ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: APPROACHES AND MECHANISMS

Abstract

The article analyzes the problem of determining the feasibility of implementing educational programs in higher education institutions of Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to develop a policy for assessing the feasibility of educational programs based on the well-known practices of foreign universities. Methods. The study used methods of theoretical analysis of scientific sources, analysis of the regulatory framework of universities. Results. It was established that the general practice at the stage of opening a new educational program is to predict its feasibility: the staffing, material base, labor market in the region, employers' wishes, opportunities to compete with similar educational institutions, the number of applicants that can be attracted to the educational institution are assessed. The policy for evaluating existing educational programs in the American higher education system requires universities to be transparent and adhere to the gradual procedure of teach-out when closing programs so that students who have already enrolled can complete their studies. The emphasis in the study is on the analysis of the program prioritization system developed by the American consultant R. Barry Dickesson. The author notes that in Western Europe, the decision to open or close an educational institution is a complex process based on strategic priorities, financial feasibility, quality of education and protection of students' rights. It is noted that Eastern European universities have developed internal quality assessment mechanisms, and funding is closely linked to the actual number of students and income from grants/research. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the approaches of US universities, which are characterized by an orientation towards financial margin and strategic prioritization, and Western and Eastern European universities, which are oriented towards EU market demand and quality standards, the author proposes a three-level algorithm for assessing the feasibility of educational programs (EPs), adapted for Ukrainian universities.