THE STATE OF INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS IN UGANDAN UNIVERSITIES: ISSUES, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Abstract
It should be been within the interest of any university to know and ensure quality in the teaching and assessment of its students. The services offered by universities include; teaching of students, undertaking research and offering community service. These to be attained effectively, universities should institute quality assurance systems in order to ensure that they offer quality services to their stakeholders. This paper highlights, the implementation of internal quality assurance systems in universities in Uganda, and the region as a means of improving the teaching and learning of the students. It has been observed that many universities in Uganda and in the region have not enhanced their quality assurance systems, and thus offering pitiable services to their stakeholders. Research has shown that putting in place functional internal quality assurance systems is the only way universities can advance and also enhance quality in the services they offer. Some universities in Uganda and in the region have been found to lack the will of advancing and enhancing functional quality assurance systems despite having the means. On the other hand, though some universities have the zeal to implement and operationalize quality assurance systems, they lack adequate resources while quality assurance is attached to a price. It is recommended that universities in Uganda and in the region should ensure that quality assurance systems are in place and also, allocate adequate resources to quality assurance activities within their universities.
Article visualizations:
Keywords
References
Abdul-Razak, D. (2012). Decolonizing our universities: A perspective from the global south. In P. Kotecha (Eds). Internationalization in higher education perspectives from the Global South, pp 28 - 40. Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), South Africa.
Amini, S., Fremery, M., & Wesseler, M. (2009). Towards a shared vision in higher education: cross-cultural insights and projects. Institute of cross-cultural Studies, University of Kessel.
Asiimwe, S., & Steyn, G. M. (2013). Obstacles hindering the effective governance of universities in Uganda. Journal of Social Sciences, 34(1), 17-27.
Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) (2009). Quality assurance: Analysis of quality assurance trends in higher education in the European Union, South-East Europe, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Strategic and structural development of quality assurance in BiH higher education 2008-2010.
Barr, N. (2001). Funding higher education; policies for access and quality: House of Commons education and skills committee. London School of Economics and Political Science, London.
Basaza, N. G., Milman. N. B., & Wright, C. R. (2010). The challenges of implementing distance education in Uganda: A Case study. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 11(2), 85-91.
Belawati, T., & Zuhairi, A. (2007). The practice of a quality assurance system in open and distance learning: A case study at Universitas Terbuka Indonesia. Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia.
Bennett, D. L., Lucchesi, A. R., & Vedder, R. K. (2010). For-profit higher education growth, innovation and regulation: A policy paper from the center for college affordability and productivity. Center for college affordability and productivity.
Biggs, J. (2001). Enhancing teaching through constructive alignment. E-Reserves at the University of South Africa, Pretoria.
Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2007). Teaching for quality learning at university. The society for research into higher education (3rd Edn.). Open University Press.
Bunoti, S. (2012). The quality of higher education in developing countries needs professional support. Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
Center for Higher Education Studies (CHES) (2011). Perspectives on Higher Education and the labour market. Review of international policy development. Pp1 – 62.
Chacha, N. C. (2007). Public university, private funding: The challenges in East Africa. In: M. O. Afolayan (Eds.); Higher education in post-colonial Africa: paradigms of development, decline and dilemmas. Trenton, New Jersey: Africa Research & Publications, pp. 78 - 90.
Commission for Higher Education (CHE) (2012). Credit accumulation and transfer system education – Secondary (Arts). Nairobi, Kenya.
Council on Higher Education (CHE) (2004). Higher education quality committee: Criteria for programme accreditation. The higher education quality committee is a permanent committee of the Council on Higher Education, Pretoria, South Africa.
DAAD & UNESCO (2012). Conference on strengthening regional cooperation in quality assurance in west & central Africa, 15th - 17th, November, Dakar, Senegal.
Dorset College (2011). Academic quality assurance handbook. Dorset College.
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) (2010). Handbook for academic quality enhancement. Dublin, Sweden.
Echezona, R. I., & Ugwuanyi, C. F. (2010). African university libraries and internet connectivity: Challenges and the way forward. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/421
Estermann, T., & Pruvot, E, B. (2011). Financially sustainable universities II: European universities diversifying income streams. EUA Publications.
European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (EAQAHE) (2007). ENQA report on standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European higher education area (2nd Edn.). Helsinki, Finland.
European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) (2008). Implementing and using quality assurance: strategy and practice: A selection of papers from the 2nd European quality Assurance forum, 15th – 17th, November, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Italy.
European Universities Association (EUA) (2005). Developing an internal quality culture in European Universities: Report on the quality culture project. European Universities Association.
European University Association (EUA) (2007). Embedding quality culture in higher education: A selection of papers from the 1st European forum for quality assurance. Brussels, Belgium.
European University Association (EUA) (2008). Implementing and using quality assurance: strategy and practice: A selection of papers from the 2nd European Quality Assurance forum. European University Association. Brussels, Belgium.
European University Association (EUA) (2012). Quality and trust: At the heart of what we do. A selection of papers from the 6th European Quality assurance forum. University of Antwerp and Artesis University College Antwerp, Belgium.
Fallshaw, E., & McNaught, C. (2005). Quality assurance issues and processes relating to ICT-based learning. In S. Fallows & R. Bhanot (Eds.). Quality issues in ICT-based higher education (pp. 23–36). London: Routledge-Falmer.
Fleischman, H. L., & Williams, (1996). An introduction to program evaluation for classroom teachers. Development Associates, Inc.
Förg, E., Flenner, M., & Gruber, R. (2009). Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation Strategy. Austrian Development Cooperation, Vienna, Austria.
Fourie, M. (2000). Self-evaluation and external quality control at South African universities: Quo vadis? A paper presented at the 22nd annual EAIR Forum, Berlin, 6 - 9 September.
Friend-Pereira, J. C., Lutz, K., & Heerens, N. (2002). European student handbook on quality assurance in higher education. The national unions of students of Europe.
Fry, H., Ketteridge, S., & Marshall, S. (2009). A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Enhancing Academic Practice (3rd Edn.). Routledge.
Gudo, C. O., Olel, M. A., & Oanda, I. O. (2011). University expansion in Kenya and issues of quality education: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(20), 203-214.
Harvey, L., & Green, D. (1993). Defining quality. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 18(1), 9-34.
Henard, F., & Leprince-Ringuet, S. (nd). The path to quality teaching in higher education. http://www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/44150246.pdf
Henard, F., & Roseveare, D. (2012). Fostering teaching in higher education institutions: An IMHE guide for higher education institutions. http://www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/QT%20policies%20and%20practices.pdf
Hoosen, S., Butcher, N., & Njenga, B. K. (2009). Harmonization of higher education programmes: A strategy for the African Union. African Integration Review, 3(1), 1 – 36.
Huisman, J., Adelman, C., Hsieh, C.C., Shams, F., & Wilkins, S. (2012). Europe’s Bologna process and its impact on global higher education. In D. K. Deardorff, H. de Wit, J. D. Heyl, and T. Adams (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of international higher education, pp. 81-100. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
IBAT (2011). Quality assurance manual. IBAT College Swords. http://www.ibat.ie/downloads/hetac/HETAC_Quality_Manual_Ver25.pdf
Inglis, A. (2005). Quality improvement, quality assurance, and benchmarking: Comparing two frameworks for managing quality processes in open and distance learning. Centre for Staff Learning and Educational Development (CSLED), Victoria University. Melbourne, Australia.
Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) (2010). A road map to quality. Hand book for quality assurance in higher education. Volume 2: Guidelines for external assessment at programme level.
Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) (nd). The need to establish a regional system of accreditation of higher education institutions and programmes in East Africa.
IUCEA (September, 2011). Rolling strategic plan. IUCEA.
Johnstone, D. B. (nd). The financing and management of higher education: A Status Report on worldwide reforms. http://www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/educ/postbasc.htm
Jongbloed, B. (2008). Funding higher education: A view from Europe: A comparative overview organized by the National Trade Confederation of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC). Brasilia.
Jowi, J. O., Obamba, M., Sehoole, C., Barifaijo, M., Oanda, O., & Alabi, G. (nd). Governance of higher education, research and innovation in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. Innovation, higher education and research for development. OECD.
Kasozi, A. B. (2003). University education in Uganda: Challenges and opportunities for reform. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.
Kavulya, J. M. (2004). University libraries in Kenya: A study of their practices and performance. (PhD thesis), Humboldt University, Berlin.
Kinser, K., & Hill, B. A. (2011). Higher Education in Tumultuous Times: A Transatlantic Dialogue on Facing Market Forces and promoting the common good. American Council on Education, Washington.
Kis, V. (2005). Quality assurance in tertiary education: Current practices in OECD countries and a literature review on potential effects. OECD thematic review of tertiary education. www.oecd.org/edu/tertiary/review.
Knight, J. (2013). Towards African higher education regionalization and harmonization: Functional, organizational and political approaches. International Perspectives on Education and Society, 21, 347-373.
Kruijer, H. (2010). Learning how to teach: The upgrading of unqualified primary teachers in sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from Tanzania, Malawi, and Nigeria. Education International, Belgium.
Kurasha, P., & Gwarinda, T. C. (2010). Financing a sustainable quality assurance model for national development through open and distance learning in higher education: The Zimbabwean experience. International Journal of Open & Distance Learning, 2(1), 1 -9.
Kwesiga, P. (2013). Leaders and university change: Managing universities in diversity. International Research and Exchanges Board University Administration Support Program.
Loukkola, T., & Zhang, T. (2010).Examining quality culture: Part 1 – Quality assurance processes in higher education institutions. EUA Publication.
Macquarie University (2008). Guide to implementation of assessment policies. Learning and Teaching Centre.
Makerere University (2007). Quality assurance policy framework. Makerere University, Kampala.
Markwell, D. (2003). Improving teaching and learning in universities. Business Higher Education Round Table, 18.
Materu, P. (2007). Higher education quality assurance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Status, challenges, opportunities, and promising practices. The World Bank, Washington, D.C.
Matovu, M. (2012). Distance education in Uganda: Issues, opportunities, and challenges. OIDA International Journal of sustainable development, 4(9), 63-70.
Matovu, M., & Ainol. M. Z. (2014). Factors influencing assessment practices among university academic staff: a multiple regression analysis. Mevlana International Journal of Education, 4(1), 176 – 188.
Meek, V. L., Teichler, U., & Kearney, M. L. (2009).Higher education, research and innovation: Changing Dynamics. A report on the UNESCO forum on higher education, research and knowledge. International Centre for Higher Education Research Kassel, University of Kassel.
Ministry of Education (MOE) (2012). Towards a Globally Competitive Quality Education for Sustainable Development. A report of the task force on the re-alignment of the education sector to the constitution of Kenya. Republic of Kenya.
Mishra, S. (2006). Quality assurance in higher education: An introduction. National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore, India.
Mohamed, S., & Fullard, A. (nd). African higher education research online: A disciplinary archive. The Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of the Western Cape. http://ahero.uwc.ac.za
Musyoki, J. M., & Karimi, F. K. (2011). Regional workshop on higher education quality management in East Africa. Commission for Higher Education (CHE), Nairobi, Kenya.
National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA) (2012). Handbook for quality assurance and accreditation in Saudi Arabia: Part 2 Internal quality assurance arrangements. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) (2009). Information and communication technology Plan. NCHE, Kampala Uganda.
National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) (2011). State of higher education and training in Uganda: A report on higher education delivery and institution. NCHE, Kampala Uganda.
Nkunya, M. H. H. (2011). DIES conference on strengthening universities, enhancing capacities in higher education management for development, 28 – 29 November, Bonn, Germany.
