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External Quality Audit

Has It Improved Quality Assurance in Universities?

  • 1st Edition - March 14, 2013
  • Latest edition
  • Editors: Mahsood Shah, Chenicheri Sid Nair
  • Language: English

Whilst external quality audits have been in place for more than a decade in some countries, limited research exists on the extent to which such audits have been effective in… Read more

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Description

Whilst external quality audits have been in place for more than a decade in some countries, limited research exists on the extent to which such audits have been effective in improving systems and processes for quality assurance in higher education institutions, and the extent to which such audits have improved academic standards, outcomes and student experience. External Quality Audit looks at the experience of countries where external quality audits have been established by governments, and provides analyses of their effectiveness in improving quality assurance in universities and other higher education institutions.

Key features

  • Brings together the experience of academics and administrators in higher education institutions
  • Examines international experience on the extent to which external quality audits have improved quality assurance at national, institutional and faculty levels
  • Gives perspective from a variety of higher education institutions

Readership

Academic and non-academic quality practitioners who have interests in higher education quality assurance, and government departments with responsibilities for higher education policy and direction

Table of contents

List of figures and tables

Preface

About the editors and contributors

Chapter 1: Quality assurance – corporate fist in a velvet glove?

Abstract:

Australian quality assurance

Measuring teaching quality

Educational reform

Quality assurance for teaching at James Cook University 2000–10

The JCU historical context for quality assurance

Quality assurance – summary of influences on teaching

All is not rosy in the world of professors

Chapter 2: The impact of external quality audit in a private for-profit tertiary education institution

Abstract:

Introduction

Evidence of effectiveness: global perspective

Brief overview of private providers in Australia

External quality audits of private providers

Quality audit approach

Discussion on the effectiveness of the quality audit

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Multiple views of quality audits in New Zealand: a case for advancing systemic understanding

Abstract:

Introduction

A brief overview of quality audits

Quality audit in New Zealand

Views of quality audits in New Zealand

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Reflections on the effectiveness of four cycles of external quality audits in New Zealand universities

Abstract:

Introduction

Universities New Zealand and the establishment of the New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit, Te Whanga Ttari

National context: recent government policy

International context

The impact of academic audit on systems and processes

The impact of academic audit on standards, outcomes and the student learning experience

The impact of academic audit at institutional and national level

The future challenges for quality assurance in New Zealand universities

Conclusion

Chapter 5: Enhancing quality assurance in an institution: the University of the South Pacific experience of an external audit

Abstract:

University of the South Pacific: an overview

A vision for the year 2020

The quality strategy

External audit

The self-assessment

Post-audit – the processes and impacts

Conclusion

Chapter 6: Quality audits in Hong Kong: seeking evidence of quality enhancement

Abstract:

The education landscape in Hong Kong

Quality audits in Hong Kong

Methodology for analysis of the Quality Assurance Council reports

Findings

Summary

Chapter 7: External quality audits and quality assurance in the higher education sector: the Malaysian perspective

Abstract:

Introduction

Quality audit practice in higher education

Government policy on external quality audits

The case of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

A practitioner’s point of view

Future challenges for higher education quality assurance in Malaysia

Conclusion

Chapter 8: External quality audit in the UK: an impact analysis

Abstract:

Introduction

The purposes of Institutional Audit

The implementation of Institutional Audit1

The effects of Institutional Audit

Reflections on Institutional Audit

Conclusions

Chapter 9: Effect of external quality agencies on universities in India

Abstract:

The context

The Indian scenario

Effects of external assurance

Assuring transnational education

Lessons to be learned

Chapter 10: External quality audits in South African higher education: goals, outcomes and challenges

Abstract:

Introduction

External quality assurance in the South African higher education context

Functions of the HEQC

Principles and approaches in the institutional audit system

Systems and procedures for institutional audits

External institutional audits: outcomes and impact

Impact of the audit process: preparation and site visit

The issue of impact through audit recommendations

Evaluating the student experience in audits

Conclusion

Chapter 11: Development, effectiveness and future of quality assurance and assessment in Italian higher education

Abstract:

Introduction

Stages in quality assurance in Italian higher education

Conclusion: the trade-off between differentiation and standardisation

Chapter 12: Audits of quality assurance systems of higher education institutions in Finland

Abstract:

The Finnish system of higher education

Brief background of government policy on external quality audits in Finland

Role of FINHEEC, the national quality assurance organization

How do the audits impact on quality management?

