Distinct Objective Comparisons

[rsmith]

I am confused as to how we are to compare "Distinct Institutional Objectives" with other institutions. By definition, does not "distinct" imply unique, rendering comparisons not only very difficult to measure, but also entirely without value?

The only manner to which I can think of making comparisons of "distinct" objectives is perhaps through unit costs.

[Spangehl]

I would think an objective that distinguishes your school from many others -- its religious mission, the fact that it provides cultural programs for its community, it alumni programs, its commitment to pure research, or whatever -- is not SO distinctive that you can't find anonother organization with a similar objective, and use that organization as a means of comparing your performance. If you give plays for the community, what kind of attendance (or reviews) do you get, and how does it compare with others? If you counsel non-English speakers, what proportion of the non-English speakers in your service area have you touched? What do similar counseling services touch? The comparisons don't necessarily have to be higher education organizations; if you compare yourself on only one dimension, the comparison organization needs only share that one dimension.