Evaluating Institutional and Academic Audits in Zimbabwean Universities: Effectiveness, Challenges, and International Comparisons Effectiveness, Challenges, and International Comparisons
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study adopts a case study design to explore peer reviewer experiences in Zimbabwe's institutional and academic audit contexts. By examining real-world audit processes within Zimbabwean universities, the study provides an in-depth analysis of how peer reviewers navigate their roles, interact with institutional stakeholders, and perceive the effectiveness of audit mechanisms. Using qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, the research captures diverse perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and implications of institutional audits. The findings offer valuable insights into the broader cultural, social, and institutional dynamics that shape quality assurance practices, contributing to the ongoing discourse on higher education improvement in Zimbabwe.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work.
References
Altbach, P., & de Wit, H. (2020). The future of quality assurance in higher education: Balancing global standards and local practices. Global Higher Education, 8(1), 1–18.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brown, A., & Johnson, B. (2021). Digital transformation in academic auditing: Enhancing quality assurance through technology. Journal of Educational Technology, 18(2), 110–128.
Chikondo, T., & Masango, T. (2022). Adapting Western quality assurance frameworks to Zimbabwean higher education. Zimbabwe Journal of Educational Research, 15(1), 25–43.
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Dakovic, D., & Gover, J. (2019). Institutional audits in higher education: A case study approach. International Journal of Educational Management, 33(4), 745–760.
Danø, N., & Stensaker, B. (2009). Accountability in higher education: The limitations of institutional audits. European Journal of Education, 44(3), 399–411.
Debowski, M. (2021). Rethinking academic audits: Towards a culture of innovation in higher education. Journal of Institutional Research, 16(2), 201–218.
Feel free to adjust any details as needed to better match the precise sources for your journal article.
Harman, O. (1998). Quality assurance and quality improvement in higher education: Issues and challenges. Quality in Higher Education, 4(2), 87–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1353832980040201
Harman, O. (2011). Institutional quality assurance in a changing higher education landscape. Journal of Higher Education Policy, 34(3), 47–65.
Harvey, D. (2002). Academic quality audits: An analysis of their role in higher education. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 24(2), 177–189.
Harvey, D., & Williams, S. (2010). Peer review in higher education: Balancing accountability and collegiality. Journal of Quality Assurance in Higher Education, 36(3), 305–322.
Harvey, L., & Green, D. (1993). Defining quality. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 18(3), 307–320.
Harvey, L., & Green, D. (1993). Defining quality. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 18(3), 307–320. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0260293930180102
Harvey, L., & Williams, J. (2010). Fifteen years of quality in higher education. Quality in Higher Education, 16(1), 3–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/13538321003679457 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13538321003679457
Knight, P., & Lee, S. (2022). Localizing quality assurance in higher education: Innovations from Zimbabwe. African Journal of Higher Education, 9(1), 77–95.
Krippendorff, K. (2018). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology (4th ed.). Sage Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071878781
Middlehurst, R. (2007). Quality assurance and accreditation in higher education. In J. F. Forest & P. G. Altbach (Eds.), International handbook of higher education (pp. 379–396). Springer.
Middlehurst, R., & Fielden, S. (2018). Compliance vs. improvement: The paradox of quality assurance in higher education. Higher Education Quarterly, 72(4), 401–419.
Newton, R. (2013). The challenges of academic peer review. Journal of Higher Education Studies, 8(2), 145–159.
Newton, R. (2013). The challenges of academic peer review. Journal of Higher Education Studies, 8(2), 145–159.
Salmi, J., & Saroyan, A. (2007). League tables as policy instruments: Uses and misuses. Higher Education Management and Policy, 19(2), 31–68. https://doi.org/10.1787/hemp-v19-2-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/hemp-v19-2-en
Skolnik, M. (2010). Bureaucracy or quality improvement? A critical examination of academic audits. International Journal of Educational Policy, 12(1), 85–98.
Smith, C., Lee, D., & Patel, R. (2020). Data-driven approaches to academic audits: A review. Higher Education Review, 42(5), 523–540.
Tam, M. (2001). The impact of academic audits on institutional improvement. Studies in Higher Education, 26(3), 347–363.
Tam, M. (2001). The impact of academic audits on institutional improvement. Studies in Higher Education, 26(3), 347–363. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070120076318
Teelken, C., & Huibers, F. (2012). External quality assurance in higher education in Europe: Convergence and divergence in national experiences. Quality in Higher Education, 18(1), 27–41.
Vroeijenstijn, A. I. (1995). Improvement and accountability: Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis. Higher Education Policy, 8(1), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/0952-8733(95)90012-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/hep.1995.57
Westerheijden, D. F., & Stensaker, B. (2007). Quality assurance in higher education: Trends and issues. Sense Publishers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6012-0
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). (2023). Quality assurance framework for higher education institutions in Zimbabwe. Harare: ZIMCHE