Work in Progress
Trading places: The impact and outcomes of market reform in vocational education and training
Summary
- Item:
- 10073
- Title:
- Trading places: The impact and outcomes of market reform in vocational education and training
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR7038
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 1 August 1998
- Contact:
- Damon Anderson
- phone: 0061399059193
- email: damon.anderson@education.monash.edu.au
Purpose
The main purpose of the project is research, document and evaluate the impact and consequences, both intended and unintended, of market reforms in the Australian VET sector from provider and client perspectives. To this end, the project will aim to:
* examine the structure, functions and operations of markets in VET at a micro level with a special emphasis on the interaction of demand and supply and its effects; and
* explore the relationship between official policy discourse and associated market frameworks and the actual experience and impact of markets in VET from provider and client perspectives.
Approach
Literature Review, Consultations with Stakeholders, Data collection
Research questions
The proposed study will address the following research questions:
* what are the structure and dynamics of markets in VET at the micro level?
* how are providers and clients responding to market mechanisms in VET, with particular reference to supply-side competition and demand-side choice?
* to what extent have market reforms in VET achieved the intended policy outcomes at a micro level, with particular reference to efficiency, responsiveness and equity?
* is the market subject to failure from a provider and/or client perspective and, if so, in which respects?
* what barriers exist to the development of more efficient, responsive and equitable markets in VET?
* what strategies are required to improve the operation and outcomes of market arrangements with respect to efficiency, responsiveness and equity?
Methodology
Phase I: Literature review and conceptual framework
* Updating and expanding the collection and analysis of relevant research and policy literature, local and international, on the impact and consequences of market reforms in VET.
* Commence the development of a conceptual framework based on relevant theoretical and research literature.
Phase II: Consultations, survey design and ethics approval
* Extensive consultations will be undertaken with relevant stakeholders including ANTA, State Training Authorities, academic researchers and peak bodies representing providers and clients. The purposes of these consultations will be to: investigate emerging patterns and trends on the supply and demand sides of the VET market at a macro level; seek the views of peak bodies on the impact of market reforms on efficiency, responsiveness and equity; and identify key policy issues and options for improving the operation and outcomes of markets in VET.
* Identify potential participants in the study, negotiate access to providers, and assist in the development of survey instruments. Consultations will be conducted on an ongoing basis in order to cross-reference and, where possible, verify emerging trends and patterns in the research. Prior to implementation, all field research instruments (questionnaire and interview schedules) will be submitted to the Monash University Standing Committee on Ethics in Research on Humans for approval to ensure that they comply with required standards.
Phase III: Data collection
Data will be collected via:
1. National survey of VET providers
- A national survey of a large representative sample of VET providers (TAFE and non-TAFE) in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas will be conducted with the aim of identifying current trends and patterns on the supply side of the market.
2. Multi-site study: focus group interviews
- A series of targeted focus group interviews in multiple provider sites in the VET market of metropolitan Melbourne, including TAFE, ACE, commercial, industry and enterprise providers.
- Focus group interviews will be conducted with management, heads of departments/teaching and support staff from the final sample of VET providers.
- In-depth interviews will be conducted with a broad cross-section of VET consumers (students, apprentices and employers) from the same group of providers. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted with groups of students and apprentices, and employer-clients will be interviewed by telephone.
3. Supplementary data
- Statistical data derived from the ABS, NCVER, State Training Authorities and other sources will be used to contextualise and generalise research findings wherever possible.
Phase IV: Data analysis and reporting
* Data will be progressively analysed throughout the duration of the project. Progress reports will be provided on completion of each phase of the project, and a final report will be produced in December 1998.
Phase V: Dissemination strategy
* The outcomes of the project will be disseminated in a variety of forms which may include reports, articles, conference papers, workshops and a web site.
Organisations
CEET is a research centre which focuses on the contribution of education and training to economic and social development. It is funded by ANTA as a National Key VET Research Centre. CEET is a joint venture of Monash University and the Australian Council for Educational Research with collaboration with the Department of Vocational Education and Training at the University of Melbourne. This structure allows CEET access to a wide range of technical expertise and institutional support. The Centre reports to an Advisory Board chaired by Professor Peter Karmel, President of the ACER Council. CEET has a VET Advisory Committee which includes members from the Business Council of Australia, Industry Advisory Boards, private providers, TAFE Institutes, ANTA and training authorities from three States.
