Introducing the 3P conceptual model of internal quality assurance in higher education: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Institutions of higher education engage in internal quality assurance for teaching and learning in order to demonstrate legitimacy in the face of (societal) expectations, as well as to maintain and improve the quality of education. While the topic of quality assurance in higher education is a growing academic specialty, the evidence base for its impact on educational quality remains limited. Developing a shared language and understanding of concepts that enable further investigation of this phenomenon are key. The systematic literature review was conducted to shed light on the conceptualisation of internal quality assurance for teaching and learning. The thematic analysis revealed three interconnected dimensions of internal quality assurance: purpose, people and process. Based on these findings, an all-inclusive definition and a conceptual model were developed: the 3P model. This model promotes taking a contextualised and integral approach towards internal quality assurance by aligning purposes, people, and processes.