Audits and educational outcomes

Students’ role in quality management

The impact of audits at national, institutional and faculty level

The future challenges of higher education quality assurance

Note

Chapter 13: External quality auditing: strengths and shortcomings in the audit process

Abstract:

Introduction

External quality auditing in Norway

A process view on audits

Data and methods

The functioning and effects of external audits in Norway

Some final reflections

Chapter 14: Institutional management and quality audit: the experience in Chile

Abstract:

Development of external quality assurance schemes in Chile: an answer to the challenges of higher education evolution

A study to learn about the impact of quality audits

Results

Lessons learned and recommendations

Chapter 15: Scope, transparency and style: system-level quality strategies and the student experience in Australia

Abstract:

Introduction

External quality audit and the student experience

The Australian Universities Quality Agency and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency

System-level quality strategies and the impact of external review

Conclusion: the merits of external review and prospects for future development

Chapter 16: Accreditation and institutional learning: the impact interactions based on a minimaxing strategy have on the benefits from external reviews

Abstract:

Introduction

Purpose of this chapter

Prelude: thoughts on the nature of learning

Learning as a stochastic proposition

Learning as a paradox

Perception and learning

The power of language used – who controls the narrative?

When learning happens

Limitations to organizational learning

Level 1: Nexus or nexum – type of interaction between HEIs and external agents

Level 2: Structural and cultural impacts on compliance

Conclusion

Chapter 17: Has it worked globally?

Abstract:

Introduction

Have audits been successful?

Where to from here?

Index

Review quotes

"While this book is for academic and administrative staff and policy-makers involved in quality assurance and quality audit in higher education, it can be useful reading for academic librarians both because quality audit affects them, and because it helps to know what their academic colleagues are facing."—Australian Library Journal, September 2014

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: March 14, 2013
  • Language: English

About the editors

MS

Mahsood Shah

Mahsood Shah is Principal Advisor for Academic Strategy, Planning and Quality at the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
Affiliations and expertise
RMIT University

CN

Chenicheri Sid Nair

Professor Sid Nair is currently Executive Dean and Dean Learning, Teaching and Student Experience at the Victorian Institute of Technology (VIT), Australia where he is responsible for the learning, teaching, student experience and quality matters of the Institution. Previous to this appointment at VIT, Sid was the Executive Director of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Mauritius, the apex regulatory body where he was responsible for the formulation and execution of strategies, policies and procedures in the higher education sector in Mauritius. Prior to joining TEC, he was Professor of Higher Education Development at the Centre for Education Futures (CEF), University of Western Australia. His role was to build the capacity of academics in the digital delivery of their teaching. His career path also had him as Interim Director and Quality Advisor (Evaluations and Research) at the Centre for Higher Education Quality (CHEQ) at Monash University, Australia where he headed the evaluation unit at Monash University. In this capacity he restructured the evaluation framework at the university. The approach to evaluations at Monash has been noted in the first round of the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) audits and is part of the good practice database. His research work lies in the areas of quality in the higher education system, classroom and school environments, and the implementation of improvements from stakeholder feedback. He has extensive lecturing experience in the applied sciences in Canada, Singapore and Australia. He is an international consultant in quality and evaluations in higher education.
Affiliations and expertise
Executive Dean and Dean Learning, Teaching and Student Experience, Victorian Institute of Technology (VIT), Australia

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