Should cost analysis of a university be based on revenue generated? I have posted a link to the WSJ article on cost analysis of professors. I tend to think this analysis is fine, simply to understand the system, but as an analysis of effectiveness it shows a lack of understanding a system. Some parts of a system may operate at a loss in order to optimize the system. Ranking professors or departments with this Cost/Revenue process does not explain the system. Analysis only explains how something works; it does not explain why something works.
Why does the university exist? What is the purpose of the university system? I would like to think that universities understand that they exist to create relevant learning experiences for students. Are students leaving the university with capability for the 21st Century? How do we know? The Relevant/Experience/Capability/Cost factor is the more important figure. What is the feedback from the students attending these classes? Do they believe they are receiving a high quality experience? Is it working? Are student more and more capable after leaving a university? How do we know?
What do you think?
