Developing Quality Assurance Processes at the University of Malawi

1. Developing Quality Assurance Processes at the University of Malawi DelPHE Project 325 Dr. Tim Ngwira

2. Project Team • University of Malawi • Professor L.A Kamwanja (Former Leader) • Dr Robert Ridley (Current Leader) • Dr PanjiChamdimba(Member and now with UNICEF) • Dr T.N.Ngwira (Member and current Coordinator) • Mrs L. Saka (Secretariat) • University of Strathclyde • Prof. Rae Condie • Ms BonaghDallat

3. College Representatives • Professor D Ng’ong’ola (Bunda College –LUANAR) • Dr N.R Kanyongolo (Chancellor College) • Dr Neil Kennedy (College of Medicine) • Dr B Mkwinda Nyasulu (Kamuzu College of Nursing) • Mr K Lungu (Malawi Polytechnic)

4. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT • To establish a Quality Assurance Unit within the University of Malawi which will oversee a series of processes and procedures designed to ensure the maintenance and development of quality and standards in learning and teaching across the university.

5. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT … (Cont’d) • The Quality Assurance Unit is expected to play a central role in the management and coordination of academic quality enhancement activities in the 5 constituent colleges of the University. • Specifically, it is expected to develop, coordinate and monitor the institutional quality assurance and quality management system and its processes, in close association with the Quality Assurance Committee and operational units within the University.

6. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT Arrange and manage a system of periodic audits of: • the quality of the academic activities, including attainment of standards of performance and outcomes of the university of Malawi; • the quality assurance arrangements intended to maintain and elevate that quality; • monitor, review, analyze and provide public reports on the quality of outcomes in the University of Malawi. • Arrange and manage a system of periodic audits of the quality assurance processes, procedures, and outcomes of the University of Malawi; • monitor, review, analyze and report on the outcomes of those audits.

7. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT… (Cont’d) • Publicly report periodically on matters relating to quality assurance, including • the relative standards and outcomes of the University of Malawi system: its processes and its international standing, and its impact on Malawi education system • Develop partnerships with other quality agencies in relation to matters directly relating to quality assurance and both internal and external audits, to facilitate efficient cross-border quality assurance processes and the international transfer of knowledge about those processes.

8. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT • One of the central roles of QA Unit is to encourage and assist the growth of a university culture that values quality and is committed to continuous improvement. • This will be evidenced in QA Unit’s approach to audits which will emphasize self-audit and ongoing interaction with colleges of the University of Malawi after the publication of an audit report.

9. PLANNED ACTIVITIES • Development of Quality Assurance self audit Guidelines Instrument • Conducting Short Courses in Quality Assurance processes • Institutional Quality Assurance Audit • Participation in Staff Exchange visits with Strathclyde University • Documentation of all Quality Assurance processes observed in the self audit • Participate in the development of the University of Malawi Quality Assurance Unit structure

10. PRE-LAUNCH PERCEPTIONS • Overall perception of quality of teaching and learning in the University of Malawi was slightly below average with a mean score of 2.98. • Support and administrative staff viewed quality of teaching and learning to be above average, whereas academic staff and students viewed the quality of teaching and learning in the University to be below average

11. PROJECT LAUNCHED ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2008

12. TRAINING WORKSHOP ON INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDIT • 26th -27th January 2009 • Target: • Deans • University-wide Quality Assurance Advisory Committee • Registrars • College Representatives

13. QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDIT • ‘Quality audit’ is defined as ‘a systematic and independent examination to determine whether activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and • whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives’ as set out by the University of Malawi

14. QUALITY ASSURANCE AUDIT… (Cont’d) The audit method evaluates aspects of a department /faculty/college’s quality assurance arrangements on four dimensions: • Approach, • Deployment, • Results and this is to be followed by • Improvement

15. DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUALITY ASSURANCE INSTRUMENT • The approach was a holistic one in which Learning and Teaching, Research, Management, Community Outreach and the interactions between them were given full consideration. The process made use of documentation which had been prepared for other purposes wherever this was appropriate. Departmental reports included appropriate facts and figures to support the statements made.

16. OUTCOMES EXPECTED FROM THE INSTRUMENT • understand the structure of the department and how it is managed; • understand how financial resources are distributed; • test the strength and validity of decisions taken by the Department on targets and priorities; • assess the quality assurance measures taken by the Department regarding its academic provision; • assess the extent of collaboration in both research and learning and teaching and community outreach at all levels; • assess the Department’s contribution to the wider community, both academic and to the citizens of Malawi more broadly; • assess the extent of engagement with appropriate learning and teaching, professional and research networks.

17. AREAS COVERED BY THE INSTRUMENT • Management and Organisation: • Teaching Learning and Assessment: • Research: • Community Outreach: • Resources and Planning: