13
18.
In determining the level of degree places at the Polytechnics, the Committee considered alternative proposals for 80% provision at HKP; and for 100% provision at CPHK on the basis of a reduced student population of 10,000 fte.
In support of their proposals, the Polytechnics argued that it would be cheaper, in both capital and recurrent terms, to provide the additional places at their institutions than to expand the provision at the Universities. Having considered this matter very carefully, the UPGC concluded that :
(a) the proposed 25% increase in the proportion of degree places at the Polytechnics represents a very major expansion within a four-year period. [As indicated in paragraph
in paragraph 21(d) below, the increases proposed for the Polytechnics will be considerably higher in percentage terms than those at HKU, CUHK and the Baptist College]; and
(b)
at this stage of the development of degree work at
the Polytechnics, an increase to 65% would represent the highest level which members consider
could be achieved, whilst maintaining quality and the highest possible standards.
19.
Having taken into
taken into account all the relevant
factors, members decided that their preferred scenario
would represent the most effective method of achieving the
revised target, in that it would :-
(a)
M
be consistent with the roles of the institutions
[as illustrated graphically in Annex M];