role of universities in professional trg - presented at 2015 acca ssa learning providers conference

The increasing role of universities in professional education And training in SSA - some reflections

By Dr A N Ng’anduExecutive DirectorZambia Centre for Accountancy Studies

IntroductionA 2012 study by Ernst and Young titled

“University of the Future” says that that the dominant university model — a broad-based teaching and research institution, supported by a large asset base and a large, predominantly in-house back office — will prove unviable in all but a few cases over the next 10-15 years.

2 05/01/2023 ACCA Sub-Saharan Africa Learnuing Providers'

Conference, July 2015

IntroductionAt a minimum:

significantly streamline their operations and asset base,

incorporate new teaching and learning delivery mechanisms,

Diffuse channels to market, and Incorporate stakeholder expectations for

increased impact 3 05/01/2023

ACCA Sub-Saharan Africa Learnuing Providers' Conference, July 2015

IntroductionAt its extreme:

create new products and markets that merge parts of the education sector with other sectors, such as media, technology, innovation, and venture capital.

Clearly, there are exciting times ahead — and challenges too, but

Also provides a basis for this presentation. 4 05/01/2023


Where We AreSSA Universities can no longer restrict

themselves to academic training.Tradition of providing academic

training only no longer tenable.Well rounded individuals with both

professional and academic training now in demand.



Where We AreIndustry continuously concerned about

how long it takes to make university graduates fully productive.

Universities must come down from their ivory towers to produce fit for purpose graduates in the world of work.



Where We AreIn developing countries, increasing

joblessness of graduates is one of the pressing problems.

Graduates’ skills set is not commensurate with the available job opportunities in the job market.

there is increased need to provide job related training to the new graduates. 7 05/01/2023


Where We Are

Universities in SSA have not taken up the role to impart the required job related skills.

Clearly, there is a challenge and a need for this diversification.



3 Key Considerations1. Expanding the range of

coverage of professional education to include: Initiation, qualification, improvement and Specialisation.

Benefits: increase access and the range of

programmes and competitiveness, and the additional revenues. 9 05/01/2023


Key ConsiderationsHow: build deep alliances with relevant bodies in their chosen fields, including partnerships to support research and innovation, professional skill development and lifelong learning.



Key Considerations2. Mainstreaming research in

professional training professional training does not draw

much from research.universities are well placed and

equipped to undertake the research required to improve practice.

improve the quality of professional teaching and training 11 05/01/2023


Key Considerations3. Increasing access to

professional training.SSA does not have as many professional

tuition providers as the rest of the world.niche for universities (which are wide

spread in SSA) to fill the gap and provide the professional education and training.

Requires changes in university pedagogical approach to teaching .



5 Implications for Universities

1. The quality, academic excellence and competences of the faculty backgrounds of academic qualifications

and research capability to include industrial experience

2. Academic talent attract new talent to replace the

workforce support new business models and programmes in non-traditional operating models. 13 05/01/2023


Implications for Universities

3. Commercial Skills and Capability Professional bodies and universities will need to

work closely in order to cut the right deals upon which professional education and training can be effectively delivered.

4. Change Management and speed to market New models will require significant change. find ways of being true to their mission, while

at the same time changing their business and operating models.

A critical component will be speed to market. 14 05/01/2023


Implications for Universities

5. Regulation Challenges arising from regulation and

benchmarking to be carefully addressed so that innovation is not stifled.

Regulators will need to consider how new university models and products might fit in the regulatory frameworks without compromising standards.



Thank you!!



role of universities in professional trg - presented at 2015 acca ssa learning providers conference

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