Chapter 1. The Management of University Continuing Education: An Overview

Research and UCE 

CASE STUDY 3

The Role of the Director of the University Continuing Education Centre in the University of Lapland, Finland

Supplied by Dr Helka Urponen, Director of the Continuing Education Centre in the University of Lapland.

In this case study, revised in 2002, Helka Urponen explains  her challenges and role as a Director of the Continuing Education Centre in the University of Lapland in the far north of Europe. There is a clear University policy on CE, which has a strong regional development role, in a wider national, European and international context. Detailed information, including website addresses, and discussion of management issues, provide an insight into the work of the Centre and its Director.

One task of this Handbook is to describe, in a very concrete way, the work of Continuing Education Centre (CEC) directors. I was asked to describe how I feel about my challenges and my role as Director of the Continuing Education Centre in the University of Lapland in Finland. I hope that my experience will be seen as an introduction to this Handbook. 

My approach to management is very subjective. It is supported by twelve years of experience in UCE management, and years of work at the University and in a research institute. All these years have been different and this means everlasting learning in the leadership skills. 

The main elements of UCE reflect the fact that managers in a CEC must look outside as well as inside: i.e. we operate outside our universities and we also have extensive management responsibilities within our universities. In the following pages I will explain both of these perspectives and emphasize some major elements of important UCE management processes. 

A Mission Statement

A Strategy

A Vision

Our Business Plan

Management by Objectives

Regional Development Needs and Environmental Analysis

Development of New Products