Impact of programme evaluation through self-assessment in higher education institutions in Pakistan

Quality assurance in higher education in Pakistan was formally initiated when Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) was established under Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The current study is a descriptive study which was conducted to review the impact of programme evaluation on Pakistani universities. Data available with QAA, Pakistan, Self-Assessment Report available for the programmes and field notes were used as tool in this study. Programme evaluation reports were graded on a rubric in order to rank departments within a university. The study shows that quality assurance mechanism has got its firm roots at micro level, that is, at university level in Pakistan under the supervision of QAA of Pakistan. The study would be of interest for all educationists as it shows both the role of QAA, Pakistan and the role of quality enhancement cells whose combined efforts have resulted into a systematic programme evaluation in Pakistani universities.