Quality Assurance Implementation Practices in Selected Malaysian Public Universities

摘要

The quest to improve and compete globally has prompted universities around the world to subscribe to quality assurance practices and the Malaysian public universities are no exception. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the quality assurance practices in Malaysian public universities and the challenges faced by those entrusted to oversee the implementation processes. Utilizing qualitative approach, we examined in-depth the experiences and views of fourteen informants through interviews, who were entrusted with managing quality assurance practices in the selected universities. Four major themes emerged comprising commitment to addressing quality assurance, quality management system, understanding of quality assurance implementation, and challenge to nurture quality culture. Interestingly, the universities have well documented policies on quality assurance implementation and proper structures to oversee the quality assurance practices adhering to government policies and aspirations. However, there were differences in the interpretation and understanding of quality assurance practices among the two major groups of informants, the academics and the full time career administrators. Despite the efforts also, the universities faced with various challenges to nurture quality culture among the staff and much more are still needed if Malaysian universities are to be regarded as providing quality services within the framework of quality assurance practices.