The information held by UK NARIC on just under 200 countries will continue to be updated on a rolling basis. In addition, the 2014 IDP identifies those countries specifically requiring major updates through targeted research to reflect any significant changes made to those respective systems.

Particular attention has been given to the following data sources in the identification of UK NARIC priority countries:

• Applications received from individuals
• Information requests from member organisations
• Internal assessment (of where significant change had taken place worldwide).

Therefore major information revision and updates have been planned to take place in 2014.

Needs Analysis & Data Review Process

Information updating requires a structured methodological process to ensure that updating takes place systematically and along a logical progression path as set out below (and in more detail, in the UK NARIC Code of Practice):

1. Desk-based research
2. Data collection and in-country reviews
3. Data processing & analysis
4. Quality assurance
5. Information dissemination

The review stage normally covers some or all sectors and levels of education currently available on the NARIC databases including:

• Country Descriptions
• School Education 
• Technical and Vocational Education
• Higher Education 
• Professional Qualifications (where appropriate) 
• Grading Systems 
• Lists of Recognised Higher Education Institutions (including historical data) 
• Glossary (where appropriate)

The revision of data currently held and the comparative studies of various data should lead to a detailed, country-specific review programme based on needs analysis.

IDP activities

The following plan sets out database-specific tasks and highlights regional and country-specific work schedules for this year (Table 1).  The planned activities will be delivered and managed by the UK NARIC Services Group.

International Comparisons; Regional Priorities

Latin America:

To provide an extensive review and update of existing information, with particular focus on higher education, private education providers and programme accreditation.

Asia Pacific:

To review and expand existing data specifically on developments in vocational education sectors, with a focus on quality assurance.

South Pacific:

To provide a comprehensive review of information currently held for the region.

Country-specific Activities

The table below includes all countries where reviews will take place.

The research method differentiates between those cases where desk-based research will suffice and those where embassy-based or in-country reviews are required.

The type/area of update refers to the particular sections of the relevant country files that will be researched and amended or added to.

Other Developments

In addition to core activities for International Comparisons, attention will also focus on other developmental work.

International Grade Comparisons

To update current data and extend the number of countries included on the database by at least 20, subject to the availability of appropriate grading data.

European Grade Distribution

To update the current data for those countries included within the dataset.

Transnational Education

To continue researching global developments in transnational education (TNE) and investigate trends and patterns that emerge in TNE delivery.

Vocational Comparisons

To provide a systematic and thorough review of the database organisation.

Table 1