The concept of programme specification and its application in the new quality assurance framework

2000 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 164-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman J. Jackson

The article introduces the idea of programme specification and background to the development of policy by the Quality Assurance Agency. Programme specification will promote an outcomes approach to learning and the specification of standards across UK higher education and provide the basis for a new national quality assurance framework that focuses primarily on academic standards. It argues that the process of producing and justifying programme specifications will have an important influence on academic and quality assurance practices and the product (the programme specification) will result in new types of information about higher education learning.

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tutut Suryaningsih ◽  
Ali Imron

<p>The quality assurance system at Higher Education (especially in STKIP PGRI Tulungagung) is a must that must be done systemically, planning and sustainable through the establishment, implementation, evaluation, control and improvement of National Education Standards. In its implementation, the quality assurance system at STKIP PGRI Tulungagung has not run in accordance with the demands of the rules that are planned in a planned and consistent manner so that quality assurance is carried out sporadically.</p><p>The study used a qualitative approach with the research subjects being policy makers (Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Head of the Quality Assurance Agency), as well as the academics of STKIP PGRI Tulungagung, data collection techniques, using observation, interviewing, and documentation techniques. Data analysis techniques use the Miles and Huberman models. And in checking the validity of the data, researchers extended their participation, observation persistence, triangulation and peer discussion.</p><p>The results show that; first, quality assurance at STKIP PGRI Tulungagung has been carried out through the STKIP PGRI Tulungagung Education Quality Assurance Agency, while the quality assurance activities at STKIP PGRI Tulungagung are oriented towards strengthening and fulfilling the accreditation of study programs; second, the factors that become obstacles in quality assurance at STKIP PGRI Tulungagung are (a) the unavailability of quality manual documents; (b) the low level of leadership and academics, (c) human resources, (d) commitment, third communication technology systems, as well as strategies for improving quality assurance that must be carried out by institutions namely through meeting national quality standards.</p><p>The findings above are recommended; first, to the leadership of STKIP PGRI Tulungagung to improve insight, commitment and quality awareness as well quality culture through establishment, implementation and evaluation, control and increase in the National Standards for Higher Education in the STKIP PGRI Tulungagung environment</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Felce

Purpose Traditionally, apprenticeships have been the domain of further education and skills training providers, predominately at pre-higher education levels where management, organisation, inspection and funding have little in common with those familiar to higher education. Higher level and degree apprenticeships have brought together different cultures and methods of designing, delivering and assessing knowledge, skills and behaviours, funding learners and learning providers, data reporting, quality management and its review or inspection. The purpose of this paper is to establish the primary concerns about managing quality in degree apprenticeships, the challenges the variances bring, how the challenges are being resolved and future work that may be required. Design/methodology/approach A review of a range of guidance and organisations involved in managing the quality of higher education in apprenticeships was undertaken. The primary focus is on the advice and guidance provided through the Quality Code and associated documentation, which are key to managing and assuring standards and quality in UK higher education. In addition, requirements and guidance provided through other bodies is considered along with the cross-sector groups charged with developing quality assurance processes for apprenticeships at all levels. Findings The paper shows a range of detailed guidance available to those entering the higher and degree apprenticeships arena and how the organisations involved in quality assurance of apprenticeships are working together to remove or mitigate concerns to ensure that quality is embedded and successfully managed. Originality/value Designing and delivering higher level and degree apprenticeships is a relatively new addition to UK higher education providers. There are long established practices to assure the quality and standards of UK higher education wherever and, however, it is delivered, in the UK, overseas and through online models. Apprenticeships across the UK have changed significantly over recent years, and new models, organisations and methods of working and funding have been introduced. This paper brings together key activity by the Quality Assurance Agency and other stakeholders to show how standards and quality can be managed and assured.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9s1 ◽  
pp. 127-157
Author(s):  
Evelyn Chiyevo Garwe ◽  
Juliet Thondhlana ◽  
Amani Saidi

In the spirit of quality assurance, this paper presents a self-evaluation and peer review of the external quality assurance framework for research implemented by the national quality assurance agency for Zimbabwe. Documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews were used to develop a self-evaluation report which was then subjected to international peer review as is the norm in quality assurance evaluations. The evidence from self-evaluation indicates that the quality assurance framework generated significant improvement in the quality and quantity of research with gaps identified in doctoral training and supportive structures for research. Peer review recommended the inclusion of a performance-based research funding arrangement akin to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) used in the United Kingdom whilst throwing caution on the contentious nature of the REF. The paper recommends the development, implementation, and review of quality assurance frameworks for research to guide institutions, enhance research, and to maintain consistency and harmony in the research system. These findings can be adapted by different national quality assurance agencies involved in the regulation, promotion, and enhancement of the quality of teaching, innovation, knowledge production, and engagement/outreach in higher education.


