A framework for quality assurance for archives and records management education in an open distance e-learning environment in Eswatini

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vusi Tsabedze ◽  
Mpho Ngoepe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Adequate Quality ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Conceptual Study ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine quality assurance for archives and records management (ARM) education in an open distance e-learning (ODeL) environment in Eswatini with a view to conceptualise a framework for quality assurance in the development and implementation of an ARM programme in the context of ODeL.Design/methodology/approachThe study is anchored on the interpretive research paradigm, which surrounds a systematic literature review. The researcher searched for literature online, using scientific databases such as Ebsco, Scopus and Google Scholar. The search applied the publications from 2005 to 2019. The main search keywords are “archives”, “records management”, “open distance e-learning” and “quality assurance”. A total of 15 articles, which included documents, journal articles, reports, web pages and monographs, were retrieved, reviewed and analysed in this study. This conceptual study was preliminary, and the researcher hopes that further empirical studies based on the findings of this study could be pursued in future.FindingsARM as a form of study and delivered on ODeL platforms have been proposed in Eswatini. The major concern among stakeholders is how to ensure the quality of such programmes.Research limitations/implicationsThis conceptual study was preliminary, and the researcher hopes that further empirical studies based on the findings of this study could be pursued in future.Practical implicationsThe findings and recommendations will help in the development of ARM programmes to be offered effectively by way of ODeL, there is a need to develop a transparent quality assurance framework for such an application and its implementation.Originality/valueThis is the first study on quality assurance for ARM education in an ODeL environment in Eswatini. As part of the study, a quality assurance framework was designed for the implementation of ARM education on an ODeL platform. This quality assurance framework is intended to help higher education institutions in Eswatini such as the University of Eswatini as well as stakeholders such as the Eswatini National Archives and others to design ARM education and deliver it on an ODeL platform in a manner that guarantees adequate quality.

Enabling continuous improvement in online teaching and learning through e-learning capability and maturity assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1687-1707
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issack Santally ◽  
Yousra Banoor Rajabalee ◽  
Roopesh Kevin Sungkur ◽  
Mohammad Iqbal Maudarbocus ◽  
Wolfgang Greller
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
The Other ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Dual Mode ◽  
Learning Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

PurposeThe University of Mauritius (UoM) established as a traditional face-to-face university has been engaged in distance education since 1993 and in e-learning since 2001 to establish itself as a dual-mode institution. In a context where it has engaged itself to promote its internationalization of online courses and a digital learning transformation process, there is a need to assess and evaluate its current e-learning capability to identify areas of good practices and opportunities for improvement to ensure a high quality of e-learning provisions. The paper reports the results of an assessment of the e-learning capability and the related quality assurance processes of the University of the Mauritius using the e-learning Maturity Model (eMM). Quality assurance in higher education is still a key issue, especially with the ever-growing influence of technology and the disruption that the Internet has caused with respect to e-learning and distance education provisions. No university in Mauritius has ever engaged in such an assessment of their e-learning capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe EMM and the Open Learning Consortium Quality Scorecard Suite were found to be the most complete models in terms of available documentation and description of how to carry out the evaluation with respect to each process area as compared to the other models described in the literature review section. The EMM was, however, chosen as the model to be used for the UoM, given that there already exists a body of knowledge about its applications in different universities that operate in similar contexts. The researcher is at the heart of the process in the role of an ‘eLearning quality auditor’. Therefore, the research used mainly desk studies, and analysis of annual reports as well as a consultative approach with key stakeholders based on a consensus model to reach a rating for each element in the EMMv2.3 instrument. The rating is based on evidence that is available and verifiable through desk research and documentation.FindingsWe found out that the main strengths of the university were in the learning process areas mainly because of the need to follow existing quality assurance procedures in place at different phases of a course of life cycle, irrespective of the course modality. On the other hand, across all process areas, the university fared well in the delivery dimension, and this finding is consistent with other universities that were assessed using the EMM. However, it was found that the EMM in current form was more adapted for the assessment of universities operating fully as open or virtual universities rather than those operating as dual-mode institutions or as traditional universities promoting technology-enabled learning. The weakest link was the optimization dimension across all process areas, and the process area that needs more attention for improvement was the evaluation process area. Overall, the university can reasonably be pitched at level two (Repeatable) of the capability maturity model scale used for information systems maturity assessment, but operating towards level three (Defined).Originality/valueThe work presented here has never been carried out for any university in Mauritius, and there have been no reported evaluations or applications within the African region. It allows the university to benchmark and compare its standing with respect to other universities operating as dual-mode institutions and as a reference for other universities in Mauritius as well.

