Implementation of continuing higher education in German universities - control options and strategies for action

• Applicant: Dr. Timm C. Feld
• Subject Area: Education Systems and Educational Institutions
• Term: from 2013 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 236880244

University continuing education has experienced an enormous increase in attention and sig-nificance over the past few years. The overriding society-related objective is to improve the framework conditions for achieving life-long education and learning opportunities for a wide section of the population. This empirical research project takes these developments into con-sideration in that the type and manner of the implementation of university continuing educa-tion is addressed within the context of university education management using ten university case studies. This is done from the point of view of the relevant actors at the university re-sponsible for the development of university continuing education (e.g. steering committee; consultant(s) for university continuing education; persons who develop and implement univer-sity continuing education offers at a faculty level). The focus is on the question as to if and how university continuing education can be perceived and described as a strategic positioning and/or profile-cultivating opportunity for the university. The core of the project, which is rooted in the field of adult education organisation research, is the verification of model-based theses on the process of implementation management in continuing higher education. The survey procedures in the case studies are based on problem-centred interviews and group discussion methods. The evaluation process takes place, based on the research projects purpose, using a qualitative content.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants