Day pointed out that quality and productivity are not necessarily incompatible, that successful businesses tend to see quality as an inherent component of productivity. Fred Flener, 1998-1999 Chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee, pointed out the key role of IBHE Executive Director Keith Sanders in this process. To expect much more could lead to reduced quality. The introduction of that topic generated considerable discussion. Individual faculty salary increases in a single institution could vary significantly, creating internal tensions.
Software companies claim that there is a shortage of trained personnel to assume IT positions.
The IBHE set up two conferences to address this complaint. The turnout from industry was not high. Nevertheless, there may be a shortage of qualified men and women entering the technology industries, so higher education in Illinois should respond to that need. There are several federal initiatives on the latter, including a move to have all teachers periodically tested. Day was unaware of such involvement.