Factors Influencing Quality Education: Students' Perspectives on University Facilities

In the present world, higher education plays an important role in the development of the economy. Ensuring quality education in higher education institutions is essential for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for economic and societal growth. Quality education is characterized by effective teaching, readily available learning resources, and extensive student support services that address the different needs of students. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the quality of university education from the perspective of students, with a focus on university facilities. The study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive research design to collect data from university students through surveys. The research was conducted at a public university in South Africa. Undergraduate students enrolled in various academic levels within the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEng Tech): Mechanical and Industrial disciplines, under the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology (MIET), were targeted. Purposive sampling was used to select 135 students from a population of 625 students. The study used a questionnaire as a data collection instrument, with both closed and open- ended questions. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software, and the tangibility dimension of the SERVQUAL framework was applied to assess how physical facilities influence the education quality at the university. The results indicate that students perceive libraries, computer labs, and spacious, well-equipped lecture rooms as essential facilities that significantly contribute to the quality of their education. These findings suggest that improving and maintaining key facilities such as the lecture rooms, libraries and computer labs can significantly enhance the overall educational experience and satisfaction of students at the university. The university should prioritize these facilities to meet student expectations, improve success rates, and maintain a global competitive advantage, ultimately leading to an improved educational experience for university students.