scholarly journals Suboptimal Utilisation of Resources in Sub-Saharan African Higher Education Institutions: the Case of Teaching Space at Makerere University

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-27
Author(s):  
J Ssempebwa ◽  
SO Owolabi ◽  
FEK Bakkabulindi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Educational Administration ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Makerere University ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The University

Many higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa are underfunded.Consequently, they are operating with encumbering resources constraints that threaten quality assurance. Accordingly, they are working to expand the availability of these resources. Notwithstanding, it is taken for granted that once available, these resources are optimally utilized and that, in instances expanding their availability is not possible, compromising on some elements of the quality of higher education is inevitable. The problem is that this presumption could disguise inadequacies in the utilization of the resources, with the consequence that the institutions’ need for the resources is exaggerated. Preoccupation with expanding the availability of resources could also stifle the innovation of creative ways of making the best use of the resources available. This means that the institutions need to evaluate their utilization of these resources—to pinpoint their need for the resources and potential for quality assurance. This paper reports the findings of a study that responded to this need, taking the case of teaching space at Makerere University. The objective ofthe study was to verify the hypothesis that the University is teaching space constrained. The findings were that the resource is overly underutilized albeit this was disguised by occasional overutilization of the same space, a concomitance that only multidimensional evaluation could unearth. Accordingly, the study gives credence to the hypothesis that shortages of resources at the University, and similar institutions, are ostensible. Therefore, it is recommended that these institutions subject their utilization of resources to rigorous evaluation.Keywords · Resources management · Higher education funding · Educational administration

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.

Quality Assurance and Institutional Research for University Strategic Management

2020 ◽  
pp. 287-308
Author(s):  
Ngepathimo Kadhila ◽  
Gilbert Likando
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Institutional Research ◽  
The World ◽  
The University ◽  
Evidence Based Decision Making

Strategic management in higher education (HE) has become data-reliant. Most higher education institutions (HEIs) all over the world have implemented quality assurance (QA) and institutional research (IR) with the purpose of generating data that that would assist in evidence-based decision making for better strategic management. However, data generated through QA and IR processes have to be integrated and streamlined in order to successfully inform strategic management. One of the challenges facing higher education institutions is to integrate the data generated by QA and IR processes effectively. This chapter examines examples of good practice for integrating the data generated by these processes for use as tools to inform strategic management, using the University of Namibia as a reference point. The chapter offers suggestions on how higher education institutions may be assisted to overcome challenges when integrating the outcomes of QA and IR processes in order to close the quality loop through effective strategic management.

Discourses on quality and quality assurance in higher education from the perspective of global university rankings

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maruša Hauptman Komotar
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
International Studies ◽  
University Rankings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
World University Rankings ◽  
International Ranking ◽  
Global University

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how global university rankings interact with quality and quality assurance in higher education along the two lines of investigation, that is, from the perspective of their relationship with the concept of quality (assurance) and the development of quality assurance policies in higher education, with particular emphasis on accreditation as the prevalent quality assurance approach. Design/methodology/approach The paper firstly conceptualises quality and quality assurance in higher education and critically examines the methodological construction of the four selected world university rankings and their references to “quality”. On this basis, it answers the two “how” questions: How is the concept of quality (assurance) in higher education perceived by world university rankings and how do they interact with quality assurance and accreditation policies in higher education? Answers are provided through the analysis of different documentary sources, such as academic literature, glossaries, international studies, institutional strategies and other documents, with particular focus on official websites of international ranking systems and individual higher education institutions, media announcements, and so on. Findings The paper argues that given their quantitative orientation, it is quite problematic to perceive world university rankings as a means of assessing or assuring the institutional quality. Like (international) accreditations, they may foster vertical differentiation of higher education systems and institutions. Because of their predominant accountability purpose, they cannot encourage improvements in the quality of higher education institutions. Practical implications Research results are beneficial to different higher education stakeholders (e.g. policymakers, institutional leadership, academics and students), as they offer them a comprehensive view on rankings’ ability to assess, assure or improve the quality in higher education. Originality/value The existing research focuses principally either on interactions of global university rankings with the concept of quality or with processes of quality assurance in higher education. The comprehensive and detailed analysis of their relationship with both concepts thus adds value to the prevailing scholarly debates.

scholarly journals Massification in Higher Education Institutions in Africa: Causes, Consequences and Responses

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Goolam Mohamedbhai
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Public Higher Education ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
World Region ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
New Institutions

Most public higher education institutions in Africa, in response to historical conditions, have enrolled students in excess of their capacity, resulting in massification and negative consequences on educational quality. Increased enrolment has addressed issues of equity; but the equally important issue of ensuring equity in success for the enrolled students has received limited attention. Apparently graduation rates in higher education in Africa remain fairly low. Higher education institutions have taken several corrective measures to address the consequences of massification. Governments have also created new institutions and put quality assurance systems in place. There have also been continental responses. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest tertiary enrolment of any world region, a handicap in its development. It must also meet the demands of its rapidly increasing secondary school graduates. There is a compelling need to further increase tertiary enrolment, a situation that challenges both institutions and countries. The growth in private higher education, if regulated and quality-controlled, could relieve this pressure.  Pour des raisons historiques, la majorité des établissements d’enseignement supérieur d’Afrique admet plus d’étudiants qu’elle ne peut en accueillir. Ceci conduit à la massification de l’enseignement supérieur et a des conséquences négatives sur sa qualité. L’augmentation de la participation a permis de répondre à des problèmes d’équité, mais la tout aussi importante question de l’équité dans la réussite des étudiants admis a reçu une attention limitée. Le taux de réussite dans l’enseignement supérieur en Afrique reste faible. Les établissements d’enseignement supérieur ont mis en place plusieurs mesures visant à corriger les conséquences néfastes de la massification. Les gouvernements ont aussi créé de nouvelles institutions et mis en place des systèmes d’assurance qualité. Des réponses ont par ailleurs été proposées à l’échelle du continent. Cependant, l’Afrique sub-saharienne a le plus faible taux d’inscription dans l’enseignement supérieur du monde, un handicap pour son développement. Elle doit aussi répondre aux demandes d’une population de diplômés du secondaire qui augmente rapidement. Il est impossible de nier la nécessité d’augmenter les admissions dans l’enseignement supérieur, une situation qui pose des problèmes aussi bien aux établissements qu’aux nations. La croissance des établissements privés pourrait permettre de relâcher la pression, s’ils sont correctement régulés et contrôlés en termes de qualité.

Active Learning Application of Technology Tools and Services and Increased Student Achievement

2018 ◽  
pp. 162-183
Author(s):  
Nwachukwu Prince Ololube
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Achievement ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Technology Tools ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Increased Student Achievement ◽  
Sub Saharan

This chapter evaluated the use of technology tools and services and increased student achievement in online and blended learning environments in higher education institutions, which have experienced universal uptake and is responsible for enormous changes in online and blended learning environment, not only in industrialized nations, but in developing countries education as well, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Given the role that online and blended learning can play in educational development worldwide, higher education institutions, students, employers, and governments are increasingly urged to examine the economic, demographic, and technological environments of the present so as to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the future. This study employs an inclusive data gathering process. The findings reveal a significant improvement in the use of online and blended learning methods to achieve effective and active academic performance in students. The impact of online and blended learning in higher education institutions is evidenced in the changing instructional strategies to increase student academic achievement, which results from more active interactive learning processes.

Active Learning Application of Technology Tools and Services and Increased Student Achievement

2015 ◽  
pp. 110-130
Author(s):  
Nwachukwu Prince Ololube
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Achievement ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Technology Tools ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Increased Student Achievement ◽  
Sub Saharan

This chapter evaluated the use of technology tools and services and increased student achievement in online and blended learning environments in higher education institutions, which have experienced universal uptake and is responsible for enormous changes in online and blended learning environment, not only in industrialized nations, but in developing countries education as well, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Given the role that online and blended learning can play in educational development worldwide, higher education institutions, students, employers, and governments are increasingly urged to examine the economic, demographic, and technological environments of the present so as to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the future. This study employs an inclusive data gathering process. The findings reveal a significant improvement in the use of online and blended learning methods to achieve effective and active academic performance in students. The impact of online and blended learning in higher education institutions is evidenced in the changing instructional strategies to increase student academic achievement, which results from more active interactive learning processes.

