Course accreditation and conditions on registration

Report on accreditation of one higher education course of study offered by Kent Institute Australia Pty Ltd (formerly The Centre of Academic Excellence Pty Ltd)

TEQSA has agreed to orders made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) under which the Bachelor of Information Technology higher education course of study, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), be accredited to be offered by Kent Institute Australia Pty Ltd ('Kent Institute') until 1 June 2021:

These orders also involve the imposition of conditions on the registration of Kent Institute under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act. A copy of the conditions is available at Attachment 1. The course accreditation covers delivery at all Australian sites.

Background to Decision

Kent Institute applied to TEQSA for accreditation of its Bachelor of Information Technology higher education course of study under Section 46 of the TEQSA Act.

A TEQSA delegate considered Kent Institute's application and made a decision to reject the application for accreditation, sending Kent Institute a Statement of Reasons setting out details of why the TEQSA delegate decided to reject the application for accreditation of the course of study.

The TEQSA delegate made this decision on the basis that they were not satisfied that the course met the following Provider Course Accreditation Standards (PCAS):

• PCAS 1.2, in relation to course development, including development and assessment of English Language Proficiency (ELP);
• PCAS 2.1 and 2.3, in relation to the adequacy of resources available to support students, taking into account expected growth; and
• PCAS 4.4, in relation to effective mechanisms to identify and support students at risk of not progressing academically.

The TEQSA delegate also determined that Kent was at risk of not meeting the following PCAS in relation to the course of study: 1.7, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.3 and 5.4.

Kent Institute applied for an internal review of the decision to reject the application for accreditation of the course of study. No decision was made by TEQSA prior to the required date for internal review under subsection 186(2) of the TEQSA Act, meaning that TEQSA had taken to have affirmed the decision to reject the application for internal review.

Kent Institute applied for a review of TEQSA's deemed affirmation of the rejection of its application for accreditation at the AAT.

Main Reasons for Decision

After reviewing the material submitted by Kent Institute and participating in mediation with Kent Institute, TEQSA was satisfied that Kent Institute's Bachelor of Information Technology course of study meets the Threshold Standards. However TEQSA considered that there were risks in relation to:

1. Development of the requisite levels of English language proficiency (PCAS 1.2), on the basis of concerns about Kent Institute's student perform;
2. Engagement in intellectual inquiry consistent with the nature, level and expected learning outcomes of the course (PCAS 1.7), on the basis of an "ad hoc" approach to the presentation of theory and current controversies;
3. Adequacy of the existing facilities to meet student demand (PCAS 2.1);
4. Adequacy of library facilities (PCAS 2.2);
5. Adequacy of staffing (PCAS 4.1);
6. Staff scholarship (PCAS 4.2);
7. Inconsistency in student outcomes between Melbourne and Sydney (PCAS 5.3);
8. Monitoring and acting on student performance (PCAS 5.4).

On this basis, TEQSA agreed that it was appropriate to substitute TEQSA's initial decision to not grant the application with the decision to accredit the Bachelor of Information Technology until 1 June 2021 and to impose a number of conditions on Kent Institute's provider registration (see Attachment 1).

The conditions on registration are designed to address risks against the same Provider Course Accreditation Standards listed above in relation to TEQSA's reasons for initially deciding not to grant Kent Institute's application for accreditation of the Bachelor of Information Technology course of study.

TEQSA proposed to the AAT that the risks identified in the course accreditation be addressed by the imposition of conditions on registration. The AAT subsequently made orders in accordance with an agreement between TEQSA and Kent Institute to impose these conditions on registration.

Attachment 1

Conditions imposed on the registration of Kent Institute pursuant to subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act:

Condition 1:

Kent Institute must arrange for an independent and external review of the library and learning resources provided by Kent Institute for students of Kent Institute's higher education courses delivered in Sydney and Melbourne. Kent Institute must:

a) obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer before making an appointment.

b) provide TEQSA with the report arising from the review no later than 30 June 2017.

c) provide TEQSA with an implementation plan dealing with any recommendations from the review, together with evidence that the implementation plan has been discussed, considered and approved by Kent Institute's Academic Board by 31 July 2017.

