QUALITY ENHANCEMENT POLICIES OF HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THEIR IMPACTS ON UNIVERSITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SINDH

Abstract

This research paper investigates the impact of the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) quality assurance program, specifically the role of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) and the Accreditation Council, in improving logistics and academic outcomes in public and private universities in Sindh, Pakistan.The study adopted aquantitative research designusing data collected through a close-ended questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert scale with 212 respondents, government and Private universities accounted for half.SPSS is used for Descriptive Statistics (eg ANOVA, T-test), while Smart PLS is used for Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). is to assess relationships between key variables. The analysis focuses on the effectiveness of QEC and accreditation councils in improving university infrastructure, curriculum development, faculty performance, and student outcomes. The findings highlight differences in the impact of quality assurance practices between public and private institutions, providing insights for policy improvements and university operations. The study highlights the importance of developing individualized strategies to improve quality assurance in higher education and highlights the need for continuous improvement, faculty development and harmonization of global standards.