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Benchmarking: A Method for Quality Assessment and Enhancement in Higher Education

Implications for Open Online Learning

Book cover Learning, Design, and Technology

Abstract

The concept of quality is multifaceted. Moreover, its definition depends on who defines it, the context in which it is defined, and the maturity of those who define both the concept and its implications. Benchmarking is commonly used to enhance quality, and it has been applied increasingly in a variety of sectors. The concept of benchmarking refers to the process of comparing processes, businesses, and performance metrics with the best practices of others. This chapter focuses on the theory and practice of benchmarking and its rationale, process, and benefits. The concept of benchlearning will also be elaborated in this chapter. The implications for the use of this method in open online learning environments are described. However, the concept of the quality of open online learning is as elusive and complex as the reality of open online learning itself.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Swedish Association for Distance Education, and the Ossiannilsson Quality in Open Online Learning (QOOL) Consultancy, Kung Oscars väg 27, 222 35, Lund, Sweden

    Ebba S. I. Ossiannilsson

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  1. Ebba S. I. Ossiannilsson
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Correspondence to Ebba S. I. Ossiannilsson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Info, Ste G150, Univ of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA

    Michael J Spector

  2. School of Education, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    Barbara B Lockee

  3. School of Education, Baker University, Overland Park, Kansas, USA

    Marcus D. Childress

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Ossiannilsson, E.S.I. (2016). Benchmarking: A Method for Quality Assessment and Enhancement in Higher Education. In: Spector, M., Lockee, B., Childress, M. (eds) Learning, Design, and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_52-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_52-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17727-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Benchmarking: A Method for Quality Assessment and Enhancement in Higher Education
    Published:
    21 March 2023

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_52-3

  2. Benchmarking: A Method for Quality Assessment and Enhancement in Higher Education
    Published:
    16 February 2017

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_52-2

  3. Original

    Benchmarking: A Method for Quality Assessment and Enhancement in Higher Education
    Published:
    04 August 2016

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17727-4_52-1

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