1st Annual International Quality Assurance and Enhancement Conference

Theme: Quality Assurance in a Digital Era in the Higher Education Sector

We invite you to join us at the 1st Annual CEMS International Quality Assurance and Enhancement Conference, where you can network and share insights, research findings and innovative practices in the field of quality assurance in higher education. The theme of the conference, "Quality Assurance in a Digital Era within the Higher Education Sector", encompasses various procedures and practices aimed at monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality of education provision and outcomes. We recognise the importance of effective quality assurance arrangements in ensuring excellence in higher education in the digital environment. Your contributions to this conference are invaluable.

Join us for this enriching academic event, where we aim to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of quality assurance in higher education amidst the transformative influence of AI and technological advancements. We are looking forward to your participation.

Call for Conference Papers and Participation

1st Annual International CEMS Quality Assurance and Enhancement Conference

Hosted by the Quality Assurance and Enhancement (QA&E) portfolio in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS)

Conference Theme

Quality Assurance in a Digital Era in the Higher Education Sector

• This conference is multidisciplinary.

Conference Overview

The 1st Annual International Quality Assurance and Enhancement Conference, hosted by the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), University of South Africa, invites educators, researchers, practitioners, managers, administrators and students from around the globe to contribute to and participate in discussions on quality assurance in higher education. This multidisciplinary conference aims to explore the evolving landscape of quality assurance in the higher education sector, particularly in light of the digital era and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements.

Emerging Landscape of Quality Assurance

In recent years, the landscape of quality assurance in higher education has been significantly influenced by advancements in technology, particularly AI. Institutions are increasingly leveraging AI-driven tools and analytics to enhance various aspects of quality assurance processes, including curriculum design, assessment, feedback mechanisms and student support services. AI-powered platforms offer institutions the ability to analyse large volumes of data to identify trends, predict student outcomes, and optimise teaching and learning experiences.

Impact of Technological Advancements

Technological advancements, such as learning management systems (LMS), virtual learning environments (VLE) and educational apps, have revolutionised the delivery of education. These tools provide opportunities for personalised learning experiences, adaptive assessments and real-time feedback, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of education. Additionally, the proliferation of online learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has expanded access to education globally, challenging traditional notions of quality assurance and accreditation.

Challenges and Opportunities

While AI and technological advancements present exciting opportunities for improving quality assurance in higher education, they also pose challenges. Institutions must grapple with issues related to data privacy, algorithmic bias and the digital divide to ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all learners. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change requires continuous adaptation and upskilling of educators and quality assurance professionals to leverage emerging technologies effectively.

Conference Objectives

Against this backdrop, the conference aims to:

• Examine the role of AI and technological advancements in reshaping quality assurance practices in higher education.
• Explore innovative strategies and best practices for integrating technology into quality assurance processes.
• Address the ethical, legal and social implications of AI-driven quality assurance in higher education.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to enhance quality assurance practices in the digital era.

Submission Guidelines for Drafts

Authors are requested to adhere to the following submission guidelines:

• Details of author(s).
• Paper topic.
• The purpose of the paper.
• The originality value/contribution of the research.
• Word count: 200–350.
• Keywords.
• Paper/Poster presentations are allowed.
• One author may submit a maximum of two papers.
• Authors who submit abstracts may be asked to review.

Submission Process

• Prepare your abstract ensuring alignment with the submission guidelines.
• Submit your abstract via the conference website (see the conference registration page). For more information, send an email to the conference organisers at cemsqac@unisa.ac.za.

Important Dates

• Due dates for abstracts: 31 July 2024
• Full paper submission: 30 August 2024
• Notification of acceptance: 30 September 2024
• Conference registration opens (early bird registration): 8 September 2024
• Conference dates: 13–15 November 2024

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a process of peer-reviewing by our panel of experts in the field to ensure the quality and relevance of presentations.

Publication Opportunities

Selected papers may be considered for publication in the conference proceedings or in a special issue of a relevant academic journal. Further details will be provided upon acceptance of your abstract.

Full Paper Specifications

• Introduction
• Problem investigated
• Research objectives and/or hypotheses
• Literature review; research methodology
• Results/Findings
• Managerial/Practical implications
• Conclusions
• Reference list
• Font: Arial
• Size: 12
• All margins: 2 cm
• Referencing technique: Harvard
• Word count: 5 000–7 000

Conference Fees

• Early bird student: R3 500
• Early bird regular: R5 400
• Regular student: R3 900
• Regular: R5 700
• Non-presenting attendee: R4 200
• Late registration student: R4 500
• Late registration academic: R6 700

Visa Arrangements

Delegates are expected to make their visa arrangements timeously. 

Target Audience

The 1st Annual International Quality Assurance and Enhancement Conference targets a diverse audience comprising educators, researchers, practitioners, managers, administrators and students from various sectors of the higher education community.

Specifically, the conference aims to engage the following key stakeholders:

Educators and Researchers

• Faculty members, researchers and education practitioners seeking to explore innovative approaches to quality assurance in higher education
• Scholars conducting research on the intersection of AI, technology and quality assurance within the academic landscape
• Pedagogical experts interested in leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes

Administrators and Managers

• Higher education administrators responsible for overseeing institutional quality assurance processes and accreditation standards
• Quality assurance professionals seeking to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the field
  Institutional leaders looking to implement data-driven strategies for improving educational quality and student success

Practitioners and Industry Representatives

• Professionals working for educational technology (EdTech) companies, software development firms and AI-driven platforms
• Representatives from accreditation bodies, regulatory agencies and government departments involved in shaping quality assurance policies and standards
• Consultants and advisors specialising in educational quality assurance, institutional effectiveness and compliance management

Students

• Undergraduate and graduate students interested in exploring the role of technology in shaping the future of higher education
• Student leaders advocating for student-centred approaches to quality assurance and academic governance
• Aspiring researchers and scholars eager to learn about cutting-edge research and methodologies in the field of educational quality assurance

International Audience

• Participants from global academic institutions, international organisations and cross-border education providers interested in sharing perspectives and best practices from diverse cultural contexts
• Delegates from developing countries seeking insights into leveraging technology for enhancing educational quality and access in resource-constrained settings

By targeting this diverse array of stakeholders, the conference aims to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration to advance quality assurance practices in higher education in the digital era. Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, industry professional or student, your participation in this conference will contribute to shaping the future of quality assurance in higher education.