Challenges in the Implementation of Quality Assurance Mechanisms at the University of Zambia

Shanziwe Abesi Mijere¹, Harrison Daka^1, , Mukuka Lydia Mulenga – Hagane¹, Ireen Bwembya², Boniface Banda³ and Friday Chazanga⁴

¹Department of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

²Department of Directorate of Open and Distance Education, Ministry of Education Headquarters, Lusaka, Zambia

³University of Zambia Library, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

⁴Communication Information and Computer Technology, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Cite this paper:
Shanziwe Abesi Mijere, Harrison Daka, Mukuka Lydia Mulenga – Hagane, Ireen Bwembya, Boniface Banda and Friday Chazanga. Challenges in the Implementation of Quality Assurance Mechanisms at the University of Zambia. Journal of Innovations in Teaching and Learning. 2025; 5(1):68-76. doi: 10.12691/jitl-5-1-10

Abstract

The study examined the implementation challenges faced by both academic and administrative staff of quality assurance mechanisms at the University of Zambia. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, collecting quantitative data through questionnaires from 89 academic staff and qualitative data through interviews with 10 administrative staff and 5 Quality Assurance Directorate personnel and 5 students in leadership. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that resource constraints emerged as the predominant implementation challenge (84.27%). Qualitative findings revealed improved role clarity and streamlined processes attributed to quality systems, but severe understaffing and infrastructure limitations hindered implementation. Based on these findings, the study recommends implementing a tiered quality assurance training framework and establishing a decentralized quality assurance support structure with designated officers in each school.

Keywords:
Quality Assurance Higher Education Staff Perceptions Academic Performance Institutional Effectiveness

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