Perceptions of stakeholders about quality assurance in higher education in Botswana

Abstract

Quality and its assurance are now important aspects of higher education in both developed and developing nations. Accordingly, this study seeks to explore the perceptions of stakeholders with regards to quality assurance in higher education institutions in Botswana. The study employed mixed methods research, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis,Ivankoka,Creswell and Sticks (2006). Interviews were conducted with heads of quality units at Limkokwing and BIUST, Deans, Deputy Deans, Heads of Departments, DVC AA at UB and other academic staff members as well as questionnaires to also include officials in the ministry of education who are in charge of tertiary education. Quantitative data was analysed statistically using SAS V9.3 running under windows XP on a desktop computer. Interviews were conducted with 34 staff members from the participating institutions, while 61 lecturers from UB, Limkokwing and BIUST and 3 officers from the ministry of education responded to the questionnaires. The respondents in this study emphasised the need for proper implementation of the institutions quality assurance policy. The academic staff members also raised concern over high teaching loads and understaffing that impact negatively on the achievement of quality academic programmes. Chief among the recommendations in this study is the call for team work between the institutions and other important stakeholders like TEC and the ministry and to put in place a research plan for the institution in order to improve research output by the academic staff members. In terms of future research, the respondents suggested that there should be more research conducted to establish a quality assurance model that can be relevant to the institution.