I’m excited to share my recently published book chapter from Metrics, Mapping, and Modelling for Masterful Management in Higher Education (Emerald Press, 2025) entitled Manage Curricular Offerings and Their Evolution.
Chapter 12 focuses on managing a university’s curricular “portfolio” as a living system—one that must evolve intentionally without outpacing faculty capacity or institutional resources. It shows how to quantify the breadth and depth of program offerings, compare the size of the curriculum to what the faculty body can realistically deliver, and build an evidence-based plan for curricular evolution that includes a clear pipeline of programs at different stages (idea, development, launch, growth, and phase-out). The chapter also introduces practical ways to analyze program markets and align resource allocation with real timing—funding new program ramp-up while responsibly sunsetting programs that no longer fit demand or mission. Finally, it addresses the outcomes that matter most to students and institutions alike: improving student throughput, reducing time to degree, and strengthening graduation rates by designing programs that are both academically coherent and operationally sustainable.
Many of the book’s chapters have a companion video which can be viewed for free on the Higher Education Leadership Learning Online Community web site. Visit the site to see the complete and evolving list.
If you’re involved in higher-ed leadership, strategy, assessment, or institutional research, I’d love for you to take a look at the chapter and add your comments below. If you would like assistance implementing any of the ideas addressed, please compete a consultation request form – the first hour is free for any institution.
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