scholarly journals Who guarantees the quality of the quality assurance agencies? The exploration of the establishment and growth of the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR)

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxin Zhang ◽  
Jagannath Patil
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Register

Purpose After the “quantity era,” today higher education has entered into the “quality era” and as “the gate keepers of quality,” quality assurance agencies (QAAs) are playing more and more irreplaceable important roles and their social status are becoming more and more prominent. However, how to guarantee the quality of the QAAs? Who can review the QAAs? The purpose of this paper is based exploration of these questions. Design/methodology/approach Following the founding of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) for Higher Education, the Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) became the second in the international quality assurance (QA) networks to implement QA register, in 2015 with initiative of Asia-Pacific Quality Network. Findings This paper first retrospects the history and process of APQR, and subsequently the implementation of APQR is described in detail from the two aspects of the criteria and the procedure, and at the end, the paper concludes with a summary of the three characteristics of this first formal implement of APQR: APQR is an international register open to all the QAAs; APQR emphasizes characteristics evaluation of diversity; and APQR highlights the combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative assessment. Originality/value Today on the international stage of QA, APQR has emerged as “the watchman of quality” in the Asia-Pacific region as counterpart of EQAR in Europe. How far away does such newly emerging form of guaranteeing the QAAs’ quality go forward, what is its future prospects and other concerning issues, are some of the question that need enthusiastic attention and contribution.

Overcoming trade logistics challenges: Asia-Pacific experiences

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Shepherd ◽  
Shintaro Hamanaka
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Case Method ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify major challenges that Asia-Pacific policy makers face in drawing up international logistics policies, and to seek possible solutions to the problems. Design/methodology/approach – Case study method: the paper includes seven case studies that attempt to address various types of logistics challenges. The paper introduces both intra- and extra-regional examples of the ways in which those challenges have been overcome in particular contexts through concerted action by government and the private sector. Findings – There are a lot of interesting experiences of overcoming logistics challenges, both inside and outside the Asia-Pacific region. Good practice experiences can be replicated by other countries in the region. Originality/value – While there have been a lot of discussions on logistics policy reforms, this paper is one of the first attempts that clearly link challenges with concrete case experiences where those are overcome. The paper discusses very practical issues in an analytically sound manner, using case method.

scholarly journals Hong Kong maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-375
Author(s):  
Sik Kwan Tai ◽  
Bing Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Legal Cases ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In 2011, the new Arbitration Ordinance took effect in Hong Kong. This paper aims to discuss the new features on maritime arbitration. Design/methodology/approach The relevant provisions of the Arbitration Ordinance 2011 and the legal cases are examined. Findings Hong Kong is a first class maritime arbitration centre in the Asia Pacific Region. Originality/value This paper is one of the very few general reviews of the maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011.

Quality of financial reporting in the Asia-Pacific region

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qaiser Rafique Yasser ◽  
Abdullah Al Mamun ◽  
Irfan Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and interrelations between ownership composition and financial reporting quality of firms in the Asia-Pacific region. Design/methodology/approach The study uses panel data for 420 firms for the period 2011-2013 (three years) from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Pakistan. Findings Overall, the authors find that ownership concentration is positively associated with the financial reporting quality. However, institutional ownership and foreign ownership are positively associated with financial disclosure in developing countries. Further, the result indicates that institutional and public ownership is positively associated with financial reporting in developed countries. Among the control variables, the authors find that larger firms are negatively correlated with financial reporting quality in Asia-Pacific. Originality/value These results highlight the highly individualized effects of blockholders and the need for research to further understand the mechanisms through which shareholders impact financial reporting quality.

Accreditation and quality assurance in the Egyptian higher education system

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahel Schomaker
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Accreditation System ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Peer Reviewers

Purpose – This study aims to analyze the quality of the Egyptian accreditation system. With a view on the high competition in the domestic labor market as well as with regards to the international competitiveness of Egyptian graduates and the potential role of Egyptian universities in the international market for higher education, a high quality of study programmes and the provision of skills which meet the employers’ needs is a pressing issue for policymakers in Egypt, in particular in the light of the recent and ongoing transformation process. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a triangulation of document analysis and semi-structured interviews, the authors analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the system of accreditation as well as current measures to improve quality in higher education and provide policy implications for further action undertaken by Egyptian policymakers to improve the accreditation system. Findings – First, the authors provide a sound overview of the newly established accreditation system in Egypt and analyze the role of the National Authority of Educational Quality Assurance and Accreditation within this process. Second, the paper addresses the structural shortcomings as well as implementation problems of the current accreditation system which limit the capacity of the national accreditation agency to provide accreditation for all institutions of higher education in Egypt and to ensure the overall quality of higher education. The role of peer reviewers is of pivotal importance in this context. A specific problem which has not been analyzed so far is the role of religious institutions, the so-called Al-Azhar institutions, in the accreditation process, and the consequences this will have for further developments in accreditation. Practical implications – The paper concludes with providing policy implications at the backdrop of the ongoing political transformation process in Egypt. Originality/value – The paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Egyptian accreditation system and contributes to the understanding of the pivotal role of peer reviewers in this process. Also, for the first time, the challenges regarding accreditation of Al-Azhar institutions are targeted.

