Lecturers' Competencies: A Qualitative Study in Higher Education

Abstract

The presence of well-known universities outside Indonesia has attracted significant interests, not only from Indonesian residents, but also from residents of other countries. Particularly, western universities are highly demanded and the competition is rather fierce when students attempt to register and take on the entrance tests. Only the top percentile of students seems to be accepted. Because of limitation in space and personnel, those western universities decided to expand their market base into developing countries by getting closer to their potential customers.

International universities have become a new trend in Indonesia's higher educational institutions. With the growing numbers of students applying into the international programs at various universities in Indonesia, it is apparent that Indonesians are more assertive to receive internationalized standards. Thus, matching consumer behaviors, and expectations in the local market would be indispensable in trying to ensure the smooth running and operational activities of the international universities in Indonesia.

This paper attempts to focus on human capital in the everlasting competition within the international universities in Indonesia. The focus on human capital includes issues on human skills, ability in teaching, and teaching delivery, perhaps including research skills and research ability. It is uncertain whether the lecturers' capacity, ability, competence, skills, knowledge and all attributes of the lecturers to handle international classes are sufficient and fit to the consumer expectations.

Research is conducted by gathering data from primary and secondary sources in several locations of international universities in Jakarta, such lecturers, students, and parents. It is expected that such research would eventually the importance on lecturers' competencies in handling international classes with international standards.

Keywords: lecturer, competence, case study, international, university

JEL Classification: I21