Implementation of quality assurance measures and its influence on staff performance in Makerere University

Abstract

The study sought to find out the Influence of Implementation of Quality Assurance Measures on Staff Performance in Makerere University. The study was guided by three objectives; to explore methods, objectives and benefits of QA Implementation and how they influence Staff Performance in Makerere University. The study was qualitative involving the use of exploratory design. The main informants were 15 including; 10 lecturers and 5 administrative staff who were purposively selected. An interview guide and open ended self-administered questions were the main data collection instruments. Data was analyzed using thematic method. The study findings included the following; Methods of QA Implementation included; committees, collaboration and partnerships, private sector participation, staff development, sensitization seminars/ workshops, community based education and services, computer aided facility and pilot studies. Obstacles included; insufficient supply of teaching materials/ aids, poor and inadequate infrastructure, insufficient time, inadequate funding, increased enrolment and brain drain. Benefits included; staff motivation, innovations, income generation and improved ranking. The study made the following conclusions; Makerere University has some input strength on QA Implementation while the projects and policies are somewhat articulated to quality improvement, much more needed to be done to make a more sustainable contribution. The major challenge of implementing QA was translating inputs into stronger outputs, resources which included the following were insufficient; manpower, financial, time and material resources. QA Managers simply provided instructions to staff down the line with no follow-ups. The study made the following recommendations; Effective Reward and Recognition Strategies, Empowerment, Increasing Awareness, Sufficient Facilities and Infrastructure, Effective Supervision, Guidance and Predictability, Sufficient Time frames and Decrease on Enrolment.