Papers by Dr Chani Imbulgoda
How often have we found ourselves grappling with the inadequacy of certificates to sway the inter... more How often have we found ourselves grappling with the inadequacy of certificates to sway the interview panel in our favour? Lost opportunities and missed promotions due to a perceived lack of certificates are common experiences shared in the workplace.
Knowledge sharing and transfer through University-industry collaboration (UIC) is identified as t... more Knowledge sharing and transfer through University-industry collaboration (UIC) is identified as the third mission of Universities supplementary to Mission 1: 'teaching' for production of quality graduates and Mission 2: conducting economically, socially and culturally relevant 'research'. Third mission, like the third eye chakra of humans, opens up the wisdom, clears the path, encourages concentration on what the world needs, and develops a universal connection for Universities.
The future of our universities, so far as a chance is given them, rests on the renewal of their o... more The future of our universities, so far as a chance is given them, rests on the renewal of their originative spirit"-Karl Jaspers
Making Sri Lanka an Education Hub has been in the offing for some time. In its journey towards re... more Making Sri Lanka an Education Hub has been in the offing for some time. In its journey towards realizing this wish, universities have to be conducive to international education, to attract foreign students, to retain local students who go abroad and to establish partnerships in research and invention, teaching and knowledge sharing. These interventions would contribute to bringing our
Introduction of ranking, demand for research and innovation, unemployable graduates, commercial o... more Introduction of ranking, demand for research and innovation, unemployable graduates, commercial orientation and financial constraints have intensified competition in Universities. Quality improvement is recognized as the key to improving competitiveness. University ruling and regulatory bodies have introduced Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) together with institutional frameworks, standards and guidelines for continuous improvement of quality and accountability of Universities. However, the realization of expectations of QAS has raised doubts. External evaluation plays an important role in assuring the quality of higher education. But, whether external evaluation captures the real picture?" and "whether the quality improvement is assured in this process?" are in question. Quality Assurance Systems (QAS) were introduced to the Universities to ensure continuous quality improvement. However, Universities tend to pretend that they follow guidelines and standards, but maintain a gap between the QAS and internal operations of the institution. The real picture of QAS operations in the University is hence disguised. Considering the significance of unveiling realities of the QAS in higher education, this study examined this behaviour of Universities towards the QAS. Qualitative methodology is used in the study. The literature on 'Universities' responses towards QAS' available in worldwide peer-reviewed journals was analyzed to understand how the above nature of compliance has been identified and described elsewhere. The scope of the empirical study is limited to the semi-structured face-to-face interviews conducted with University stakeholders and to the perusal of statutory documents related to QAS of Sri Lankan Universities. Stakeholders comprise QA Council authorities, external quality reviewers and internal stakeholders comprising University top management, Internal QA Units' Directors, faculty level QA cell members, academic staff and administrative officers. The display of compliance towards the external evaluation of QAS through documentary evidence and performance indicators without integrating it to the culture, practices and behaviours of individuals and organizations is identified, in the literature, as 'Symbolic Compliance' (SC). The study finds 'non-integration of QA standards into routine operations, temporary compliance, lack of ownership, manipulation, fabrication, extra effort and cost and emphasis on the achievement of minimum standards' as characteristics of SC. It is identified that external evaluation remarkably affects the manner in which Universities comply with QAS. Technical nature of QA evaluation, focus on processes, policies, structures and quantifiable indicators rather than substance induce Universities to display SC. Thus, the evaluation shall become more vigilant beyond looking at information readily made available by Universities. The evaluation process should be strengthened by incorporating cross-checking the facts produced by Universities with external stakeholder feedbacks and auditor general's concerns on University performance. External stakeholder feedback before the onsite University evaluation, cross-checking the documentary evidence and findings from Universities, spontaneous interviews with every segment of internal stakeholders and unanticipated review visits are recommended to trace and mitigate symbolic compliance. The results of this study are significant to the policymakers and practitioners of the QAS.
Why should we bother so much to get an annual increment less than two hundred rupees? Management ... more Why should we bother so much to get an annual increment less than two hundred rupees? Management is trying to penalize us… Oh! A new initiative has taken to mitigate employee benefits…"
Conference Presentations by Dr Chani Imbulgoda
Compliance towards Quality Assurance System in Higher Education : A Systematic Literature Review, 2019
Compliance towards Quality Assurance System (QAS) in Higher Education (HE): A Systematic Literatu... more Compliance towards Quality Assurance System (QAS) in Higher Education (HE): A Systematic Literature Review Whether the Higher Education sector achieves the perceived benefits of the Quality Assurance System (QAS) is a critical discourse at present. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) indicate compliance towards QAS, but its impact is questionable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of compliance towards QAS and its impact on HEIs. This paper produces and analyses findings of research published on compliance towards QAS in HE over thirty years since the emergence of QAS through a systematic literature review. The review reveals that HEIs apply different modes of compliance (symbolic compliance, formal compliance, over-compliance and strategic compliance) towards QAS under different circumstances and some of these modes produce negative consequences. Implications for practitioners, policymakers and future research are given along with a conceptual framework of compliance to be tested in future research. The findings of these studies would be an eye-opener in understanding the challenges hidden and providing sustainable solutions.
Talks by Dr Chani Imbulgoda
Women: Empowering or endangering one another?
The Island, 2024
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Papers by Dr Chani Imbulgoda
Conference Presentations by Dr Chani Imbulgoda
Talks by Dr Chani Imbulgoda