Quality Standard 1: Vision, Mission and Planning
Scope:
The institution has a vision, mission and objectives that reflect its academic commitments and the needs of society. The institution is responsible for ensuring value systems in all its constituents. There is a rationale for the use of any delivery modes used by the institution. The mission of the institution promotes access and success.Summary of Standard Criteria
- The institution has a stated vision and mission that are supported by clearly defined goals and objectives within the context of national development priorities and the latest international trends in education.
- The mission statement and objectives are regularly reviewed by the institution.
- Policy statements and action plans to fulfil the stated mission are formulated for all operations and incorporated into the institutional Strategic Plan.
- Policy and planning are supported by systematic institutional research.
- To achieve its stated objectives, the institution has systematic and transparent procedures for planning and development.
- Relevant stakeholder groups are represented in the policy formulation process to encourage ownership and to facilitate feedback and openness.
- Implementation plans of the institution are documented and effectively communicated to the relevant parties.
- There are monitoring procedures to ensure that the policies and plans of the institution are implemented, evaluated and improved from time to time
- The institution demonstrates its drive to develop itself into a Centre of Excellence and to maintain nationally and internationally comparable and acceptable standards.
- The institution’s commitment to learners is documented and made available to all stakeholders.
- There are effective and appropriate appeal mechanisms for all constituents of the institution.
- The institution’s commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in its admission and recruitment policies and learner profiles.
- The institution has a stated policy on partnerships and collaborations.
- The institution has a clear policy on ethical practices and ensures its implementation in all its activities.
- The institution has a stated policy for financial support and its management for learners.
- The institution has a stated policy with regard to quality assurance and monitoring in all aspects of its operations.
- There is a system for implementing and reviewing the quality assurance procedures of the institution.
- The primary purpose of the institution’s quality assurance policy and procedures is to achieve quality enhancement.
- The institution provides timely, accurate and clear instructions regarding its credit transfer policies and practices.
- The institution has a policy for the effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in support of all educational activities. This includes use of evolving forms of technology like AI, Chat GPT, etc.
- The institution provides timely, accurate and clear instructions regarding its credit transfer policies and practices.
- When the institution contracts to another agency the educational services of a learning programme, in part or full, it ensures the academic quality and integrity of all educational services offered in its name.
Quality Assurance Evaluation
Performance Measure Keys:
- 0: Fails to meet criterion
- 1: Unsatisfactory
- 2: Marginal
- 3: Good
- 4: Excellent
| Criteria | Performance Indicators | Sources of Evidence | Performance Measure | Motivation/Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 The institution has a stated vision and mission that are supported by clearly defined goals and objectives within the context of national development priorities and the latest international trends in education. | 1.1.1 The vision and mission are relevant to national development priorities. | The vision and mission statements; Corporate/Strategic Plan; handbook of the institution; governing board/academic board meeting minutes; planning policy, framework; involvement of staff in the university plans. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.1.2 The vision and mission reflect the latest international trends in education | The vision and mission statements; Corporate/Strategic Plan; handbook of the institution; governing board/academic board meeting minutes; planning policy, framework; involvement of staff in the university plans. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.1.3 The vision and mission are made known to all stakeholders. | Handbook, brochures; other advocacy materials of the institution; circulation to all stakeholders through minutes, website, materials etc., interaction with staff, students and other stakeholders. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.1.4 The specific goals and objectives are clearly defined and relevant to the institutional context. | Handbook; Corporate/Strategic Plan; brochures; programme information documents; website | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.2 The mission statement and objectives are regularly reviewed by the institution. | 1.2.1 The institution has a process in place for obtaining feedback from stakeholders. | Feedback forms; documented feedback information; database; interaction with stakeholders, data on workshops, minutes of various committees dealing with feedback processes. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.2.2 The feedback is systematically analysed and used by management for decision making. | Feedback forms, documented feedback information, interaction with stakeholders, data on workshops, minutes of meetings of various committees dealing with feedback processes. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.2.3 The senior management reviews the appropriateness of institutional activities to ensure alignment with the needs of the stakeholders and the institution’s mission and objectives. | Agenda and minutes of management meetings; details of review meetings of management with staff; appraisal data forms; incidences of changes made; interaction with staff, students and other stakeholders. