Core competence and education

Core competence is a managerial concept used to analyse and develop key ele ments of business strategy. This article outlines the concept and applies i t to post-compulsory education in the UK. After considering educational cha racteristics which might be considered to delineate core competence, an eco nomic approach is adopted. The educational perspective suggests accreditati on as the core competence of Universities. The economic approach suggests t hat the market trend toward lifetime learning might best be met by institut ions developing a core competence in relationship marketing. The article co ncludes by considering the implications for the institutional structure of post-compulsory education.