Atul Kumar, Jaiprakash Paliwal, Mahesh Singh, Vishwas Pendse, Rajesh Gade, Manesh Palav and Shirish Raibagkar
Accreditation, a proven quality strategy, can help educational institutions at all levels in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). The purpose of this study, therefore…
Abstract
Purpose
Accreditation, a proven quality strategy, can help educational institutions at all levels in attaining Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). The purpose of this study, therefore, is to gain insights from the literature on accreditation and quality assurance and understand the focus areas of existing research. The study also aims at finding out research gaps that would serve as future research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
A focused literature review methodology was adopted. Based on the search terms “accreditation and quality assurance”, 54 literature items were finally selected for review from standard databases like Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar.
Findings
Five overarching focus dimensions emerged from the focused review. These were overview studies, accreditation system-based studies, the role of accreditation in quality assurance, the impact of accreditation on quality assurance and other studies. Major gaps in reviews were also found.
Originality/value
The study provides valuable theoretical and practical insights about accreditation and quality assurance and also lays the road map for future research to address the research gaps.
Details
Keywords
Mahesh Singh, Jaiprakash Paliwal, Manoj Kumar Rao and Shirish Raibagkar
In India, national accreditation agencies stipulate that internal quality control in higher education institutions (HEIs) is to be institutionalized through internal quality…
Abstract
Purpose
In India, national accreditation agencies stipulate that internal quality control in higher education institutions (HEIs) is to be institutionalized through internal quality assurance cells that are responsible for implementing and controlling quality systems. As the concept of goal congruence is central to a control process, this study aims to examine whether goal congruence is observed in such institutions. The impact of the absence of goal congruence on the quality of performance in higher education was also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study measured the impact of goal congruence or the lack thereof on the performance quality of HEIs as defined in the evaluation criteria of the apex accreditation agency, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. Two hypotheses were tested using t-tests and regression analysis. Focus group discussions were conducted to elicit participants’ suggestions.
Findings
The results showed a lack of goal congruence between HEIs’ quality goals and their faculty’s personal goals, which adversely impacts the quality of their performance, as indicated by an average disagreement of 81% on a ten-statement scale. Goal congruence as an independent variable explained 63% of the variability in HEIs’ performance quality, and the results were statistically significant, indicating that lack of goal congruence is an important contributor to poor performance among HEIs.
Originality/value
Accreditation of HEIs is a global practice; hence, the findings of this study and the importance of goal congruence apply not only to India but also to HEIs globally.