An Assessment of the Impact of the National Commission on Higher Education Quality Assurance Policy for Tertiary Institutions in Liberia
Keywords:
Quality Assurance Policy, National Commission of Higher Education, Tertiary Institutions, Lofa County University
Abstract
This study looks at how Lofa County University in Liberia is affected by the NCHE quality assurance strategy. It examines the policy's application, the university's attempts to adhere to quality standards, and the difficulties encountered. Data was gathered and analyzed using a mixed method approach that combined quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The results indicate that LCU has endeavored to adhere to the NCHE quality assurance policy by employing skilled personnel, enhancing infrastructure, and pursuing program sustainability. The policy's execution has resulted in LCU obtaining accreditation to offer bachelor's degree programs and has enhanced program quality via consistent curricula and qualified personnel. Nevertheless, obstacles such as insufficient competent personnel and financial resources have been faced. The report concluded that the policy has positively impacted accreditation, personnel quality, infrastructure development, and program quality enhancement. The government of Liberia should augment financing for NCHE and LCU to guarantee adherence to quality assurance requirements.
References
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Kettunen, J. (2008). A conceptual framework to help evaluate the quality of institutional performance. Quality Assurance in Education, 16 (4), 322-332.
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Lane, J.-E., & Ersson, S. (1999). Policy implementation in poor countries. In S. S. Nagel (Ed.), The policy implementation process in developing nations (Vol. 6, pp. 57-75). Jai Press Inc.
Liu, Y., & Zhang, H. (2020). Quality assurance challenges in African higher education.
African Journal of Higher Education, 30 (4), 15-25.
Mazmanian, D., & Sabatier, P. (1989). Implementation and public policy* (3rd ed.).
University Press of America.
Nnamdi, I. (2011). Comparative public administration. Thrust Publications.
Parsons, W. (1995). Public policy: An introduction to the theory and practice of policy analysis. Edward Elgar Pub.
Poornima, M., & Uma, G. (2012). Public policy and analysis. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
Pressman, J., & Wildavsky, A. (1974). Implementation: How great expectations in Washington are dashed in Oakland (pp. xviii, 182). University of California Press.
Polit, D. F., & Hungler, B. P. (1999). Nursing research: Principles and methods (6th ed.).
Saber. (2017). Liberia tertiary education. World Bank Group.
Sign. (2017). Policy implementation – A synthesis of the study of policy implementation and the causes of policy failure. OCP Policy Center, Mahaj Erryad, Rabat, Morocco.
Sumaworo, M. (2023). Challenges of higher education in Liberia and possible solutions.
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Stella, A. (2008). Quality assurance arrangements in higher education in the broader Asia- Pacific region. Asia-Pacific Quality Network Inc..
Stensaker, B., Rosa, M. J., & Westerheijden, D. F. (2007). Conclusions and further challenges. In D. F. Westerheijden, B. Stensaker, & M. J. Rosa (Eds.), Quality assurance in higher education: Trends in regulation, translation, and transformation (pp. 247- 262). Springer.
Zegeye, A., Worku, A., Jefera, D., Getu, M., & Sileshi, Y. (2009). Introduction to research methods. Educational Research Journal, 18 (3), 133-145
Anderson, R. (2022). Strategic reforms and quality assurance in tertiary institutions. Journal of Higher Education, 50(2), 47-59.
Birkland, T. (2015). An introduction to the policy process: Theories, concepts, and models of public policy making (3rd ed.). Routledge.
DeGroff, A., & Cargo, M. (2009). Policy implementation: Implications for evaluation. New Directions for Evaluation, 124, 47-60.
Dolo, F. R. (2016). Overview of Liberia’s policy regimes, 1944-present. Liberian Journal of Public Policy, 8(2), 25-40.
Ewell, P. (2007). The "quality game": External review and institutional reaction over three decades in the United States. In D. F. Westerheijden, B. Stensaker, & M. J. Rosa (Eds.), Quality assurance in higher education: Trends in regulation, translation, and transformation (pp. 119-153). Springer.
Finikov, T., & Kovtun, O. (2021). Towards sustainable development through higher education quality assurance. International Journal of Educational Development, 80, 102-111.
Hill, M. J. (2012). The public policy processes (5th ed.). Routledge.
Ikelegbe, A. (2006). Public policy analysis: Concepts, issues, and cases. Institute of Nigeria. John, P. (1998). Analyzing public policy. Continuum.
IIEP-UNESCO. (2011). External quality assurance: Options for higher education managers: Training modules. IIEP-UNESCO.
Khan, A., & Khandaker, S. (2016). A critical insight into policy implementation and implementation performance. East West University Journal, 2(1), 45-67.
Kettunen, J. (2008). A conceptual framework to help evaluate the quality of institutional performance. Quality Assurance in Education, 16 (4), 322-332.
Lane, A., & Ersson, S. (2021). Public policy implementation and its impacts on higher education quality assurance. Journal of Public Policy, 15 (1), 66-80.
Lane, J.-E., & Ersson, S. (1999). Policy implementation in poor countries. In S. S. Nagel (Ed.), The policy implementation process in developing nations (Vol. 6, pp. 57-75). Jai Press Inc.
Liu, Y., & Zhang, H. (2020). Quality assurance challenges in African higher education.
African Journal of Higher Education, 30 (4), 15-25.
Mazmanian, D., & Sabatier, P. (1989). Implementation and public policy* (3rd ed.).
University Press of America.
Nnamdi, I. (2011). Comparative public administration. Thrust Publications.
Parsons, W. (1995). Public policy: An introduction to the theory and practice of policy analysis. Edward Elgar Pub.
Poornima, M., & Uma, G. (2012). Public policy and analysis. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
Pressman, J., & Wildavsky, A. (1974). Implementation: How great expectations in Washington are dashed in Oakland (pp. xviii, 182). University of California Press.
Polit, D. F., & Hungler, B. P. (1999). Nursing research: Principles and methods (6th ed.).
Saber. (2017). Liberia tertiary education. World Bank Group.
Sign. (2017). Policy implementation – A synthesis of the study of policy implementation and the causes of policy failure. OCP Policy Center, Mahaj Erryad, Rabat, Morocco.
Sumaworo, M. (2023). Challenges of higher education in Liberia and possible solutions.
Journal of Asian and African Social Sciences and Humanities, 9 (1), 22-33.
Stella, A. (2008). Quality assurance arrangements in higher education in the broader Asia- Pacific region. Asia-Pacific Quality Network Inc..
Stensaker, B., Rosa, M. J., & Westerheijden, D. F. (2007). Conclusions and further challenges. In D. F. Westerheijden, B. Stensaker, & M. J. Rosa (Eds.), Quality assurance in higher education: Trends in regulation, translation, and transformation (pp. 247- 262). Springer.
Zegeye, A., Worku, A., Jefera, D., Getu, M., & Sileshi, Y. (2009). Introduction to research methods. Educational Research Journal, 18 (3), 133-145
Published
2024-09-30
How to Cite
S. Taylor, M., & L.S. Nabieu, P. (2024). An Assessment of the Impact of the National Commission on Higher Education Quality Assurance Policy for Tertiary Institutions in Liberia. Wangsa : Journal of Education and Learning, 1(03), 126-134. Retrieved from https://ejournal.mannawasalwa.ac.id/index.php/wangsa/article/view/374
Section
Articles