Quality assurance systems: enemies or allies of innovation in higher education institutions?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Ferreira de Mello Silva ◽  
Eduardo Raupp de Vargas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
University Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Innovation In Higher Education

Purpose This study aims to examine the extant literature to analyze the relationship between quality assurance (QA) and innovation in the higher education context. Design/methodology/approach This study selected 63 articles through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science databases and performed a descriptive and thematic synthesis-analysis on the sample. Findings The research identifies several perspectives discussed on QA systems covering experiences, criticisms and practice implications. The literature review shows there is no clear consensus on whether innovation in higher education institutions (HEIs) is fostered or hindered by QA processes. However, it seems that the likelihood of innovativeness and positive QA outcomes are directly linked to how these processes are managed in universities. Research limitations/implications This review highlights the university management concerns that emerge with QA issues as it is not yet clear to what extent innovation is actually promoted in scenarios where QA is applied. Hence, this literature review could be considered comprehensive but not exhaustive. Further studies are recommended to improve the understanding of how HEIs can both innovate and ensure quality at the same time. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by advancing the opportunities and challenges that HEIs face due to QA system features.

Unveiling business school interns' satisfaction toward online summer internship program amid COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashmi Maini ◽  
Sanandi Sachdeva ◽  
Guneet Kaur Mann
Keyword(s):  
Business School ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
North India ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The University

PurposeThe objective of this research is to explore factors that influence interns' satisfaction (is) toward the e-internship program, an alternate adopted by management institutes in lieu of the regular summer internship amidst the global pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional research design with a self-reported questionnaire was conducted on business school (B-school) interns to rate the factors that contribute to their e-internship satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the responses obtained from 203 B-school interns with a diverse demographic background belonging to a government university of North India. Convenience sampling was employed to get valid responses from interested respondents.FindingsResults revealed that although all the four factors under consideration, faculty mentors' preparedness (FMP), industry mentors' preparedness (IMP), interns' readiness toward online internship and interns' Internet efficacy (IIE) are significantly related to IS, industry mentors' role was found to have a major impact on the IS. The study unravels that industry mentors' interaction has a potential role in the successful implementation of e-internships.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has implications for the university as well as the companies to ponder on factors that satisfy interns during the virtual internship and designing an effective internship program by having a collaborative approach.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of empirical studies on internships in general and e-internship in particular, so this study fills the gap and contributes to the existing literature and provides ways to satisfy B-school interns toward e-internship by addressing the key factors.

E-learning and information literacy at the University of Jos

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 607-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki Lawal ◽  
Stephen Akintunde
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Information Skills ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of information literacy (IL) within the changing context of the e-learning environment at the University of Jos in recent years. It focuses and emphasises the role of the University library in facilitating teaching and learning through the use of e-learning platforms in teaching information retrieval skills. The paper aims to identify gaps in students’ information skills that could be addressed through IL instruction. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a case study research design while the methodology involved the administration of structured questionnaires to the two groups of respondents. Findings – Findings from the study provide useful insights to the skills challenges experienced by students and point to a need for effective collaboration between the library, faculty and management in order to promote a better approach to learning at the institution. Originality/value – By emphasising the role of the library, the paper contributes to previous studies on e-learning at the University and provides a basis for further research in this regard.

