Academic Quality Improvement Process from the Viewpoints of Faculty Members of Universities in Isfahan Province: A Comparison Based on Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)

Introduction: Academic quality improvement in higher education has recently been the subject of attention in many universities of the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of academic quality improvement in Isfahan Universities and to compare the Medical and Non-medical Universities. Methods: In this descriptive study, two data gathering tools including questionnaire and interview were used. The questionnaire was made by the researcher based on AQIP scale and included 26 questions. The interview was a semi-structured one. Statistical population was all faculty members at six public universities of Isfahan province in the year 2005-2006 (N=1851). Statistical sample was chosen through stratified sampling (n=260). The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by SPSS software using t-test, and ANOVA. The data gathered from the interviews was also coded and categorized. Results: The mean score of 6 sub-scales of academic quality improvement in sample universities was lower than criterion (3) in 5 point Lickert scale. The total mean of academic quality improvement in medical universities was 2.97 and for non-medical universities was 2.82 which showed a significant difference. There was no significant difference between mean scores of academic quality improvement according to the faculty members' ranks (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and higher levels). Interviewees pointed out 4 major barriers to academic quality improvement in universities. Conclusion: Educational administration at universities must fit their strategies and curriculum to students and community needs and expectations in order to overcome challenges and obstacles that they are faced with. They must also concentrate on qualitative aspects of quality improvement instead of quantitative aspects.