Academic perceptions of quality and quality assurance in undergraduate hospitality, tourism and leisure programmes: A comparison of UK and Taiwanese programmes

This study explores and compares academic perspectives of quality assurance and its procedures to evaluate undergraduate hospitality, tourism and leisure programmes (HTLPs) in both the UK and Taiwanese higher education systems. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to identify academic key concerns and issues about HTLP quality. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was used to assess academic perceptions regarding the quality of HTLP provision in the aspects of strategic planning, curriculum and instruction, faculty, student achievement, resources, and administrative management. The results indicated that overall HTLP quality was perceived as satisfactory in both countries. The specific areas of ‘curriculum and instruction’ and ‘resources’ were commonly perceived as good quality, while relatively poor sub-dimensions such as ‘alumni feedback’ and ‘teacher performance’ were identified as areas requiring special attention for improving programme quality. The implications of this study provide useful insights into quality improvement and enhancement in HTLPs. & 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.