عنوان

The Perceived Role of the International University Partners in Assuring the Quality of Teaching in Offshore Programmes:

Number

TLpq2511937906

.Language of Text, Soundtrack etc

انگلیسی

Title Proper

The Perceived Role of the International University Partners in Assuring the Quality of Teaching in Offshore Programmes:

General Material Designation

[Thesis]

First Statement of Responsibility

Al-Shikaili, Jokha

Title Proper by Another Author

A Study of Omani Private Higher Education Institutions

Subsequent Statement of Responsibility

Cheng, Ming

Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.

The University of Liverpool (United Kingdom)

Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.

2019

Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item

255

Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree

Ed.D.

Body granting the degree

The University of Liverpool (United Kingdom)

Text preceding or following the note

2019

Text of Note

Provision of offshore programmes in the private higher education institutions (PHEIs) through affiliation agreements with international university partners (IUPs) is an important strategy deployed by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) in Sultanate of Oman. The main motive for deploying this strategy is to improve higher education standards in the country and to foster institutional maturity in different quality aspects. This study aimed to explore the role of (IUPs) in assuring the quality of offshore programmes offered by the PHEIs in the Omani context. The study focused on exploring this role and its effectiveness from the perspective of four local stakeholders' groups: MoHE officials, PHEI faculty members, postgraduate students enrolled in PHEIs and senior management of PHEIs. Data was collected from the concerned stakeholders using different methods such as interviews, focus group discussions; and a questionnaire. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis approach to explore the main patterns extracted from data. Gap Analysis method was used to enable the identification of variations between expectations and perceptions of different stakeholders. The identified gaps, along with Social Inclusion theory enabled the study to identify potential options to improve the quality of offshore programmes to meet the broader needs of the society. The interpretivism approach was adopted, as variables influencing the provision of offshore programmes are socially constructed and subject to the influence of the stakeholders' personal views. The findings of the study indicated that offshore programmes are effective in improving the quality of higher education in Oman. Overall, the stakeholders are satisfied with the current role played by IUPs in assuring the quality of these programmes. However, the study also indicated potentials for improvement in localising offshore programmes and improving local students and faculty engagement in different quality aspects pertaining to offshore programmes. Moreover, the study brought out the need for refining the current policy framework pertaining to the delivery of offshore programmes and suggestions to improve the monitoring scheme conducted by MoHE. It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute towards a better understanding of offshore programmes role in the region and the challenges faced to ensure better implementation of these programmes. The study proposes a framework for evaluating whether the quality of offshore programmes is meeting the needs of all stakeholders. The study concludes by addressing the limitations, scope for further research, and implications for professional practice.

College campuses

Colleges & universities

Demography

Globalization

Higher education

Teaching

Al-Shikaili, Jokha

Cheng, Ming

Electronic name

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y