Nkunya, M. H. H., & Joseph, C. C. (nd). Developing a Regional quality assurance system for higher education in East Africa: Progress and experiences. Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
Nova Scotia College of Art and Design NSCAD (2009). Quality assurance policy and procedures. Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Nyangau, J. Z. (2014). Higher education as an instrument of economic growth in Kenya, FIRE: Forum for International Research in Education, 1(1), 7 – 25. http://preserve.lehigh.edu/fire/vol1/iss1/3
Nyathi, F. S., Kadhila, N., & Aipanda, J. (2011). Quality assurance manual. Centre for Quality Assurance and Management.
O’Farrell, C. (nd). Enhancing student learning through assessment: A toolkit approach.
OECD & Institutional Management in Higher Education (IMHE) (nd). Learning our lesson: Review of quality teaching in higher education. http://www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/44058352.pdf
Opati, O. D. (2013). The use of ICT in teaching and learning at Makerere University: The case of College of Education and External Studies. (Master’s thesis), University of Oslo.
Osinulu, L. F., & Amusa, O. I. (2002). Information technology, quality assurance, and academic library management. Olabisi Onabanjo University Library, Nigeria.
Otto, F., & Musinguzi, B. (2012).The accreditation process and challenges of private religious based universities in Uganda. International Journal of Pedagogical Innovations, 1(2), 89-95. http://dx.doi.org/10.12785/ijpi/010205
Padro, F. F., & Veenstra, C. P. (2013). Quality in higher education. Quality Approaches in Higher Education, 4(2), http://asq.org/edu/quality-information/journals/4(2)
Parri, J. (2006). Quality in higher education. Management, 2(11) 107 – 111.
Rice, M. L. (2010). Sustaining and enhancing the research mission of public universities. The University of Kansas Merrill, Kansas.
Sellers, S. L., Roberts, J., Giovanetto, L., Friedrich, K., & Hammargren, C. (2007). Reaching All Students: A Resource for Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (2nd Edn.). Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin.
Sife, A. S., Lwoga, E. T., & Sanga, C. (2007). New technologies for teaching and learning: Challenges for higher learning institutions in developing countries. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 3(2), 57-67.
Stassen, M. L. A., Doherty, K., & Poe, M. (2001). Program-based review and assessment: Tools and techniques for program improvement. Academic Planning & Assessment, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Stella, A., & Bhushan, S. (2011). Quality assurance of transnational higher education. The experiences of Australia and India. Australian Universities Quality Agency and the National University of Educational Planning and Administration.
Strydom, A. H., Lategan, L. O. K., & Muller, A. (1997), Enhancing institutional self-evaluation and quality in South African higher education: National and international perspectives. University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
Tettey, W. J. (2006). Staff retention in African universities: Elements of a sustainable strategy. University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Trowler, V. (2010, November). Student engagement literature review. Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University.
Tuning (2011, March). Feasibility study into the relevance of a tuning approach for higher education in Africa. Final report.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (2000).Defining quality in education: A paper presented by UNICEF at the meeting of the international working group on education Florence. New York, USA.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2011). Regional integration and human development: A pathway for Africa. New York, USA.
University of Ulster (2013). Assessment handbook. Ulster.
Vroeijenstijn, A. I. (1995). Improvement and accountability: Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis: A guide for external quality assessment in higher education. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London and Bristol.
Weber, L., & Sjur B. S. (2005). The public responsibility for higher education and research. Council of Europe Publishing, Strasbourg Cedex.
Weligamage, S. S. (2009). Graduates’ employability skills - Evidence from literature review: Enhancing employability through quality assurance. University of Kelaniya.
West, P. W. A. (nd). Trends of management of human resource in higher education institutions: Conflict in higher education and its Resolution. OECD & Institutional Management in Higher Education. http://www.oecd.org/edu/imhe/35322860.pdf
Zeleza, P. T. (2012). Internationalization in Higher Education: Opportunities and challenges for the knowledge project in the global South. In P. Kotecha (Eds). Internationalization in higher education perspectives from the Global South, pp 4-27. Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), South Africa.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v0i0.983
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2018 Matovu Musa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright © 2015-2023. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
