Mapping Diversity: Developing a European Classification of ... - U-Map

34 5.4 Conclusion and considerations
In this paragraph we present our conclusion on the preferred model for the operational implementation
of the multi-dimensional classifi cation and offer some fi nal considerations.
The conclusions and considerations reached so far have only a provisional character given the
fact that the research on classifi cation is still going on. The project team will only be able to come
to more substantial and concrete recommendations with regard to institutionalisation after further
development of the whole concept of classifi cation and more feedback from stakeholders.
Nonetheless, a fi rst indication of the preferred model for the implementation of the classifi cation can
be presented.
As a consequence of the above assessment, the project team recommends combining the
independent organisation and the stakeholder models for the institutionalisation and implementation
of the classifi cation. A way to operationalise this would be to create a legally independent organisation
in which stakeholders have an important advisory role to play.
We propose the creation of a non-governmental and not-for-profi t organisation that operates
independently from its funding constituencies or stakeholders (or the use of an existing organisation
of this nature). Funding could come from public or private sources as long as independence from
these sources and sustainability is guaranteed.
The operating organisation would have a board consisting of independent members and would
be managed by a director supported by professional staff. The board of the organisation would be
advised by a stakeholder advisory council and a scientifi c advisory committee. This organisation is
refl ected in the organisational chart below:
Figure 1: Proposed organisational chart of the organisation responsible for the classifi cation
Board
Scientific Advisory Comittee
Stakeholder Advisory Council
MAPPING DIVERSITY
Director
Professional Staff
The project team also recommends the creation of communities to further develop ‘challenging’
dimensions and to seek better indicators (see section 4.3). The classifi cation organisation would
interact with these communities of specifi c higher education institutions designing their operational
procedures and processes.
In addition, several aspects of the implementation of the classifi cation need further attention.
Regarding the operational area of the classifi cation it is advised to focus on the European Higher
Education Area (EHEA) and thus to relate the classifi cation to the Bologna Process. However, we