1. Programme Site Visit Dhaya Naidoo Director: Quality Promotion
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

2. Interview Sessions
The interview session provides the review committee with an opportunity to gather additional information, seek clarifications and conduct an audit trail in a specific area.
It provides an opportunity to validate and to triangulate claims made in the portfolio
It is not an interrogation session whereby the programme group is subjected to an unreasonable line of questioning with the aim of “catching them out”.
This is a developmental and enabling exercise aimed at providing constructive comments to develop the capacity of the programme group to improve their education provision
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

3. Interview Sessions
The interview sessions are not the forum for discussion or for interviewees to ask questions of the panel.
The panel’s questions should consistently make the link to quality.
Questions should be direct and simple.
One question should be asked at a time, not multiple questions.
Panel members should ensure that all interviewees are invited to respond and participate. One person should not be allowed to dominate the responses.
The chairperson will intervene if panel members ask inappropriate questions (such as a reviewer who is a competitor and tries to find out strategic programme information) or follow “personal” agendas.
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

4. Interview Sessions
It is important that panel members should keep a professional distance from members of the institution during the visit.
Panel members should avoid the temptation to
Editorialise;
Criticise, advise, explain, correct or recommend;
Ask questions that have no purpose.
Questions must confirm claims or validate evidence;
Compare the programme to any other programme.
(Adapted from the HEQC Auditors Manual)
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

5. Interview Management
Reviewers should bear in mind that the time available for meetings with groups of staff is limited. It is therefore important to make the best use of the available time.
Preparation: being ‘on top of’ the review material.
Organisation: having an explicit structure for the meeting and clarity of lines of enquiry.
Be aware of “private agendas” and “opportunities to settle score” among students and staff.
Triangulate and seek to validate claims and data.
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

6. Interview Management Conduct of the meeting Clear, shared agenda
Efficient beginning – explain purpose and structure of the meeting
Effective questioning – use of open questions
Listening and responsiveness
Awareness of body language and impact of location
Accurate recording of points made
Good time-keeping
Summarising of evidence gained
Punctual and clear ending
Effective follow-up of points that emerge.
Recording of evidence and references.
(Adapted from Randall:2003)
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN

7. Site Visit Schedule 07:30-09:00: 09:00-10:00 10:00-10:15 10:15-11:15
Arrival at interview site
Preliminary discussions on the portfolio
Review team to identify lines of inquiry
09:00-10:00
Interview head of department/programme coordinator
10:00-10:15
Review team to confer
10:15-11:15
Interview Staff
11:15-12:15
Document review
12:15-13:00: Lunch
13:00-14:00
Interview Students
14:00-14:30
14:30-15:00
Discussions with programme group
Overview of findings
15:00-16:00
Review team to prepare inputs for the report
Directorate of Quality Promotion
QP_DN