Assessing the Implementation of University Management Strategies for Combating Examination Misconduct in Tanzanian Universities (Published)
This study assessed the implementation of university management strategies for combating examination misconduct in Tanzanian universities. It was guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour developed by Ajzen in 1991. The study employed a convergent research design under mixed methods research approach. The target population was 27 universities, 51,489 students, 708 lecturers, 27 Chief examination officers and 27 Directors of quality assurance from which the sample size of 460 was selected through probability and non-probability sampling procedures. A questionnaire, document analysis guide and interview guide were used to collect data. Source triangulation and research experts ensured validity. Reliability was ensured through Cronbach alpha and intercoder agreement techniques. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics whereas qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. The study found that strategies such as penalties for examination offenders and checking for student’ illegal material were moderately implemented and there was a significant relationship between the levels of implementation of university management strategies for combating examination misconduct and the occurrence of various forms of examination misconduct in Tanzanian universities. The study concluded that university management strategies are not effectively implemented and there is a significant relationship between the levels of implementation of university management strategies and the occurrence of various forms of examination misconduct. The study recommends that universities in Tanzania in collaboration with Tanzania Commission for Universities should review and/or formulate academic integrity policies that will specify and uphold universities’ ethical principles and values as well as practices of appropriate examination conduct for handling policy violations to realize quality examinations
Keywords: Implementation, Tanzanian universities., combating, examination misconduct, management strategies