Quality assurance in higher education: evaluating the impact and challenges in Portuguese institutions

Authors

  • Orlando Manuel Esteves Serrano University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
  • Francisco Javier Miranda González University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
  • Joaquim António Belchior Mourato Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portalegre, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7458/SPP202611142527

Keywords:

academic perceptions, quality management, higher education institutions, quality assurance system effectiveness, institutional performance

Abstract

This study aims to analyse academics’ perceptions of the effectiveness of Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Portugal  — universities and polytechnics —, identifying the factors that influence their implementation, such as the engagement of faculty and students, management support and the quality of infrastructure. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted, centred on analysing the responses collected through an online survey. The analysis was carried out using NVivo 14 software, which facilitated the categorisation of emerging themes and the analysis of sentiments, allowing patterns to be identified in the participants’ perceptions. The results revealed that the lack of training in Quality Assurance (77%) and excessive bureaucracy are significant barriers to the effectiveness of QAS. In addition, the engagement of faculty members, management support, the quality of the infrastructure and student engagement were identified as key factors in the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of the QAS. The disconnect between external evaluations and institutional needs was also identified as a critical area for improvement. This study fills a gap in literature by offering a detailed analysis of academics’ perceptions, contributing to a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the effectiveness of QAS in HEIs.

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Published

2026-06-17

Issue

Articles in continuous publication

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Orlando Manuel Esteves Serrano, Francisco Javier Miranda González, Joaquim António Belchior Mourato

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