ERIC Number: EJ1177228
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1353-8322
EISSN: N/A
How Quality Assurance Codes Change: Beyond 'Bells and Whistles' and 'Code by Catastrophe'?
Winchester, Hilary; O'Brien, Darryl
Quality in Higher Education, v24 n1 p19-28 2018
Quality assurance codes and guidelines for systems of higher education change frequently and sometimes rapidly and dramatically. More often changes are gradual and incremental. This paper examines types of change to these codes and guidelines and uses strategic management theory to outline three modes of development and change. An example of gradual change, sometimes referred to as 'logical incrementalism' or 'adding bells and whistles' is outlined from Oman. A contrasting example of discontinuous change known as 'emergent strategy' or 'code by catastrophe' is used from Australia. Elements of a third 'co-participative' model incorporating stakeholder and community input alongside technical knowledge are becoming more frequent. An ideal model is proposed drawing from the best aspects of logical incrementalism and co-participative development. This model can be applied to changes in codes, guidelines and standards in multiple systems and sectors.
Descriptors: Quality Assurance, Guidelines, Academic Standards, Higher Education, Educational Change, Incidence, Strategic Planning, Models, Educational Administration, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; Oman
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A