Performance Reporting

Performance Measure 19: Number of computer science, electrical and computer engineering student spaces

Government's strategy to double (over five years beginning in 2002/03) the number of BC degree graduates in computer science, electrical and computer engineering will reduce critical labour shortages in these areas.

This performance measure was included because of Government's New Era commitment in this area. It consists of student FTEs in computer science, electrical and computer engineering degree programs offered at four of BC's universities (University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria and University of Northern British Columbia) and six of BC's university colleges and institutes (British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kwantlen University College, Malaspina University-College, Okanagan University College, University College of the Fraser Valley, and University College of the Cariboo). A total of 3,410 student FTEs are required to double the number of graduates (compared to 2002) in the targeted academic programs.

Performance measure definitions have not changed since the inception of the program (called "Doubling the Opportunity for Knowledge Professionals," or "DTO") in 2002/03. Data for this measure are obtained from audited FTE reports submitted annually from universities, university colleges and British Columbia Institute of Technology, supplemented by special reporting by universities for program detail not captured in audited FTE reports.

Factors that may affect the achievement of program-related targets include: student demand; student retention issues; institution enrolment management policies and procedures; and administration practices in counting FTEs for these programs. Should some institutions not meet their target of DTO student FTEs the desired performance measure result (doubling the graduates) may not be achieved.

Results

The program represents an ambitious expansion of student FTEs in the targeted fields. The targets were established on the basis of a joint proposal from The University Presidents' Council (TUPC) and the British Columbia Technology Industries Association and subsequent discussions with TUPC, British Columbia Institute of Technology and individual university colleges.

The lower than targeted results reflect some lower student demand for computer science programs due to the recent downturn in the information technology sector. Institutions are responding with changes to computer science offerings that respond to student and industry needs. Demand for engineering programs, however, continues to be strong.

In 2004/05, this measure, along with three others that gauge efforts to increase output in strategic skills, have been combined into the following single, four-part measure: "Number of student spaces in identified strategic skill programs: i) Computer science, electrical and computer engineering programs; ii) Social/child protection worker programs; iii) RNs, LPNs, and RCAs and other Allied Health programs; iv) Medical School programs."

Historical Data/Utilization Rates

Adjustments were made to the Total Targeted FTEs and the 2002/03 Actual Student FTEs after the publication of the 2004/05 – 2006/07 Service Plan and 2002/03 Service Plan Report. The adjustments are due to changes in 2001/02 and 2002/03 data that reflects improved tracking of students entering these programs in their first two years of study.

Performance Measure 20: Number of social/child protection worker student spaces

This performance measure was designated as a result of Government's New Era commitment to train more social workers to meet the critical skills shortage. The measure consists of student FTEs in Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care programs offered at four university colleges (Malaspina University-College, Okanagan University College, University College of the Cariboo, University College of the Fraser Valley) (University College of the Cariboo is delivering some of their FTEs at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology), and three universities (University of British Columbia, University of Victoria and University of Northern British Columbia).

Results:

Results for this measure exceeded the target.

In 2004/05, this measure, along with three others that gauge efforts to increase output in strategic skills, have been combined into the following single, four-part measure: "Number of student spaces in identified strategic skill programs: i) Computer science, electrical and computer engineering programs; ii) Social/child protection worker programs; iii) RNs, LPNs, and RCAs and other Allied Health programs; iv) Medical School programs."

Historical Data/Utilization Rates

Performance Measure 21: Number of RNs, LPNs and RCAs, and other Allied Health student spaces

This performance measure was designated as a result of Government's New Era commitment to expand training programs for care aids, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. It consists of student FTEs in nursing and allied health programs at public post-secondary institutions. The measure is an indicator of the number of students accessing programs in nursing and allied health programs.

The data source for this measure is audited FTE reports submitted to the Ministry annually from universities, university colleges, colleges and institutes.

Factors that may affect the achievement of performance of program-related measures include: student demand; student retention issues; institution enrolment management policies and procedures; and administration practices in counting FTEs for these programs.

Results:

These targets are realistic and are based on what institutions could accommodate in terms of facilities, clinical FTEs, faculty and available budget.

The actual FTEs were lower than targeted; however, the utilization rate of 96.8 per cent is an improvement over the previous year's rate of 93.7 per cent. A utilization rate of 96.8 per cent reflects a reasonable amount of student attrition for longer, more demanding programs. Note that the utilization rate varies by program areas. For example, nursing programs had an overall utilization rate of 98.9 per cent. This rate is the net effect of strong results in registered nursing and licensed practical nursing programs and lower utilization rates for nurse refresher programs where institutions have seen a decreased pool of applicants. The utilization rate was slightly over target for allied health programs (101 per cent) but lower than expected for residential care aide programs due to uncertain labour market conditions for graduates. In nursing programs, the number of FTEs was 58.7 below target, whereas in residential care aide programs the number of FTEs was 181.6 below target. Across all the programs in this area, there was a total of 231.1 FTEs below the target of 7,135.

