Programme Approval and Accountability: Exploring the Service Gap

You are here

Research and Development in Higher Education Vol. 34: Higher Education on the Edge

July, 2011, 394 pages
Published by
K. Krause, M. Buckridge, C. Grimmer, & S. Purbrick-Illek
ISBN
0 908557 85 X
Abstract 

This paper provides a case study of one university’s approach to building capacity for the internal quality assurance processes supporting the approval of new programmes and changes to programmes. The results of an evaluation of the central services provided by the university to support staff in their navigation of the policy and regulatory requirements associated with programme approval are discussed. The response of the university is chronicled according to the establishment of a service unit designed to meet the needs of staff while ensuring the continued fulfilment of external accountability requirements. The service gap between the support previously provided by the University and that requested by staff is explored in the context of structural devolution and quality assurance requirements. The need for continued vigilance to ensure that policy and regulatory support continues to service the needs of academic and professional staff within universities is discussed.

Keywords: Qualification or Programme Approval, Quality Assurance