The Role of Internal Quality Assurance Provisions and Practices in Higher Education in Ghana
Date
2025-04-23
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
The study examined the provisions and practices of Internal Quality Assurance in Ghanaian higher education. The study was guided by a qualitative research approach and relied on the first three levels of the CIPP model (Context, Input, Process). The objective from the onset of this study was to explore the topic using the four levels of the model. Unfortunately, the unavailability of tracer study reports from the institutions meant I could not investigate the last level of the model, namely Product. The product level examines students’ employability and success in industry after graduation. Qualitative document analysis and interview techniques were adopted to investigate the views and understanding of IQA officers about the role of IQA provisions and practices in Ghanaian higher education.
Also, the role of IQA officers was examined in accordance with their mandate to find out how their work encourages institutions to develop IQA structures and institutional-wide quality assurance policies. 12 IQA officers were interviewed from four public higher education institutions in Ghana. Data were analyzed manually to identify themes with the help of a computer software (NVivo). Key findings indicate that IQA practices are likely to succeed if stakeholders are actively engaged, staff members have had access to professional development prior to undertaking IQA tasks, and managers genuinely support IQA. It was observed that robust standards of teaching and learning are necessary and achievable through continuous improvement and collaboration between HEIs. The study calls for development of a national IQA framework, increase funding, and capacity building for IQA officers and faculty as ways to ensure sustainable improvement of the quality of higher education.
Description
Keywords
Quality Assurance, Internal Quality Assurance, Higher Education, Ghana
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Educational Administration
Program
Educational Administration