Abstract:
In the spirit of quality assurance, this paper presents a self-evaluation and
peer review of the external quality assurance framework for research implemented by
the national quality assurance agency for Zimbabwe. Documentary analysis and
semi-structured interviews were used to develop a self-evaluation report which was
then subjected to international peer review as is the norm in quality assurance
evaluations. The evidence from self-evaluation indicates that the quality assurance
framework generated significant improvement in the quality and quantity of research
with gaps identified in doctoral training and supportive structures for research. Peer
review recommended the inclusion of a performance-based research funding arrange
ment akin to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) used in the United Kingdom
whilst throwing caution on the contentious nature of the REF. The paper recommends
the development, implementation, and review of quality assurance frameworks for
research to guide institutions, enhance research, and to maintain consistency and
harmony in the research system. These findings can be adapted by different national
quality assurance agencies involved in the regulation, promotion, and enhancement
of the quality of teaching, innovation, knowledge production, and engagement/
outreach in higher education.
