Quality in Higher Education: Issues and Current Practices

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the recent initiatives introduced by Higher Education Commission (HEC) in regards to Research and Development (R&D) and ascertain their resultant impact on Human Resource Development (HRD) and quality assurance while also identifying reasons for failure or success. Data collected from Pakistan Council for Science and Technology and HEC resources is analyzed through various qualitative and quantitative methods and results reveal that efforts of HEC have resulted in more PHDs being produced in the last 8 years than in the last 56 years of Pakistan while universities have now realized the importance of research and development. Despite the rise is PHDs and formation of a research based culture, the study holds that HEC must reinforce the quality criteria that will allow the local universities to come at par with international education standards.

The researchers believe that HEC and universities can play a significant role in enhancing the research culture by providing opportunities for participation within academic activities such as international conferences while also rewarding the faculty through annual increments for their contribution within the research field. The study concludes that universities must design a supportive working environment and a strong vision that allows the country to enhance the quality of education.