Competent managers? – The development and validation of a normative model using the MCI standards

Increasing demands in university management in the 1990s in the UK requires a re‐examination of the head of school’s role. The Standards are part of a radical change in the system of vocational education and training in the UK which began in 1982. A questionnaire was distributed to deans and senior officers, heads and staff. Respondents gave their ratings of importance of 62 activities in the effective leading and managing of a school derived from the Standards. In feedback workshops heads and deans commented on changes to the proposed model. The validity of the standards and their future usefulness is evidenced by few changes to the proposed model and willingness by heads and deans to use the model as the platform for future development.