Increasing the Visibility of Graduate Students' Employability Skills

2021 ◽  
pp. 253-275
Author(s):  
Lourdes Guàrdia ◽  
Marcelo Fabián Maina ◽  
Federica Mancini
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
Skills Gap ◽  
Learning Models ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

This chapter highlights the contributions of the EPICA project in reducing the skills gap of graduate students in sub-Saharan Africa. It presents the solution designed and implemented to improve the quality of employability skills development and visibility to prospective employers. The first part of this chapter provides an overview of the skills gap between higher education institutions and the workplace in sub-Saharan Africa. It includes the description of the specific eAssessment pedagogical framework and methodology supported by the EPICA ePortfolio as a transition tool designed to address this gap. The second part of the chapter outlines the challenges that could hinder the solution's implementation and the full exploitation of its benefits. Solutions and recommendations are also discussed with the aim to increase the impact in the EPICA stakeholder community and encourage the implementation of the proposed solution in other universities, especially those adopting blended and online learning models.

scholarly journals The Impact of Innovative Technology on the Quality Assurance at Higher Education Institutions in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Jordan

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 826-831
Author(s):  
Nidal Al-Ramahi ◽  
◽  
Mahmoud Odeh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation Theory ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
Vice Chancellors ◽  
The Impact

Quality assurance consider as one of the most important concerns in higher education institutions, which may influence the overall rank of universities. Innovation technology may play an important role in improving such quality of higher education institutions. Innovation technology provides several benefits, which are seen immediately, for instant, allowing students to share information easily and to discover new experiences within the education system. This study aims to find out the key factors of innovative technology affecting the quality assurance at higher education institutions in Jordan. By adopting the diffusion of innovation theory, this study sheds light on several factors that extended from this theory. Fieldwork including five universities in Jordan was conducted to specify the actual technological factors that may influence quality assurance at higher education institutions. An interpretive paradigm using triangulation methods was applied to collect data, conducting sixteen semi-structured interviews with major stakeholders in Jordanian universities, including professors, university vice-chancellors, IT managers, heads of departments, and deans of schools. The researchers also held two focus groups and distributed 232 surveys to Jordanian students.

scholarly journals NGO impact on ensuring the quality of higher education in departmental HEIs

1970 ◽  
pp. 190-206
Author(s):  
Kateryna Tryma ◽  
Natalia Salnikova
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Higher Education Policy ◽  
Educational Services ◽  
Structural Units ◽  
Quality Of Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Quality ◽  
The University ◽  
Conceptual Foundations

The process of higher education quality assurance is a strategic priority for the development of higher education in Ukraine. To meet the EHEA standards in the sphere of higher education for the Ukrainian HEIS to cooperate with European ones; the conceptual foundations of the reform of higher education, which are designed to provide quality educational services, are to be considered. Modern higher education policy in the European Higher Education Area to ensure the quality of higher education involves the involvement of various stakeholders in the functioning of higher education, including NGOs and associations, employers, local communities, and active citizens. Departmental HEIs began to form an internal system of quality assurance in higher education in 2016. At this stage, the relevant provisions have been developed, which regulate the distribution of powers to ensure the quality of education between different services and departments of the university. Based on the analysed documents, it was concluded that some structural units for quality assurance in higher education in departmental HEIs have not yet been formed, and the functions of compliance with quality standards are assigned as additional to existing structural units. Based on the analysis of news from the websites of departmental HEIs of Ukraine, it was concluded that departmental HEIs cooperate with international and Ukrainian non-governmental organisations whose activities are related to law enforcement. The priority of cooperation between HEIs and non-governmental organisations, which is publicly available on the websites of universities, is joint educational activities, training, conferences and round tables, professional development of employees. There are no documents outlining the influence of non-governmental organisations on ensuring the quality of educational services and information on the practical dimension of cooperation in ensuring the quality of educational services on the websites. The conclusion is made about the need to develop mechanisms for the cooperation of departmental HEIs of Ukraine with non-governmental organisations and the algorithm of the promulgation of this process.

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