In 2004/05, this measure, along with three others that gauge efforts to increase output in strategic skills, have been combined into the following single, four-part measure: "Number of student spaces in identified strategic skill programs: i) Computer science, electrical and computer engineering programs; ii) Social/child protection worker programs; iii) RNs, LPNs, and RCAs and other Allied Health programs; iv) Medical School programs."

Historical Data/Utilization Rates:

Performance Measure 22: Number of medical school student spaces

This measure reflects a New Era commitment to train more doctors in the province. Increasing the capacity of the post-secondary system by adding more medical program FTEs will increase the number of qualified graduates and help address increasing doctor shortages.

The data source for this measure is audited FTE reports submitted to the Ministry annually from universities.

Factors that may affect the achievement of performance of program-related measures include: student demand; student retention issues; institution enrolment management policies and procedures; and administration practices in counting FTEs for these programs.

For the purposes of consistency with reporting for the other health-related programs, the target has been broadened from first year FTEs to include the total number of FTEs in the four-year medical program.

Results:

Due to student attrition, the number of student FTEs dropped slightly below target.

Medicine is an intense, four-year program, which students enter after several years of post-secondary education. Some medical students leave before finishing, and others withdraw and later return or reduce their course loads, for a range of reasons.

Note that while the first significant increase in medical program FTEs will occur in September 2004, the 2003/04 performance targets also reflected an increase of student FTEs as part of a minor expansion begun in 2001/02.

In 2004/05, this measure, along with three others that gauge efforts to increase output in strategic skills, have been combined into the following single, four-part measure: "Number of student spaces in identified strategic skill programs: i) Computer science, electrical and computer engineering programs; ii) Social/child protection worker programs; iii) RNs, LPNs, and RCAs and other Allied Health programs; iv) Medical School programs."

Historical Data/Utilization Rates:

Performance Measure 23: Number of entry level trades training spaces in institutions

Entry level trades training (ELTT) delivered at public post-secondary institutions represents a fundamental component of industry training activity in BC.

This is a measure of the number of student FTEs delivered in ELTT programs at public post-secondary institutions.

Factors that may affect the achievement of program-related targets include: student demand; student retention issues; institution enrolment management policies and procedures; and administration practices in counting FTEs for these programs.

Results:

The utilization rate for this measure reflects some of the challenges inherent in the delivery of quality industry training in the province. Institutions, particularly those outside urban areas where student demand is more difficult to predict, are faced with the choice of whether to run programs with lower than expected enrolments or to reallocate funds to other program areas. In some cases students apply to the same program at multiple institutions (to compensate for potential wait lists) but ultimately enrol in one institutional program. In such cases, institutions are challenged to reallocate FTEs to address increased demand in other program areas. In addition, many industry training programs are limited in the number of students they are able to enrol due to capacity constraints such as the number of available workstations and a safe training environment. In such cases, the end result will be that overall actual student FTEs will be lower than targeted even though many ELTT programs will be completely full.

Historically, ELTT program utilization rates at public institutions have averaged 87 per cent since the mid 1980's, although utilization has increased to average 93.1 per cent since 2001/02. The current utilization rate of 92.9 per cent is consistent with the trend of recent years.

Beginning in 2004/05, a new industry training model will be implemented by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). This new model is designed to address issues and obstacles that have been encountered by students and institutions in the effective delivery of industry training in the province. One of the new mechanisms to be put into place will be a central provincial registry which will help students locate programs and institutions to better allocate limited resources to meet appropriate demand. Emphasis will also be placed on self-paced learning, which will contribute to a better utilization of training spaces.

Accordingly, a performance measure that uses only Entry Level Trades Training FTEs delivered by public institutions is no longer considered to fully reflect the capacity of the new model to serve more clients with the same resources. For 2004/05, this measure has been replaced by a more appropriate measure of the number of trainees in industry training in BC.

Historical Data/Utilization Rates:

Performance Measure 24: Number of trainees in industry training

Increasing the number of qualified trades workers in BC is a strategic priority of Government and the Ministry. This measure is the overall number of people being trained in trades and technical occupations. It includes apprentices and other trainees participating in programs under the jurisdiction of the ITA.

The data source for this measure is the Apprenticeship Information Management System (AIMS) maintained by the ITA, and the Central Data Warehouse (CDW) administered by the Ministry. AIMS and CDW data reflect course registration at private and public trainers funded by the ITA and indentureship agreements on file with the province through the AIMS system.

Training includes both classroom-based technical training and training that occurs at the worksite. Data are based on registrations in technical training and also apprentice registrations.

It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the apprentice and the employer to cancel training agreements registered with the Province. There is a possibility of overstatement of training if employers or apprentices discontinue their indentureship agreement without notification to the Province. There is also a need to implement data collection for apprentices. To date, a head count of trainees (number of individuals) has not been collected in the post-secondary education system. FTEs used in academic and vocational training data collections do not capture those trainees who do not receive training in a classroom.

Results:

In 2004/05 the ITA will work with funded trainers and institutions to develop accurate baseline data for a headcount of those in training. The intention is to increase the number in training by 30 per cent over three years. Baseline numbers for 2003/04 are an estimate which will be validated by the ITA in 2004/05.

The ITA assumed its mandate on January 2, 2004, and will have ongoing responsibility for industry training governance and funding as an independent Crown Agency. The ITA will publish baseline data as part of its service plan.

The intention to train more people is not reflected by an increase in FTEs. Current resources will be used more effectively by shortening programs and by more effective mechanisms for prior learning assessment and recognition for trainees' knowledge and skills.

Performance Measure 25: Implementation and operational status of new industry training model

The number of apprentices in British Columbia has declined over the past several years. One of Government's New Era commitments is the establishment of a new industry training model that is more responsive to industry, more efficient, and trains more people. The new model, under the jurisdiction of the Industry Training Authority (ITA), is expected to increase both the quantity and quality of training.

The performance target for this measure focuses on the outcomes of over 40 industry training pilot projects, which are underway in the province to test new approaches to training and certification in trades and technical occupations. Pilot projects are a useful preliminary strategy to inform future approaches. These pilot projects are being evaluated through an independent review undertaken by the ITA.

One of the risks that may affect performance for this measure is that without employer support, the ITA will not be able to meet its objectives.

Results:

Pilot projects have been implemented and are underway in all regions of the province. Initially, evaluation of pilot projects was to be done by the Ministry. However, when the ITA was being established, it assumed this role. The ITA became operational in January 2004, and is now overseeing reviews of all pilot projects.

This measure is not included in the Ministry Service Plan for 2004/05. The ITA will determine next steps in regard to pilot implementation.

Performance Measure 26: Federal/provincial funding support for research

Research undertaken at post-secondary institutions has a direct impact on British Columbia's economic and social development. The commercialization of innovative research results leads to industry growth and an improved quality of life for British Columbians. Building the research capacity of post-secondary institutions will ensure that British Columbia receives its share of funding available from federal government research funding initiatives.

This measure is Statistics Canada's official information on the amount of research revenue British Columbia's five universities and some university colleges receive from federal and provincial governments and other sources, including private industry and donations. It is presented in a report prepared for the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO).

This measure was selected because the amount of research funding British Columbia post-secondary institutions receive provides a clear picture of the magnitude of research activity taking place in the post-secondary education system and the province. In addition, the measure gives an indication of the success of the province's British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, which enables institutions to compete for matching funds from the federal government and private industry.

The universities have autonomy with respect to allocating internal resources to research and developing proposals for external research funding; however, they are highly motivated to increase their research capacity as it has a direct effect on their ability to attract world-class faculty and top students. Consequently, there is minimal risk that British Columbia's universities would not make every effort to increase their research awards. There are, however, other factors that have an impact on the ability to predict future funding levels including new granting criteria imposed by federal research funding programs, the fit between new funding programs and type of research programs undertaken at the universities, the availability of industry support, the cancellation or reduction of federal research funding due to economic decisions, or increased competition from universities in other provinces due to new infusions of provincial research funding. In addition, research revenue recorded by the universities does not reflect the entirety of research funding available for university research, as an increasing amount of provincial and federal research funding flows to organizations such as Genome BC and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. While university researchers may have access to this funding it would not appear in the CAUBO report.

Results:

The 2003/04 target for this measure, "Establish baseline," has been met.

To broaden the scope of this measure so it also gauges the success of efforts by BC public post-secondary institutions to leverage federal research funding, this measure has been reworded in 2004/05 to "Funding support for research: i) Sponsored research funding from all sources; ii) BC proportion of federal awards."

Performance Measure 27: Number of licences, patents, and spin-off companies

While Performance Measure 26 looks at funding support to gauge progress toward expanding research capabilities in British Columbia, this measure focuses on the commercialization of public post-secondary research activity. This measure is a count of licence/option agreements, US patents issued, number of start-up companies, and total income received from licenses. (See Performance Measure 26 for rationale.)

It should be noted that the non-commercial benefits of post-secondary research activity will not be reflected in this measure, nor are the indirect economic benefits generated by start-up companies. However, the measure reflects the considerable revenues returned to universities from research activity and the relationship of research to economic growth.

British Columbia universities are among the leading universities in Canada for licence income and start-up companies formed per $1 million revenue.

Results:

The 2003/04 target for this measure, "Establish baseline," has been met.

This measure has been reworded in 2004/05 to "Number of licenses, patents and start-up companies." To provide further context, future results for this measure will also include ratios showing the number of licences, patents and start-up companies per $1 million research revenue. The ratios for 2001/02 totals are shown in the table below.