Integration of Waqf towards enhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic justice in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-505
Author(s):  
Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro ◽  
Ram Al Jaffri Saad ◽  
Aidi Ahmi ◽  
Mohd Yahya Mohd Hussin
Keyword(s):  
World View ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Economic Justice ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
Conceptual Study ◽  
High Level

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the role of Waqf as a means of enhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic justice in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The methodology in this paper is that the data were elicited from secondary sources such as the Al-Qur’an, Hadiths and other empirical studies in the existing literature. The Tawhidi epistemology (Islamic world view) also has been obtained to deliver better understanding on the findings. Findings The paper implores Islamic societies to take advantages of integrating Waqf to support the financing needs of disadvantaged members of the Muslims communities, especially the Muslims, dominated northern Nigeria with a high level of financial exclusion. The Waqf funds if integrated and institutionalized will support the region by making the fewer privilege members of that community-engaged thereby economically and enhancing the financial inclusion. This will also lead to economic growth and socio-economic development of Nigeria. Practical implications The paper concludes by suggesting the establishment of Waqf funds to supports the less privileged people through Islamic Microfinance as means of enhancing socio-economic justice in Nigeria’s Muslims’ communities, which is negatively affected by the high rate of financial exclusion and poverty. This paper also provides critical suggestions on the ways the integration of Waqf funds will contribute significantly towards assisting Nigeria in achieving its vision of reducing the financial exclusion rate and may foster inclusive growth and sustainable development. Originality/value This paper is a conceptual study and, therefore, limited to the content of the existing literature. Hence, the future researchers may replicate and test it empirically for a more scientific justification regarding the roles of Waqf towards enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Quality assurance dimensions for e-learning institutions in Gulf countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-217
Author(s):  
Syed Aziz Anwar ◽  
M. Sadiq Sohail ◽  
Meera Al Reyaysa
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gcc Countries ◽  
Gulf Countries ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Institutions ◽  
Relative Concept

Purpose It has been argued in the literature that quality assurance is a relative concept. In view of the new challenges (and opportunities) created by e-learning institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, this paper aims to explore the dimensions of quality assurance in e-learning and test the psychometric properties of the underlying dimensions. Design/methodology/approach A sequential mixed methods approach was applied in this study. In the qualitative phase, items were generated using the inductive and deductive approaches. This was then followed by the quantitative phase where data was collected from 275 senior academics, scholars and administrators associated with e-learning institutions in Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Findings The findings of this study revealed that e-learning quality assurance is a multidimensional construct. The dimensions of accreditation, assessment, accountability and benchmarking were identified. Further, the model demonstrated adequacy in its validity and reliability. Practical implications In the light of proliferation of e-learning courses in GCC countries, the results of this are invaluable to enable administrators and instructors to design strategy and foster innovation in the domain of quality assurance. E-learning institutions operating in a competitive environment have to design and implement an effective strategy to achieve innovation, uniqueness and diversity in the educational sector of their countries. Originality/value This paper has successfully validated an e-learning quality assurance questionnaire, which can be used effectively for evaluating e-learning programmes.

Effectiveness of human resource records management strategies at a university in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kofi Adom-Nyankey ◽  
Raphael Papa Kweku Andoh
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Birth Certificates ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Reports ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Management Issues

Purpose Human resource records are very important in the successful management of organisations. Despite their importance, they are ignored in records management studies. This study aims to bring to the limelight human resource records management issues that are overlooked despite the numerous studies on records management by examining the effectiveness of human resource records management strategies at a university in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive survey was used in this study. A combination of census and simple random sampling was used to administer questionnaires to administrators who handle master or working personal files regularly. Data of 228 respondents was processed using SPSS and analysed in frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings This study revealed that while most vital documents were found on staff personal files, some documents like medical reports, passport pictures and birth certificates were somewhat unavailable. It was also found that the University had no human resource records policy in its corporate strategic thrust, which is a barrier to effective human resource records management, but the records creation strategies were effective. However, regarding the maintenance, and retention and disposition of human resource records, the strategies were ineffective. Overall, the findings fell short of the ISO 15489 framework for managing records. Originality/value This study seeks to bring to the fore human resource records management issues that seem to be overlooked despite the numerous studies on records management.