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.3 The institutional Strategic Plan incorporates policy statements and action plans for all operations to fulfill the stated vision and mission. | 1.3.1 The institution has a Strategic Plan in place which provides a basis for all key activities of the institution. | Corporate/Strategic Plan; year planner; schedule of activities; minutes of statutory boards/committees; interaction with staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.3.2 The institution has a strategic plan which is appropriately aligned to the institutional vision and mission. | Strategic Plan/Corporate Plan, mission and vision documents. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.3.3 The Mainstreaming of technology ( e-learning/blended learning and OER) is adequately reflected in the vision and Strategic Plan of the institution | Vision and mission documents, handbook of the institution, policy documents | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.4 Policy and Institutional Planning are supported by systematic institutional research | 1.4.1 The institution assigns responsibility for conducting systematic research and evaluation of its performance and for communicating the results to senior management, staff and students. | Feedback forms and data; market surveys and data; minutes of policy planning units/committees, interaction with staff, students and employers. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.4.2 The policies of the institution are based on and regularly reviewed in the light of the institutional research data. | Feedback from stakeholders; market surveys; institutional research; interaction with staff and students; policy development meeting minutes; policy documents. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.5 To achieve its stated objectives, the institution has systematic and transparent procedures for planning and development. | 1.5.1 The planning process is clearly defined, fair and open to relevant stakeholders, including students. | MIS, website, interaction with staff and students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.5.2 Policy statements and strategic plans are aligned with the mission, goals and principles of the education provider. | Institutional Strategic plan; vision and mission of education provider. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.5.3 Institutional plans are explicit about the role technology plays in supporting achievement of institutional goals. | Council approval of technology plans to support the academic project; Strategic Plan | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.5.4 The institution ensures that the stakeholders are aware of the institution’s objectives and of the role they are expected to play in achieving them. | Feedback documents; induction and orientation workshop data; advocacy material including prospectus and brochures. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.6 Relevant stakeholder groups are represented in the policy formulation process to encourage ownership and to facilitate feedback and openness. | 1.6.1 The institution ensures wide consultation with stakeholders in decision making. | Composition of institution committees and minutes of the meetings; interactions with staff; interaction with students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.6.2 The institution adopts a participatory approach through a process of regular and continuous feedback loops with its stakeholders. | Data/information on feedback; regularity of feedback; agenda and minutes of policy development committees. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.7 Implementation plans of the institution are documented and effectively communicated to the relevant parties. | 1.7.1 Responsibility for implementation and operationalisation of institutional plans is clearly defined and communicated to the relevant staff. | Operational plans of the institution; year planner, academic schedules, programme information package; internal delegation of powers, specified and communicated roles and responsibilities. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.7.2 The institution has strategies and structures for communicating with students. | Documents specifying the roles and responsibilities of staff; documents pertaining to appointments and transfers and responsible authorities; policy manual; interaction with staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.7.3 Staff are briefed on the relevant plans and on their role in the implementation processes. | Strategic / corporate plan document | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.8 There are monitoring procedures to ensure that the policies and plans of the institution are implemented, evaluated and improved from time to time | 1.8.1 Internal mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the stated policies and plans are in place. | Strategic/Corporate Plan; year planner; annual report; minutes of executive and academic boards, planning and implementation policy, institutional monitoring and evaluation reports. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.8.2 The various data and information obtained through monitoring and evaluation are considered and reviewed by the senior management to initiate necessary improvements. | Strategic/Corporate Plan; year planner; annual report; minutes of executive and academic boards, planning/implementation policy, institutional practices. Management committee meetings, minutes and agenda | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.9 The institution demonstrates its drive to develop itself into a Centre of Excellence and to maintain nationally and internationally comparable and acceptable standards. | 1.9.1 The institutional plans and policies reflect the changing national and international priorities and developments. | Institutional plan; policy documents, interaction with Management and senior staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.9.2 The institutional plans and policies are continuously updated to meet national and international requirements. | Institutional policy and plan documents; feedback documents; review and monitoring committee agenda and minutes; | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.9.3 The institution ensures quality, equity and cost effective access to students . | Institutional policy and plan documents; feedback documents; review and monitoring committee agenda and minutes and financial allocation documents; minutes of finance committee; interaction with staff and students, quality assurance plans; University equity plans. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.10 The institution’s commitment to learners is documented and made available to all stakeholders. | 1.10.1 The institution places students at the centre of its planning and has clearly stated and documented procedures / processes reflecting its commitment to this goal. | Institution handbooks, prospectus, brochures, information package to students, website, advertisements, procedures documents, interaction with students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.10.2 The institution has clearly stated and documented processes for evaluating its achievements in terms of commitment to its learners. | Institution handbooks, prospectus, brochures, information package to students, website, advertisements, procedures documents and interaction with students and staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.10.3 The institution disseminates factual information on its commitment to learners. | Management Information System, website, circulars; special communication documents, minutes of meetings, evidence of circulation; interaction with staff and students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.11 There are effective and appropriate appeal mechanisms for all constituents of the institution. | 1.11.1 The institution has transparent and mechanisms to address grievances timeously. | Agenda and minutes of relevant committee that addresses redress issues; interaction with staff and students; efficiency of reporting and consequential action | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.11.2 The details of the redress policies and procedures are readily accessible to all staff and learners. | Policy documents, prospectus, handbook, brochures, information package, bylaws, rules and regulations.. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.12 The institution’s commitment to inclusiveness is reflected in its admission and recruitment policies and learner profiles. | 1.12.1 The institution publishes its policies on admission and recruitment of students and staff | Prospectus, student and mission details, recruitment policy, advertisement and media of advertisement, market surveys, institutional research data, student profile, interaction with students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.12.2 The admission process is transparent and is made available for scrutiny by relevant stakeholders. | Prospectus, handbook, website, advertisements. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.12.3. The institution makes special provision to ensure access, success and equity | Prospectus, institutional policy document, student handbook, student profiles, admission policy, interaction with students and staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.13 The institution has a stated policy on partnerships and collaborations. | 1.13.1 The institution has a clearly stated policy that provides the basis for collaborative relationships and partnerships involving public – private - governmental and non-governmental agencies for the development and delivery of quality programmes. | Policy documents, Memoranda of Understandings, Corporate/Strategic Plan, annual reports. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.13.2 There are specified guidelines for establishing collaborations and partnerships. | Policy documents, Guidelines for collaborations and partnerships, Memoranda of Understandings/Agreement, Corporate/Strategic Plan, annual report. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.13.3 There are defined performance indicators for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of collaborations and partnerships. | Performance indicators for M&E; progress reports | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.14 The institution has a clear policy on ethical practices and ensures its implementation in all its activities. | 1.14.1 The institution has a defined code of conduct and ethical standards for staff, students and in all levels of its activities | Documents specifying code of conduct, ethical standards, corporate plan, minutes of relevant committees, structure, prospectus, brochures, information package. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.14.2 Management, staff and students are made aware of the defined code of conduct and ethical standards and adhere to it. | Interaction with staff and students, minutes of Management committees | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.14.3 Disciplinary procedures are in place for violation of the code of conduct and unethical behaviour. | Interaction with staff and students, minutes of disciplinary committees. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.14.4 Procedures to initiate disciplinary action for violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards are well publicized and strictly adhered to. | Code of conduct, ethical standards, corporate plan, relevant committees, structures, prospectus, brochures, information package, minutes of disciplinary committees | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.15 The institution has a stated policy for financial support and its management for students . | 1.15.1 There is a clear and transparent policy for the administration of financial support to learners, including scholarships, bursaries, fees and reimbursements. | Policy documents, brochure, prospectus, programme information package, financial statement, financial information systems. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.15.2 The institution monitors the implementation of the policy on financial support to students. | Expenditure statements, records of disbursements, financial information system, interaction with students and administrative staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.15.3 The institution regularly reviews the financial disbursements to students and takes necessary steps for timely disbursements. | Expenditure statements, records of disbursements, financial information system, interaction with students and administrative staff. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.16 The institution has a stated policy with regard to quality assurance and monitoring in all aspects of its operations. | 1.16.1 There is an integrated framework to ensure the quality of the academic and administrative activities of the institution. | Corporate/Strategic Plan; quality framework; agenda and minutes of relevant committees, quality circles and internal quality assurance teams, quality assurance policy and procedures. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.16.2 There are clearly stipulated internal quality assurance processes for both administrative and academic activities. | Corporate/Strategic Plan; quality framework, agendas and minutes of relevant committees, quality circles, internal quality assurance teams, quality assurance procedures. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.16.3 Internal quality assurance mechanisms are aligned with the requirements of the relevant external quality assurance agencies. | Corporate Plan, Management Information System, website, internal circulars, Quality Assurance framework and Quality Assurance policy documents, interaction with staff and students, documents on external quality assurance agency. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.16.4 Quality assurance policies are effectively communicated to all the constituents of the institution. | Corporate Plan, Management Information System, website, internal circulars, Quality Assurance framework and Quality Assurance policy documents, interaction with staff and students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.17 There is a system for implementing and reviewing the quality assurance procedures of the institution. | 1.17.1 The institution undertakes quality reviews/ audits at regular intervals to ensure the quality of all activities. | Corporate /Strategic Plan; institution plans, quality assurance committee structure and minutes of quality assurance committee meetings, interaction with staff, minutes of statutory boards, planning and implementation committee meeting minutes. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.17.2 The institution monitors and reviews the effectiveness of its quality assurance procedures and uses the outcomes to improve implementation strategies. | Corporate /Strategic Plan; institution plans, quality assurance committee structure and minutes of meetings, interaction with staff, minutes of statutory boards, planning and implementation committee meeting minutes. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.17.3 The institution provides training to its staff and students for effective implementation of the quality assurance procedures. | Activity schedules, training modules, review documents, minutes and agendas of QA committee and staff committees; performance appraisal forms, interaction with staff and students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.18 The primary purpose of the institutions’ quality assurance policy and procedures is to achieve quality enhancement | 1.18.1 Continuous quality enhancement is identified as a goal of the quality assurance policy | Quality Assurance plan and policy | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.18.2 Specific improvement targets are identified and subjected to monitoring and review | Quality Assurance Framework | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.19 The institution has a policy for the effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in support of all educational activities. This includes use of evolving forms of technology like AI, Chat GPT, etc. | 1.19.1 The institution has provisions at various policy levels for the planning, acquisition, deployment, maintenance and use of appropriate technologies including the latest Information and Communication Technologies. | Policy documents, Corporate Plan, budget allocation documents, technology development plans, agendas and minutes of meetings of technology infrastructure and operational committees. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.19.2 There are procedures for monitoring the implementation of Information and Communication Technology policies (Inclusive of emerging technologies) | Policy documents, Corporate Plan, budget allocation documents, technology development plans, agendas and minutes of meetings of technology infrastructure and operational committees. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.20 The institution provides timely, accurate and clear instructions regarding its credit transfer policies and practices. | 1.20.1 There is an effective and accountable mechanism for the communication and dissemination of information about credit transfer policies and practices at all levels within and between Institutions. | Prospectus, policy documents on credit transfers/exemptions, corporate /strategic plan, programme documents, course material package, interaction with staff and students. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.20.2 There is efficient administrative and academic support for the implementation of the institution’s credit transfer policies. | Organogram, policy documents, Corporate Strategic Plan, prospectus, minutes of credit transfer/exemption committee meetings. | 0 1 2 3 4 | ||
| 1.21 When the institution contracts to another agency, in part or full, the educational services of a learning programme, it ensures the academic quality and integrity of all educational services offered in its name. | 1.21.1 Quality management mechanisms are in place to ensure that the content offered by external providers is of good quality and meets the national and institutional quality criteria. | Quality Assurance Plans; Quality Assurance Committee documents; Corporate/Strategic Plan, Programme material, documented internal delegations and agency statements, documentation on staff and employees recruitment related to course development, course development, manuals and documentation on implementation. | 0 1 2 3 4 | |
| 1.21.2 The institution has specified criteria and procedures for selecting, monitoring and evaluating the services provided by partners and contractors, | Corporate Plan Memoranda of Understandings, minutes of relevant review meetings, Monitoring Committees and Plans, Management Committee meeting minutes | 0 1 2 3 4 |