Quality Assurance Systems in a Global Context to be Accepted by Society and Academia ― Insights from an International Collaborative Study among US, UK, and Japan ―

Abstract

This study examines the development of quality assurance（ QA） systems in higher education through a comparative analysis of practices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Utilizing document reviews and site visits, the research highlights the dynamic interplay between external quality assurance（ EQA） and internal quality assurance（ IQA）, underscoring the significance of institutional autonomy and program-level review. The findings suggest that robust IQA frameworks, supported by EQA, are essential for fostering continuous improvement and aligning educational programs with societal needs. Key challenges in the Japanese context include administrative burdens and limited faculty engagement, while insights from US and UK institutions demonstrate the value of faculty autonomy and discipline-specific accreditation. These comparative observations inform recommendations for enhancing QA systems to support both academic rigor and professional relevance in higher education.