Self-evaluation is supposed to be a valid, reliable and easy-to-use instrument to commit professionals to external quality assurance. The writing of a self-evaluation report is the first step in most higher education accreditation systems all over the world. Research on accreditation in the Netherlands and Flanders shows that professionals…

Barring the devout vegetarian, most people will not refuse a sizzling steak, especially when the stomach is empty. Even in fairly well developed economies, an education deficit is there. Why should countries then be hesitant or skeptical about transnational education delivered to their doors? Could it be that there are just too many bones in this…

Proposes a holistic model for quality management in higher education which incorporates both service and academic functions. Discusses the crucial role played by organizational culture in implementation of any quality strategy, and asserts that ideal organizational behavior embodies the "learning communities" concept. (EV)

Argues that quality in faculty research does not translate directly into quality in teaching, and industrial modes of quality-assurance involving strong central management control are inappropriate for universities. The link between research and teaching is in mechanisms supporting quality. Academics know how to support quality in research; the…

Discussion of quality assurance in Australian higher education focuses on a case study of a university sector college. Identifies an "implementation gap" between the intentions underpinning "quality policy" and actual outcomes. Argues that institutions and external quality bodies need to consider the conditions and context of…

There are a several lenses through which quality in higher education can be viewed. One views quality improvement at the macro or university level, another focuses at the micro or educational-delivery level. One sees quality assessment as an administrative "check-off", the other sees quality as a continuous improvement in educational delivery. One…

Drawing on experience in the United States and United Kingdom, two educators discuss the practice of quality assessment in higher education. Distinguishing between formative and summative assessment, they identify characteristics that support quality learning, observing that practice falls short of these ideals and noting that it is risky for…

Raises concerns about collaborative contractual arrangements that provide educational services to international students within British institutions of higher education. Reports that evaluation of a course for international students designed and delivered with a private partner found the course commercially successful but educationally and…

Discusses the causes for the recent decline in higher education quality in sub-Saharan Africa and possible strategies for improvement, including selective admission to the universities, teacher training programs for faculty, student evaluation of faculty, faculty participation in instructional materials development, improvement of graduate study,…