Abstract
In many countries, quality assurance systems rely on study programme accreditation. As with all quality assurance mechanisms, accreditation should also be continuously improved in order to maintain its relevance as a promoter of study programme quality. A way to move accreditation forward is by taking into account academics’ views, interests and needs about the process, since their support for it is paramount for its success and effectiveness. This paper analyses Portuguese academics’ knowledge and views on accreditation with the aim of understanding if the process is being supported and is on the right route for being effective. It is based on the analysis of 1484 academics’ answers to a questionnaire distributed in 16 higher education institutions. This analysis reveals a moderately positive attitude of academics towards accreditation, reflected in an only moderate knowledge of the process as well as in a mild agreement with its characteristics and implementation features. This suggests that there is room for improvement to bring this quality assurance mechanism closer to academics’ expectations and needs and therefore to improve accreditation’s effectiveness.
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The authors acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) support through project UID/CED/00757/2019.
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Rosa, M.J., Cardoso, S. & Videira, P. Is accreditation ‘on the right track’? The views of Portuguese academics. Tert Educ Manag 26, 185–197 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-019-09048-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-019-09048-7