Al-Quraini, Naima; (1999) Quality assurance in higher education :a case study of Kuwait University experience with total quality management approach : a panacea or a placebo. Doctoral thesis , Institute of Education, University of London.

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Abstract

This study explores the new quality assurance policy in Kuwait University. It aims to portray its positive development with the constraints and even the dysfunctions. A case study method is employed to focus on the new policy as it has been experienced in the science and education colleges. The QA policy at KU is an all-embracing approach that encompasses many aspects of institutional life. This study attempts to reflect the breadth of the strategy. The early chapters review the literature about quality assurance in higher education. This indicates that quality issues are of high priority worldwide. In this sense KU' s policy reflects an international trend but naturally the specific approach reflects the national context. Data were primarily taken from KU audiences, which include; academic administrators, faculty and students. Documents and questionnaires are also primary sources, which support the numerous interviews with KU informants. This diverse material provides for the triangulation of methods. After reporting the findings from the empirical investigations, an attempt is made to interpret the data through the employment of organisational metaphors. Four main metaphors were employed: KU as a system; KU as a political organisation; KU as an unstable changing organisation and KU as an organisational culture: an academic community. Metaphors as such provide an open-ended approach to the reader to perceive the new policy from different angles and perspectives relevant to the institution at large. The generalisations reached in the conclusions chapter support the fact that the institutionalisation of the new policy is influenced by external as well as internal factors that need to be considered by the various stakeholders of KU. These are the political and socio-economic local and international climate, the organisational structure of the institution and the cultural aspects of the academic community. Educational implications/recommendations are provided to further guide the ultimate development and success of the QA programme. Nonetheless, the new policy is still in its early stages of development to make confident judgements of its success or failure, as this study is exploratory rather than judgmental.

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