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V. Foreign Higher Education and Education Systems, International Relations, Bilateral Relations
B. Essays, Commentaries, Statements
Author LILLIS, Deirdre
Title Systematically evaluating the effectiveness of quality assurance programmes in leading to improvements in institutional performance
Publication year 2012
Source/Footnote In: Quality in higher education. - 18 (2012) 1, S. 59 - 73
Inventory number 32254
Keywords Evaluation ; Qualitätssicherung
Abstract Higher education institutions worldwide invest significant resources in their quality assurance systems. Little empirical evidence exists that demonstrates the effectiveness (or otherwise) of these systems. Methodological approaches for determining effectiveness are also underdeveloped. Self-study-with-peer-review is a widely used model for ensuring the quality of the core teaching, research and engagement activities of higher education institutions. This article illustrates how an established social-programme evaluation methodology can be used to determine its effectiveness in leading to improvements in institutional performance. The concept of effectiveness and the particular challenges posed by the higher education organisational culture are considered. An example of the systematic evaluation of three self-study programmes is provided to illustrate the concept. It is concluded that social-programme evaluation has significant potential in evaluating the effectiveness of quality assurance initiatives in higher education. (HRK / Abstract übernommen)