A framework for management of digital records on the cloud in the public sector of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos Shibambu ◽  
Ngoako Solomon Marutha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Computing System ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Cloud Computing System ◽  
National Archives ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate a framework for management of digital records on the cloud in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study used semi-structured interviews and document analysis to collect data from regulatory documents, records practitioners and chief information officers in the national government departments in South Africa. Findings This study reveals that despite the advent of cloud computing, government is still struggling with manual paper-based records challenges, as they have not developed a government-owned cloud in which to manage and dispose records. Practical implications Technological advancements have brought about dramatic changes to the management and disposition of records since cloud computing emerged. The traction gained by cloud computing influences how records are managed and disposed in the cloud storage. Currently, the South African Government manages and disposes records in the government premises as stipulated by the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (1996). This is enforced by the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa, which is the government records regulator because records are on paper-based, microfilms and audio-visual formats. It is hoped that the recommendations and framework proposed in this study may assist the government and related sectors in the adoption and implementation of the cloud computing system for records management and disposal. This may assist in resolving challenges such as missing files, damaged records and archives and long turnaround time for retrieval of records. Social implications In South Africa, the digital records are securely stored in storage mediums such as hard drives and USBs, to mention but a few. In addition to digital obsolescence faced by the storage mediums, global access to information is hindered because information is limited to those who can visit the archival holdings. The alternative option is to manage and dispose of records in the cloud. The framework and recommendations in this study may also assist in improving information, archives and records management policies and service delivery to the community at large. The framework proposed may be applied as a theory for framing future studies in the same area of cloud computing and used as a resource to guide other future studies and policymakers. Originality/value This study provides a framework for management of digital records on the cloud in South Africa. It also proposes the promulgation of the Cloud Act to promote unlimited access to state heritage, regardless of time and location. This study is framed on the Digital Curation Centre Life Cycle Model.

Academics’ feedback on the quality of appraisal evidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-294
Author(s):  
Chenicheri Sid Nair ◽  
Jinrui Li ◽  
Li Kun Cai
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Peer Observation ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Staff ◽  
The University

Purpose – This paper aims to explore academics’ perspectives on the quality of appraisal evidence at a Chinese university. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey with both closed items and open-ended questions was distributed among all academics at the university (n = 1,538). A total of 512 responded to the questionnaire. The closed items were initially analysed using EXCEL and SPSS; the open-ended questions were thematically analysed. Findings – The academics believed that the quality of student survey and peer observation of teaching were affected by subjectivity and the lack of understanding of appraisal. Academics also suggested that appraisals should be contextualised and the approach standardised. The study suggests the need for training that informs and engages relevant stakeholders to ensure the rigour of appraisal. Originality/value – The study raises the issue of quality assurance regarding appraisal data from the perspective of academics. It is based on the collaborative effort of academics in Australia, China and New Zealand, with the support of the management staff at the case study university. The study informs both appraisers and academics of quality assurance issues in appraisal. It also contributes to the literature, in that it initiates dialogues between communities of practices through collective questioning on the quality and mechanisms of appraisal in tertiary education.

scholarly journals Recruitment of records management practitioners in Jamaica’s public sector and its implications for professional practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-222
Author(s):  
Kaydene Duffus
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
National Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Doctoral Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recruitment Practices ◽  
University College London ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the recruitment practices in the records management (RM) profession in Jamaica’s public sector and their implications for professional practice. This paper is part of a larger doctoral study completed at the University College London that investigated the connection between RM education and national development. Design/methodology/approach The research is a qualitative mixed methods study, which mainly utilises data from 34 interviews done among RM practitioners and educators, and development administrators and analysts in Kingston and Spanish Town, Jamaica. Findings The study found that there is an urgent need for a change in how RM practitioners are recruited for their roles in Jamaica’s public sector. More coherent frameworks and a more coordinated effort are required to support for the recruitment of practitioners. Research limitations/implications This research is specific to the Jamaican case; therefore, it provides little basis for generalisation. Consequently, the study seeks to make no claims that the results in the Jamaican context are generalisable to other societies. Nonetheless, the conclusions and recommendations may be instructive in other environments. Social implications The study evaluated some of the existing practices for the recruitment of RM practitioners. As a result, the findings should enhance the knowledge about the human resources needs in RM in Jamaica. Originality/value In addition to providing some directions for future research, the study also gives voice to a diverse group. It brings together an analysis of national discourses around RM recruitment practices. This is done through the multifaceted views of Jamaican RM practitioners, development administrators and RM educators represented in the interviews.

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