This book is about the use of evidence in the leadership and management of universities and colleges. The role of institutional self-study in establishing strategy and measuring progress is examined across the full range of institutional activities, with many worked examples.

Practical guidance is also set in the context of theory about organisational learning within complex enterprises at the start of the 21st century, as well as an account of the state of the art within higher education in the UK, with some international comparisons. Because of the nature of the business – knowledge production and use –universities should be better at organisational learning than they are. This book shows how disciplined self-study can assist decision-making, general effectiveness and reputational positioning for universities and colleges. The book explores why self-study matters, the key processes and techniques, as well as what can be delivered.

In addition to the internal drivers to enhance self-study capacity and practice, institutions are increasingly required to produce explicit and transparent accounts of their activities and performance to external bodies, to support marketing, to respond to multiple stakeholders and to meet external reporting and regulatory requirements.

At the heart of the book is the case for the development of the university or college as a mature, self-reflective community, making full use of its analytical and other resources.