Examining Perceptions of Academic And Support Staff on Quality Assurance Accreditation in Higher Education in Developing Nations
Abstract
Education accreditation is the formal evaluation process conducted by specialized institutes or agencies to assess educational programs for compliance with established quality standards. Accreditation publicly recognizes programs that meet these standards. Beyond this recognition, accreditation also engenders increased public confidence, fostering mutual acceptance of academic credentials and encouraging active participation by academic staff. The present study is dedicated to evaluating the quality assurance (QA) accreditation in higher education, with particular emphasis on Third-World and unstable nations. The study draws insights from the experience of the University of Sabratha, Faculty of Engineering, which serves as a compelling case study. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the status quo, the perspectives of faculty staff using a SWOT analysis were solicited. This approach allows us to identify the most significant opportunities and threats inherent in the current scenario. The findings underscore the importance of quality assurance accreditation not only for enhancing academic profiles but also for improving all facets of higher education systems. Furthermore, it serves as a mechanism to address inconsistencies in regulations within the Ministry of Higher Education and tackle managerial and financial challenges prevalent in university administrations. In sum, QA accreditation emerges as a preferred avenue for organizational enhancement and overall development within the higher education sector.
Keywords
Accreditation Impact, College Experience, Quality Assurance, Developing Countries, Higher Education
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