This study is based on a pragmatist analysis of selected international accounts on quality assurance in higher education. A pragmatist perspective was used to conceptualise a logical internal quality assurance model to embed and support the alignment of graduate competencies in curriculum and assessment of Ghanaian polytechnics. Through focus group and in-depth interviews, the framework was evaluated by internal stakeholders including lecturers, students and administrators of the polytechnics. It was found that from a pragmatist perspective, quality assurance concepts and practices in higher education reported in the international literature could be used to design a context-specific quality assurance framework for higher education systems in Africa but there will be challenges with implementation of such a framework. The challenges found include quality culture and financial resources. Nonetheless, it was noted that effective planning and stakeholder commitment can surmount the challenges to ensure effective implementation of the framework to enhance quality.

Abstract

Abstract This study reports on the perceptions of senior staff employees' job satisfaction and its relationship to their personal characteristics in a higher education institution. Using descriptive case study design, 155 senior staff employees comprising 70 female and 85 male who were selected randomly from five departments of the University of Education, Winneba, participated in the study. A job satisfaction questionnaire was used to gather data, which were analysed using t-test, one- way ANOVA and post hoc analysis. The findings revealed that several factors promote job satisfaction of senior staff employees. In addition, while no significant difference found between gender and job satisfaction of senior staff employees, their age, rank and work experience made significant difference in their job satisfaction levels. Factors that promote high level of job satisfaction are critical for enhancing work performance in the UEW and other higher education institutions.