Why do universities need Institutional Research? A review of foreign experience

Institutional research (IR) serves as an example of a sphere where practical and scientific interests towards higher education issues and university management are combined. The article looks at three key questions: how did the demand for university monitoring arise; what are the main objectives of institutional research and how should institutional research officers be organized in order to function in the most effective way. While looking for the answers, I examine the history and preconditions of IR and analyze modern institutional environment of university monitoring. Specific examples of practical application of IR results are also considered. In the second part of the paper I focus on the conditions which are essential for an effective functioning of institutional research officers.