Perception of Academics on Quality Assurance Reviews and Information System Support in Sri Lankan Universities

Abstract

Recently, Sri Lankan higher education institutes aggressively focus on quality assurance. However, many practical difficulties have emerged in implementing information systems and in conducting quality assurance reviews. In this context, quality assurance functions have become an additional burden, and some academics are reluctant to engage in the quality assurance process. Nevertheless, empirical evidence regarding this issue is limited. Therefore, this study explores the academics' perception of the quality assurance reviews and information system support for such reviews in this scenario. The study collected data from a sample of 88 academics from Sri Lankan state universities through an online survey conducted during January and May in 2021. The questionnaire mainly focuses on academics’ perception of the quality assurance review process, providing evidence for quality assurance reviews, information systems support for quality assurance functions and expected improvements for information systems. The findings suggest that academics have a positive impression on quality assurance reviews. Further, they believe that information systems can facilitate quality assurance reviews. Nevertheless, given that the contribution of existing information systems towards quality assurance is limited, academics expect further improvements to the existing information systems. Therefore, while highlighting the fact that academics generally have a positive attitude towards quality assurance, this study signals the necessity of more studies to investigate how information systems can be effectively implemented to facilitate the quality assurance process.