Page 324 - Universitas Terbuka Center of Excellence In Asia 2010 and The World 2020 (A Journey Towards a Leading Open and Distance Education Institution 1984-2008)

the expected level of excellence , and be able to survival in the increasingly tight
global competition .

The eight attributes are simplification of a complex process for an

institution or organization to achieve the level of unbeatable excellence. A
successful organization has characteristics which are in line with those

attributes. In social sciences, any social change or changes in social systems,
there is no single recipe that can be universally used by any institution or

organization to achieve its mutually agreed objectives . However, the attributes
can be used as general references by an institution to achieve higher position

with true and unbeatable excellence. Human resources are the key factor that
can realize an institution's high reputation .

The challenge faced by a leader of an institution is to foster the spirit of

unity, quality-oriented way of thinking and performance, both individually and
institutionally. The mentality of the institution's members should be developed in

such a way that it enables them to appreciate innovation, creativity, quality, as
well as value and spirit to realize the vision, mission and objectives of institution.

Global and National External Conditions

External environment, nationally and globally, has significant influence on
the life and survival of an institution. In the global context, the role of distance

higher education institutions to improve equity of access to higher education and
to create a knowledge-based society is increasing. The move to a knowledge-

based society is driven by information, communication and technology (ICT).

As a good instrument, ICT allows free access to knowledge , information,
data and best practices in many fields and life sectors (UNESCO , 2002).

Realizing a knowledge-based society requires fundamental changes in teaching

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