Author(s):  
Seema Singh

Quality, as we know so far, was originally developed in the manufacturing industry. In the area of higher education, the adoption of quality control has been superficial and diluted by the exercise of academic . Further, the prevailing culture of universities is often based on individual autonomy, which is zealously guarded. Thus, it is usually difficult to apply the features of quality to higher education considering the fact that quality requires. However, the quality of higher education is very important for its stakeholders. Notably, providers (funding bodies and the community at large), students, staff and employers of graduates are. The most commonly grouped dimensions of quality are product, software and service. In the changing context marked by expansion of higher education and globalization of economic activities, education has become a national concern with an international dimension. To cope with this changing context, countries have been pressurized to ensure and assure quality of higher education at a nationally comparable and internationally acceptable standard. Consequently, many countries initiated “national quality assurance mechanisms” and many more are in the process of evolving a suitable strategy. Most of the quality assurance bodies were established in the nineties and after a few years of practical experience, they are rethinking many issues of quality assurance. At this juncture where countries look for experiences and practices elsewhere, the experience of India has many valuable lessons and this report is an attempt to share those developments..


2019 ◽  
Vol 115 (11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Garwe

Academic integrity is a key measure of the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of higher education systems. This article explores how a quality assurance agency can foster a conducive environment for academic quality and integrity. A self-study methodology was used, with a focus on the insights and experiences of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education over a 10-year period. The findings show that by assuming an innovative and transformational leadership role in instilling a culture of self-evaluation, as well as maintaining its own integrity, an external quality assurance agency can improve academic integrity. The article adds value to the existing knowledge by advancing the higher education ecosystem approach as an integrity-based panacea and conducive way to induce integrity to flow from all players as opposed to the use of heavy-handed regulatory approaches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 ◽  
pp. 01016
Author(s):  
Jenny Mochtar ◽  
Gan Shu San

Academic quality is defined as the equivalent to academic standards related to student learning outcomes, which consist of specific levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities achieved by students participating in a program. The achievement of academic standards is accommodated by implementing both internal and external quality assurance practices. Internal quality assurance refers to policies and practices used by the higher education institutions to monitor and improve the quality of their education, while external quality assurance refers to policies and practices set up by external parties to assure the quality of higher education institutions and programs. Petra Christian University has built and implemented its internal quality assurance since 2009 based on its unique quality culture. After its ten-year journey and the achievements that Petra Christian University has reached in 2019, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and Society 5.0 are challenges ahead that Petra Christian University has to face.


Author(s):  
Ron Oliver ◽  
Anthony Herrington ◽  
Sue Stoney ◽  
Jim Millar

Quality assurance is becoming a necessary aspect of many institutions of higher education. Teaching and learning is a major area of scrutiny and requires institutional agreement on the benchmarks and standards by which quality will be determined. This chapter provides a framework for conceptualising the elements of teaching and learning that need to be accounted for in any quality assurance process, with particular focus on teaching activities that reflect an authentic approach to learning.


2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 583-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Bernhard

The ongoing necessity for quality and quality assurance in the entire Bologna process remains one of the main issues for European policy makers. The aims of creating comparable systems and of guaranteeing quality within higher education systems are the reasons for national developments and the eagerness to reform. The situation in two relatively small European countries, Austria and Finland, is at the centre of this research and exemplifies different ways of coping with international developments and the need to establish a comprehensive quality assurance system. How do these countries cope with the pressure to compete in the global higher education market? Is their system of quality assurance in line with the European aim to create a European higher education area? The purpose of this study is to provide an overview on two national quality assurance systems and to figure out similarities and differences between these two countries, providing a clear picture of what has been done in the field of quality assurance, where the challenges to transform are and how to improve quality assurance systems.


Author(s):  
Insung Jung ◽  
Tat Meng Wong ◽  
Chen Li ◽  
Sanjaa Baigaltugs ◽  
Tian Belawati

With the phenomenal expansion of distance education in Asia during the past three decades, there has been growing public demand for quality and accountability in distance education. This study investigates the national quality assurance systems for distance education at the higher education level in Asia with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the current level of development of quality assurance in Asian distance education and to offer potential directions for policy makers when developing and elaborating quality assurance systems for distance education. The analysis of the existing quality assurance frameworks in the 11 countries/territories selected reveals that the level of quality assurance policy integration in the overall national quality assurance in higher education policy framework varies considerably. The purpose of quality assurance, policy frameworks, methods, and instruments in place are generally tailored to each country’s particular circumstances. There are, however, obvious commonalities that underpin these different quality assurance efforts. <br /><br />


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