Atul Kumar, Amol Gawande, Shailendra Kumar Kale, Akash Agarwal, Vinaydeep Brar and Shirish Raibagkar
This study aims to assess the impact of academic audit, a quality assurance tool in higher educational institutions. It explores the relationship between the effective use of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the impact of academic audit, a quality assurance tool in higher educational institutions. It explores the relationship between the effective use of academic audits and the institutions’ quality performance, as indicated by their accreditation score.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a questionnaire, the authors checked whether colleges across India effectively used academic audits and the key challenges in conducting the audit. A sample of 428 was drawn from a population of 6,201 colleges. The challenges in conducting academic audits, mostly operational, were grounded in literature and measured using a five-point Likert scale. Regression analysis and a t-test were used to test the two hypotheses.
Findings
The effective use of academic audits significantly influences the quality of the colleges measured by the accreditation score. Findings show that ineffective implementation of academic audits leads to mediocre accreditation performance. Simultaneously, the colleges face several challenges in implementing academic audits.
Originality/value
This novel attempt examines the relationship between academic audit and accreditation performance. Through this unique study, the authors make a case for using academic audits by higher educational institutions adopting accreditation as a quality strategy. The research unfolds the significant value that academic audit holds for facilitating accreditation.
Details
Keywords
Atul Kumar, Amol Gawande, Akash Agarwal, Shailendrakumar Kale, Vinaydeep Brar and Shirish Raibagkar
The purpose of this study is to identify and address significant quality gaps present in business school dissertations in India. Dissertations, an integral and a special component…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and address significant quality gaps present in business school dissertations in India. Dissertations, an integral and a special component of the overall business school learning process, acquaint students with the practical business world.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors benchmarked the dissertation processes of business schools in India against those of reputed business schools in Germany, France, Sweden and Australia. Using a survey questionnaire, the authors checked whether business schools in India followed international processes and, if not, what could be done to adopt such processes. A sample of 367 business schools was studied to obtain reasonable evidence.
Findings
There were major quality issues in the dissertation process across business schools in India. Serious groundwork preparation issues were identified, such as an absence of research proposals. Most business schools also reported that there were no rubrics for dissertation evaluation, resulting in high subjectivity in the evaluation process. Supervisor interactions and control over the progress of the dissertation were also found to be very weak. As a result, the authors conclude that dissertations from business schools in India have major gaps in quality.
Originality/value
This is a novel study that examines the quality assurance of business school dissertations. It highlights major quality concerns surrounding the business school dissertation process and suggests measures to address quality issues. The study’s implications apply to business schools in all developing countries and not just India.
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Atul Kumar, Amol Gawande and Shirish Raibagkar
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustenance of quality over the long run by higher education institutions (HEIs) as measured by the accreditation scores in two…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustenance of quality over the long run by higher education institutions (HEIs) as measured by the accreditation scores in two consecutive five-year cycles of accreditation, which is a global quality practice. It also aimed to uncover the causes of the decline in the quality performance of the majority of HEIs.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyzed 481 Indian HEIs based on their accreditation scores for the second and third cycles of assessment by the apex agency, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. Given the alarming results, the authors investigated the matter further. Possible causes for the lack of quality sustenance on the part of Indian HEIs were ascertained.
Findings
While 161 HEIs showed improvement, 320 showed a decline in the accreditation scores. Indian HEIs are on a slippery slope in dealing with quality. This survey of a sample of 248 out of 481 institutions showed that much remains to be done by the Internal Quality Assurance Cells. The lack of institutionalization of quality is a major concern. Findings of this study have implications for HEIs across the globe who want to be assured of quality on a sustained basis.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind to look into drops in quality among HEIs that have been in a quality environment for more than 10 years. It warns institutions to guard against quality complacency to sustain quality in the long run.
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Saeed Pahlevan Sharif, Navaz Naghavi, Fon Sim Ong, Hamid Sharif Nia and Hassam Waheed
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumers' satisfaction with their health insurance and quality of life (QoL), the mediating role of perceived…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumers' satisfaction with their health insurance and quality of life (QoL), the mediating role of perceived financial burden in this relationship, as well as the moderating effect of external locus of control (LoC) on the relationship between perceived financial burden and QoL among cancer patients.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional design was employed in order to collect quantitative data by means of a self-administrated questionnaire. Participants consisted of 387 conveniently selected consumers diagnosed with cancer in Iran. Furthermore, the questionnaire was translated into Persian using a forward–backward method. The model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results indicate that the more satisfied patients are with their health insurance, the higher QoL they experience, and this relationship is explained through reducing perceived financial burden in terms of direct and indirect costs of the disease. Although external LoC belief is negatively related to QoL, it buffers the negative association between financial burden and QoL.
Practical implications
Reducing the disparity between consumers' expectation and perception of the comprehensiveness of health insurance policies may relieve consumers' anxiety stemming from financial worries.
Originality/value
This paper fills a gap in the literature where consumers' perception about quality of insurance and its relationship with their QoL has received little attention so far.