The concepts of quality, quality assurance and quality enhancement

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha Elassy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quality Enhancement ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ongoing Process ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
Critical Perspectives

Purpose – This paper aims to critically review and discuss different definitions of the concepts of quality, quality assurance (QA) and quality enhancement (QE) in higher education (HE) with presenting critical perspectives of the literature. Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at literature concerns with the meaning of quality, QA and QE, regarding HE context. It analysis and critically reviews the different definitions of these key concepts. Findings – This paper suggests that the concepts of QA and QE should be dealt as part of a continuum and showed the need for both as an ongoing process in HE institutions. Originality/value – The paper provides a unique analysis of the widely cited pieces of research regarding the concept of quality, QA and QE. It contributes to increase the understanding of those key concepts in HE sector, its origin and mean stream view. It outlines the importance of having a clear understanding of these terms and highlights the difficulties of having a unified definition.

scholarly journals Assessing the quality of retrofits in solid wall dwellings

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Glew ◽  
Melanie B. Smith ◽  
Dominic Miles-Shenton ◽  
Christopher Gorse
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Solid Wall ◽  
Failure Rates ◽  
Fundamental Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed appraisal of the quality of domestic retrofits. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of technical surveys on 51 retrofits undertaken before, during and after the retrofits. Findings Failures are observed to be endemic and characterised into five themes: 72 per cent showed moisture issues pre-retrofit, 68 per cent had moisture risks post-retrofit, 62 per cent did not adopt a whole house approach, 16 per cent showed inadequate quality assurance protocols and 64 per cent showed evidence of insufficient design detailing. Each theme is further subcategorised with a view to identifying implications for future policy. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest the 10 per cent Ofgem retrofit failure rates predictions are an underestimate and so there may be a need for additional investigations to understand the trend across the UK. Practical implications Recommendations to reduce the failure rates may include making changes to the current inspection regime, widening understanding among installers; providing standard repeatable designs for repeated features; and empowering occupants to trigger inspections. Social implications The sample is representative of a substantial proportion of the homes in the UK suggesting that retrofit quality may in many instances be below the required standards. Originality/value Risks of moisture issues and underperformance in domestic retrofit are a concern for government industry and households. This research shows that many installation failures are the result of not implementing existing guidelines and a change to the enforcement of standards may be needed to enact a fundamental change in installer practice and process control.

Assessing quality of academic programmes: comparing different sets of standards

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedig Ahmed Babikir Ali ◽  
Mohammad Nazir Ahmad ◽  
Nor Hidayati Zakaria ◽  
Ahmed Mohammed Arbab ◽  
Kamal Badr Abdalla Badr
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Mutual Recognition ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Divergence Points

Purpose Standards should provide a means for transparently comparing academic programmes delivered by higher education providers and the research activities they carry out. The purpose of this study is to investigate the different sets of standards related to the quality assurance of academic programmes in four countries with regard to the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG), developed by the European Association for Quality Assurance, for internal quality assurance within higher education institutions. The main aim is to find the convergence and divergence points and to test the consistency of terminologies in use which may impede international collaboration to develop one comprehensive international quality assurance system. Design/methodology/approach The study relied solely on desk-based research and no fieldwork or interviews were conducted for data collection; a point-by-point comparative approach has been applied to explore the standards related to quality assurance of academic programmes. Findings Although there is a great deal of convergence between the different sets of standards compared in this study, fundamental differences still exist. Research limitations/implications This study compared the standards of academic programmes in four countries with the ESG. To generalise the findings of this study, future research may include other standards for comparison. Originality/value This study engages in the debate of how quality of higher education will remain maintained, in times, when higher education is facing challenges such as internationalisation, which requires new initiatives and integrated mechanisms to facilitate mutual recognition of qualifications of students and staff moving across borders.

scholarly journals Quality assurance and the battle for legitimacy – discourses, disputes and dependencies

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjørn Stensaker
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Original Contribution ◽  
To Come ◽  
Governance In Higher Education ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address how issues of legitimacy are influencing the functioning and shaping of the field. The paper identifies key global agendas currently linked to the role of QA in the governance of higher education, the dependencies among key actors within the field and the possible directions of QA in the years to come. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on existing studies on external quality assurance (EQA) and provides a meta-reflection on current trends and dynamics within the field. Findings The paper argues that the field of EQA is facing a rather turbulent future, both due to increasing competition from other actors that also claim ownership to issues related to quality, and from national authorities which are looking for ways to increase the efficiency and the effectiveness of how the higher education sector is governed. Research limitations/implications Studies on EQA need to be strongly linked to studies of governance in higher education as such a link will broaden the understanding of how the field of quality assurance is developing. Practical implications The paper provides some hints as to how agencies may position themselves in a more insecure future. Originality/value An original contribution is made by linking theories of how legitimacy is developed and shaped to the field of quality assurance.

Managing the quality of higher education in apprenticeships

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Felce
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Assurance Agency ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Uk Higher Education

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.

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