Emerging Need for Management Consulting in Indian Higher Education Sector

The pivotal role of higher education in the emerging scenario of knowledge economy has been discussed and established as most crucial for any country in general and India in particular. But with nearly 140 million people in the college-going age, India is faced with major issues like entrée, impartiality, inclusion, internationalization, value, privatization, technology and financing in higher education. Over the past two decades as the demand for higher education in India has increased well above the government’s capacity to finance there has been a rise in private higher education.

Rise of the edupreneur: Thus, emerged the sunrise sector which fast became a preferred business option for many a modern entrepreneur as it catered for the gap between demand for professionally executed modern education and the existing supply of world class higher education institutions. With increasing involvement of businessmen in education soon came the realization that without domain expertise the knowledge sector came with its own peculiar set of roadblocks and obstacles.

Education Advisories: The domain expertise came from a group of education consulting firms who strategized, advised and helped to transform higher educational institutions to bring about relevant economic and pedagogic outcomes. These education advisories with their team of qualified education consultants have repeatedly delivered substantial and lasting improvement in learning and teaching outcomes. These advisories draw upon the expertise of their Consultants, who are generally experienced and with a sound knowledge of their respective specializations in the field of higher education, and can therefore ensure best practices and ideas in developing a high-quality learning environment. The consultants have extensive experience serving colleges, universities and schools – including positions as present and former trustees, presidents, vice chancellor, director, faculty and other senior staff –each with a particular area of expertise in college, university and school leadership and management. Keeping in mind that education is the most important determinant of our economic growth the education consulting firms in India with their large concentration of education experts have been able to provide research based practical solutions tailor made to the need of the clients.

Strategic Consulting: These higher education consulting firms, known to deliver strategically planned consulting, helps to improve the overall education delivering process in multiply dynamic ways. These consultancy firms can help Higher Education providers meet the challenges faced in an increasingly competitive environment, whether curriculum improvement at discipline or faculty level, developing a framework to support continuing professional development or gathering information through surveys – these advisories are there to help institutions achieving its academic excellence.

Strategic Planning for system improvement: Successful strategic planning is the pivot for successful management of educational institutions in our rapidly changing world. The education consultants primarily focus on the primary issues facing higher education in India today like performance of the education system; employment education; talent, university planning, assessment and performance management; operational management; and strategic planning for institutional improvement. When consulted for improving the system performance the consultants support their clients on this journey by assessing the current performance and identifying the most effective opportunities for change. There are many occasions it is found that the education advisers have helped in building the institution as well as the leader. The consultancies are also providing services to large organizations by forging alliances and partnerships and assisting them to start a business school in this highly potential indian higher education sector.

Edutech Consulting: As the world is rapidly transforming and technology is disrupting schools, from K-12 through to higher education and adult learning. Education delivered through the internet (e-learning and MOOCs) is commonplace while areas such as mobile learning (or m-learning) are becoming more prevalent as mobile devices proliferate. The education consultancies being a specialist in education technology in India are adept at helping entrepreneurs understand their market, Education ERP, University ERP and the potential for technology to impact education systems and the education industry.

Market Research: These management consultancies conduct education market research in particularly directed at the Higher education sector for universities, colleges of further education, distance learning providers and other institutions offering advanced study such as academic degrees or vocational qualifications. Such research may cover topics like branding, education industry analysis, market forecasts, course design, student satisfaction, competition overview, staff satisfaction, learner destination surveys, new course development and reputation studies.

India Market Entry: The higher education consultancies integrate the industry expertise with market research experience to assist their international clients in identifying their market entry strategy for academic partnerships and university tie ups through its strategic planning, assessment and implementation services. The advisories with their combination of sector expertise, technical resources and practical local knowledge enable the clients to enter and reach their full potential in India.



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