Problems and Issues in Relation to Quality Assurance Practices in Higher Education: Views of Students, Teachers and Heads of Quality Enhancement Cells (QEC's)

The rationale of the study was to identify the problems and issues in relation to Quality Assurance Practices (QAP) in higher education regarding to views of students, teachers and heads of quality enhancement cells (QEC’s).  It was a qualitative study in nature. The study was conducted on a sample of 28 public and private sector universities of Pakistan by using random sampling technique. Semi structured interview was designed to collect data to inquire the views of students, teachers and heads of Quality Enhancement Cells (QEC’s) regarding higher education. The data was analyzed using Descriptive Coding Technique. The study revealed that students, teachers and Heads of QEC’s face diversified problems and issues such as lack of resources, lack of professional development, lack of awareness related to latest researches, lack of assessment & evaluation system, incompetent administrative staff, lack of guidance and counseling centres, lack of linkage between industry and universities, less number of permanent faculty and lack of feedback system.  Majority of respondents suggested for improvement of QAP in the universities like provision of sufficient resources, provision of modern professional development skills during training, provision of guidance and counseling centers and positive feedback system.  In private sector universities respondents suggest some measures for QAP for improvement as latest researches, among faculty, providing better assessment system, increase pay and appointment of permanent staff. Key Words: Higher Education, Quality Assurance, Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs).