The practice of Internal Quality Assurance in Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in Addis Ababa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the practices of internal quality assurance in private higher education institutions in Addis Ababa. To conduct the study, descriptive survey design was employed. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample universities among PHEIs in Addis Ababa. From the sample universities: 7 deans/vice deans, 13 department heads, 3 internal quality assurance heads, 8 internal quality assurance members, and 2 Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency’s(HERQA) officials were participated in the study. Questionnaire was the main data gathering tool for this study. An interview was also conducted to enrich the quantitative data. As a result, 6 internal quality assurance heads or directors and 2 HERQA officials were interviewed. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaire and analyzed using mean score and percentage. The data gathered through interview was discussed in line with the questionnaire. Consequently, the main findings from this study were: the implementation of IQA were in the target universities, IQA was insufficiently implemented and little variations were observed among them ; lack of staff capacity, motivation, engagement and commitment affected the implementation of IQA practices; the role of HERQA is considered as an enabler for quality assurance mechanism across the sample universities. The extent to which the top management strategies to assist IQA practitioners were insufficient. They also didn’t gain enough support from HERQA to improve IQA practices. On the other hand, there were many challenges; such as lack of relevant trainings; lack of professional knowledge of IQA units; trained professionals turn over because of lack of incentives. Finally, to minimize or solve IQA related problems, the following recommendations were drawn; all target universities are urged to hire qualified and competent professionals; capacity building programs focused on QA trainings, workshops and seminars should be organized in participant’s educational institutions. They are also recommended to implement these quality assurance models such as TQM, ISO: 90001 and EFQM.