Quality Enhancement Cells and Contribution to Academic Excellence: A Review of Policy and Practice in Pakistan's Public Universities

Abstract

This review critically analyses the function of the Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) on academic quality improvement and institutional advancement of the public universities in Pakistan. Originating from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in 2005, QEC's main responsibility is to enhance the quality of higher education through systematic evaluations, self-assessment reports, and audits. This paper aims to discuss the role of QECs in the diversified processes of curriculum development, faculty development, and enhancing the institutional image. QECs significantly enhance the quality of Pakistan's public universities by ensuring the institutional practices are by international quality standards. The study also captures the emerging issues that affect QECs, including resource constraints, organizational opposition, bureaucratic procedures, potential for partnership with international quality assurance organizations, and application of ICT solutions for efficient quality assurance delivery. Moving beyond the evaluation of the direct effects of QEC initiatives, the review offers an understanding of its contribution to the issue of strategic direction in universities. This paper explains how these changes have translated into practical gains using case studies of highly visible QEC-led initiatives. In the review, suggestions for policy change and capacity development are made to finalize the review, and the authors urge future researchers who are interested in exploring the effects of QECs to consider adopting a longitudinal research design for the longer-term impacts of QECs on academic quality and institutional development.