Quality and its assurance are now important aspects of higher education in both developed and developing nations. Accordingly, this study seeks to explore the perceptions of stakeholders with regards to quality assurance in higher education institutions in Botswana. The study employed mixed methods research, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis,Ivankoka,Creswell and Sticks (2006). Interviews were conducted with heads of quality units at Limkokwing and BIUST, Deans, Deputy Deans, Heads of Departments, DVC AA at UB and other academic staff members as well as questionnaires to also include officials in the ministry of education who are in charge of tertiary education. Quantitative data was analysed statistically using SAS V9.3 running under windows XP on a desktop computer. Interviews were conducted with 34 staff members from the participating institutions, while 61 lecturers from UB, Limkokwing and BIUST and 3 officers from the ministry of education responded to the questionnaires. The respondents in this study emphasised the need for proper implementation of the institutions quality assurance policy. The academic staff members also raised concern over high teaching loads and understaffing that impact negatively on the achievement of quality academic programmes. Chief among the recommendations in this study is the call for team work between the institutions and other important stakeholders like TEC and the ministry and to put in place a research plan for the institution in order to improve research output by the academic staff members. In terms of future research, the respondents suggested that there should be more research conducted to establish a quality assurance model that can be relevant to the institution. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / PhD / Unrestricted

The aim of this research was to explore how examiners achieve and maintain high quality assessment during marking and moderation of the BGCSE (Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education) Home Economics coursework in Botswana. In 2000, localization of the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC) to the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) took place as per the recommendations of the Revised National Policy on Education (RNPE) document. This new certificate system, marked locally, allows for varied modes of assessment, with more emphasis being placed on continuous assessment. This also means that the assessment is school-based, with teachers centrally involved. As is procedure with this kind of assessment, it is subjected to moderation. However, implementation of this new assessment approach exposed, among other challenges, challenges in establishing dependability of teachers’ assessment, possible increase in teacher workload, teachers’ lack of expertise and confidence in undertaking the assessment scheme. This study, among other things, considers the forms of moderation used by the BGCSE to establish consistency in school-based assessment (SBA) and in so doing, it identifies that a dual form of moderation is used. The main research questions guiding this investigation were: <ul> <li>How are teachers and moderators trained so that they may be competent examiners?</li> <li>How is quality assured during marking of coursework?</li> <li>How does the examining body (BEC) Botswana Examination Council ensure that the examiners adhere to the quality control mechanisms?</li> </ul> This was a qualitative study and the sources of data were semi-structured interviews, document analysis and the research journal. The eight respondents who participated in this study were Home Economics teachers, moderators from senior secondary schools and subject experts from the examining body who were all non-randomly sampled from across the country. Purposive sampling was used based on the respondents’ characteristics relevant to the research problem. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to describe the phenomenon under inquiry and obtain detailed data. Major findings revealed inconsistencies between teachers and moderators’ marks, and that even though there are procedures that underpin a high quality assessment regime, there is little monitoring by the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) to ensure adherence by the examiners. Other key concerns included examiners’ dissatisfaction about training and inadequate official support and guidance to equip them as competent examiners in general. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / unrestricted

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

The empirical study gives support to the strong mediating role of a customer-focused culture. The key determinants of perceived service quality are epitomized in the 'golden triangle' of Visionary Leadership, Customer Focus and Quality People. Visionary leadership does not exert direct effect on people but transmits its influence through the establishment of a customer-focused culture. Contrary to the findings from previous studies, the relationship between process management and perceived service quality does not fall into place. / This paper presents the results of an empirical assessment of a Total-Quality-Management-for-Service (TQMS) model. The model integrates the traditional TQM literature and service quality management literature, showing the impact of both strategic and operational factors on perceived service quality. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the theoretical causal ordering, using data collected from 90 service companies and 900 customer interviews. The constructs were found to be highly reliable and valid. The results provide strong empirical evidence in support of the TQMS model, specifying the relationships among TQM practices. / This study contributes to theory building by identifying the TQM constructs relevant to the service setting. Introducing perceived service quality as a performance measure extends the traditional TQM theory by providing insights on how internal organizational practices can influence externally-based outcome. From the practical standpoint, managers could use the results obtained to make better decisions in evaluating quality program implementation. It is evident that the prevalence of a customer-focused culture is a pivotal factor which determines the ultimate success of TQM. This culture factor also acts as a mediator transmitting the effect of leadership on employee behavior, and eventually on perceived service quality. / Choy Lee-man. / "January 2002." / Adviser: T. S. Lee. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 63-01, Section: A, page: 0258. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-152). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest dissertations and theses, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

by Ng Kai-kong. / Bibliography: leaves 83-90 / Thesis (M.B.A.) -- Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1983

by Liu Ah-chuen. / Bibliography: leaves 122-125 / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1982

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

The estimated value of the U.S. transportation infrastructure is over $7.0 trillion. The challenge is preserving the quality of the investment. State and federal departments of transportation have methods and procedures for best quality, but vary significantly. With the variations comes opportunity to assess the cost-effectiveness of different strategies and make recommendation on practices that are most successful. A survey was created and sent to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The survey was aimed to capture information on construction finished product testing methods, optimized/reduced sampling techniques, innovative QA practices that measure multiple performance criteria and QA processes that are rapid and cost effective. There are many testing methods and procedures being used throughout the U.S. This thesis will allow state and federal transportation agencies to look at the findings and possibly implement them into their own agency with hopes of saving time and money for future projects.