. Market Analysis for a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Management - In this report, Hanover Research analyzes the market for a Bachelor of Arts program in multimedia management. First, we assess potential student demand by examining recent degree completions trends in the State. Secondly, we consider employment projections for occupations relevant to the field. Finally, we offer profiles of several extant degree programs closely related to the University s proposed offering in multimedia management. SWOT Analysis Part II: Comparison with Peer Institutions - In this report, Hanover compares institutional data for the School of Law with data for ten peer institutions. The first section incorporates statistical data from the American Bar Association (ABA) and data from institutional profiles in the subsequent section to place the University s law program in the context of peer programs along a variety of metrics. The second section of the report provides program profile data for each of the peer institutions across four categories: flexible program offerings; internships & externships; international study opportunities; and student activities. Exercise Science Program Models - In this report, Hanover Research outlines models for transforming an exercise science program oriented toward physical education into one more closely tied to the biological and life sciences. The first section offers a market scan of exercise science programs offered by State institutions. Subsequent sections examine relevant programs in detail. BENCHMARKING Student-to-Staff Ratios: International Comparison - In this report, Hanover Research provides an overview of the most commonly used methodologies for calculating student-to-staff ratios (SSR) in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The report also discusses how student-to-staff ratios are used in international rankings of universities. Additionally, this report presents the available data on SSR averages in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia by academic field and discipline. 4
Benchmarking Governance Structures at Private Universities - In this report, Hanover Research provides an overview of trends in university governance structures, with a specific focus on private institutions. Following a literature review examining general trends, we profile the governance structures of three peer institutions in detail. Board of Trustees Benchmarking - In this report, Hanover compares the main characteristics of Boards of Trustees at religiously-affiliated colleges and universities across the United States. Safety and Security Benchmarking: Incident Reporting - In this report, Hanover Research examines the incident reporting procedures at 11 of the University s peer institutions. We provide information on reporting policies and protocol, judicial process procedures, marketing tools, training, and assessment. Measuring and Benchmarking Faculty Productivity - In this report, Hanover Research provides an overview of the trends and discussions related to measuring faculty productivity in higher education. In-depth examinations of national productivity surveys are provided, as well as benchmarking of faculty productivity at peer and nationally ranked institutions. Public Financing Structures - International Higher Education - In this report, Hanover Research examines the funding structures for public universities in the seven areas specified by the Institution. Where applicable, we provide charts and tables that highlight the formulas governments use to fund institutions of higher education. Benchmarking Governance Structures at Private Universities - In this report, Hanover Research provides an overview of trends in university governance structures, with a specific focus on private institutions. Following a literature review examining general trends, we profile the governance structures of three peer institutions in detail. QUANTITATIVE & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS U.S. News Rankings Position Assessment - In this report, we examine the University s position in the U.S.News & World Report business school rankings. We also analyze the projected overall effects of various simulations involving increases in each of the variables which make up the ranking. Brand Perception Survey Analysis - In this report, Hanover Research examines the results from a survey on the College s brand. The survey was administered from December 2011 to January 2012 to various stakeholders including students, alumni, faculty/staff, etc. The survey includes questions on the College s marketing efficacy, its brand promise, and its brand attributes and values, among other things. 2011 Alumni Survey Analysis - In this report Hanover Research analyzes the results of the 2011 University Alumni survey. We present overall results in several categories: satisfaction with academic programs and intellectual rigor, satisfaction with facilities, preparation for the workforce and hiring process, current employment, and plans for continuing education. We also discuss countervailing trends at work among sub-populations of respondents. 2011 Humanities and Social Science Core Exit Survey Analysis - This report summarizes responses from the 2011 Humanities and Social Science (HSS) Core Exit Survey. Analysis is provided for each of the four Core courses, overall, and within each of the three academic programs at the Institution. 5
2011 General Exit Survey Analysis - This report summarizes responses from the Institution s 2011 General Exit Survey. Enrollment Projection Model - In this report, Hanover presents student enrollment projections for the University from 2012 through 2015 based a regression model as well as compound annual growth rates. In addition to the overall enrollment projections, we also provide projections for each of the schools operating under the University. Online Course Utilization for 2011 Graduates - In this report, Hanover analyzes the students who graduated in 2011 from the College to explore online course utilization by these students. Data collected over a period of 42 years, provided to Hanover by the College, is used for the analyses. SURVEYING 2011 Alumni Engagement Survey Results & Analysis - In this report, Hanover Research analyzes responses to the 2011 Alumni Engagement Survey. We analyze responses by crosstabs of interest to the Alumni Relations Office and report on significant and substantial differences among groups of respondents. Enrollment Patterns of Malaysian Students - In this report, Hanover Research examines the enrollment patterns of Malaysian students at the University. We compare these data with Malaysian student enrollments in the U.K. and Malaysian student enrollments across undergraduate programs in Malaysia. Based on this comparison, we map whether course offerings at the University align with Malaysian student enrollments in the U.K. and Malaysia. LITERATURE REVIEW Community College Attrition, Retention and Student Success - In this report, Hanover Research presents a brief review of the literature on community college student success. We examine measures of student success, barriers to retention and graduation, and strategies that support student achievement. The report concludes by briefly profiling those two-year institutions with the highest reported retention rates in the nation. Academic Advising: Strategies for Improving Retention and Completion - In this report, Hanover Research analyzes the role of academic advising in community college retention and completion. We examine strategies implemented by community colleges, as well as several approaches proven effective in broader institutional contexts. Modern Conference Centers: Trends and Best Practices - In this report, Hanover Research examines best practices and technological trends among local conference centers. Three types of facilities host meetings: conference centers, hotels, and colleges and universities. We provide several case studies within each category in an attempt to highlight the range of services offered by such sites and the associated fees. The Business Case for Diversity: Complex, Context-Dependent, and Contentious - In this report, Hanover Research presents a review of the business case for diversity as presented in research literature. The report additionally integrates discussion both of the social case for employment diversity and of the need for promoting the success of immigrant populations in the Canadian economic context. 6
Published Research on Liver Transplantation, 2008-2012 - This brief summarizes research published between 2008 and 2012 on liver transplantation that looked at differences by gender, race, and geography of patients. Relevant articles are listed in a bibliography and summary tables. Aligning Teacher Education Programs with Accreditation Standards and Best Practices in the Field - In this report, Hanover Research presents an overview of best practices in teacher education programs, as emphasized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), through a review of relevant literature and documentation. The report also highlights the academic offerings and innovative features of several programs viewed favorably by these accrediting organizations. Finally, the report briefly reviews information on state assessments designed by Pearson. University Centers within a System - In this report, Hanover Research examines the organizational models and governing structures of various higher education centers throughout the United States. In particular, this report examines the various cooperative models between community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. Current Practices in Graduate Credentials - In this report, we present the graduate diplomas and certificates offered by colleges and universities in the Province by institution and by field, paying special attention to tuition for international students and other program characteristics. We then examine graduate diplomas and certificates on the national level. Finally, we examine industry trends within the economies of the Province and Canada as a whole to predict those sectors whose growth will increase student demand for graduate diploma programs. 7