The influence of quality assurance on achieving development education goals

This study explores the role of Quality Assurance (QA) in achieving development education (DE) goals at four public universities in Ghana and Oman, based on quality culture theory. Using a qualitative case study approach aligned with interpretive philosophy, the researchers gathered insights from QA officials through semi-structured interviews conducted over four months. Participants were selected using judgmental and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis was employed, adhering to ethical standards such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data validation through member checking and peer review. The findings highlight that QA is essential for achieving development education goals by ensuring accreditation, maintaining academic standards, promoting program improvement, enhancing industry-tailored curriculum and employment as well contributing to addressing global challenges. Key factors include regular evaluations, faculty support, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with industry and external bodies to align academic programs with global standards, and ensuring sustainable development. QA activities contribute to economic growth, global competitiveness, reducing inequality, promoting social justice to mention just a few. DE focuses on inclusive and industry-tailored curriculum and maintaining ethical standards. However, QA faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and underqualified faculty, as well as external threats like technological advancements, financial constraints, and corruption, particularly in African contexts. The study recommends strengthening QA frameworks, investing in infrastructure, promoting continuous improvement, and enhancing industry-university collaboration. Policy implications include prioritizing infrastructure investment, fostering industry partnerships, and improving transparency in QA practices, with an emphasis on consistent QA standards to ensure educational excellence and address global challenges for societal well-being.