Michael Grove

Senior management perspectives of mathematics and statistics support in higher education: moving to an ‘ecological’ approach

ABSTRACT This article explores the perspectives of three senior managers in higher education institutions in England regarding their mathematics and statistics support provision. It does so by means of a qualitative case study that draws upon the writing of Ronald Barnett about the identity of an ‘ecological’ university, along with metaphors associated with the notion of organisations as living ‘organisms’, suggested by Gareth Morgan. Using these ideas as a heuristic sheds light upon the view that whilst outwardly universities appear to represent a uniform landscape, mathematics and statistics support alternatively, can be seen as different ‘species’ within the higher education system. The study illustrates how three universities occupying contrasting ecological ‘niches’ are responding to the challenges they face by providing and planning different forms of learning support for mathematics and statistics. In conclusion, it is recommended that senior managers reflect upon the possibilities offered by the idea of ‘ecological’ identities in order to explore how they might respond strategically to a rapidly changing environment. This includes adapting various solutions and the further development of innovative ways of supporting students’ transitions throughout the academic lifecycle. In addition, an ecological approach could also aid the formation of the co-creational relationships and networks required for the future success of those developments.

The Future Development of the Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching Conference (UMTC)

MSOR Connections Feb 2006 Vol 6 No 1 For several years now, the Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching Conference (UMTC) has been reflecting upon its future. UMTC 2005 was a very successful meeting for those present, but the small number of participants attending the Conference was an indication that change is now necessary. The UMTC Committee met immediately following the September 2005 Conference to discuss options for the future, and following the meeting, a ballot of the ideas discussed was conducted amongst Committee members. The proposals for UMTC 2006 are as follows: The Future Development of the Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching Conference (UMTC) Written by: Neil Challis (UMTC Chair 2006) and Michael Grove (Maths, Stats & OR Network)