Condition 2:

Within three months of the date of the imposition of this condition, Kent Institute is required to provide TEQSA with a revised workforce plan for its higher education operations. The workforce plan must identify recruitment strategies, discipline needs, academic and career development strategies incorporating scholarly activity, appropriate full-time to casual staffing ratios and key implementation dates for the plan. Casual staffing ratios must be calculated based on the methodology set out on page 19 of the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework (Version 2.1) document.

Condition 3:

Within three months of the date of the imposition of this condition, Kent Institute must:

a) ensure that its course development and review policies explicitly provide for the development of a structured approach to engaging students in intellectual inquiry into theoretical developments and controversies consistent with the level and discipline of the course of study.

b) provide TEQSA with evidence of the application of this development of a structured approach in the context of at least one of Kent Institute's accredited courses of study. This evidence must include, but is not limited to, evidence that the approach has been considered, discussed and approved at a meeting of Kent Institute's Academic Board.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of three higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd

TEQSA has accredited, under subsection 185(2) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), the following higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for a period of seven years until 24 January 2025:

• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Engineering
• Diploma of Health Sciences

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA has determined that the three higher education courses of study submitted by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for accreditation comply with the Provider Course Accreditation Standards.

TEQSA's assessment considered Study Group Australia Pty Ltd's arrangements for delivery at the Flinders International Study Centre. The abovementioned courses are accredited as pathway courses from Flinders International Study Centre to Flinders University.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of three higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd

TEQSA has accredited, under subsection 185(2) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), the following higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for a period of seven years until 24 January 2025:

• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Engineering
• Diploma of Health Sciences

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA has determined that the three higher education courses of study submitted by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for accreditation comply with the Provider Course Accreditation Standards.

TEQSA's assessment considered Study Group Australia Pty Ltd's arrangements for delivery at the Flinders International Study Centre. The abovementioned courses are accredited as pathway courses from Flinders International Study Centre to Flinders University.

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of three higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd

TEQSA has accredited, under subsection 185(2) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act), the following higher education courses of study offered by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for a period of seven years until 24 January 2025:

• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Engineering
• Diploma of Health Sciences

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA has determined that the three higher education courses of study submitted by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd for accreditation comply with the Provider Course Accreditation Standards.

TEQSA's assessment considered Study Group Australia Pty Ltd's arrangements for delivery at the Flinders International Study Centre. The abovementioned courses are accredited as pathway courses from Flinders International Study Centre to Flinders University.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of North Metropolitan TAFE

On 14 March 2018 TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of North Metropolitan TAFE, for a period of seven years until 14 March 2025, in the category of Higher Education Provider.
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the registration of North Metropolitan TAFE.

Condition 1: Scholarship

1. By 30 July 2018 North Metropolitan TAFE must provide TEQSA with a Scholarship development plan approved by the Governing Council including targets for scholarly output for categories recognised in TEQSA's Guidance Note on scholarship, to ensure academic staff are active in scholarship that informs their teaching.
2. By 30 July 2018 and by 30 June of each subsequent year until further notice, North Metropolitan TAFE must provide TEQSA with a copy of an annual scholarship report that has been considered by the Governing Council.

Condition 2: Quality assurance - monitoring and improvement

By 30 July 2018 and by 30 June of each subsequent year, until further notice North Metropolitan TAFE must provide TEQSA with a copy of:

1. a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the probable causes for observed rates and trends for student attrition, progression, minimum time completion rates and failure rates, for each accredited higher education course it offers, subject to the size of the student cohorts being large enough to produce meaningful performance indicator outcomes. The analysis must include accurate data on student attrition, completion, progression, grade distribution and failure rates and include analysis by:
   
   1. entry path (comparing students admitted under each entry pathway);
   2. credit awarded
   3. referral to and uptake of student support including participation in formal study support programs and
   4. external referencing of student achievement in similar courses at other higher education providers.
2. Evidence of the Academic Board's report to the Governing Council on the quality of teaching and learning with any recommendations for improvement, and minutes of the governing body's response to the report.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made the decision to renew the provider's registration on the basis that it was satisfied that North Metropolitan TAFE continues to meet the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

TEQSA made the decision to impose two conditions on the basis of a risk of future non-compliance that North Metropolitan TAFE may not continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015:

1. Category Criterion B1.1.4 of Part B, in relation to further development and implementation of North Metropolitan TAFE's scholarship plan to ensure academic staff are active in scholarship that informs their teaching
2. Section 5.3 of Part A, in relation to further development and implementation of North Metropolitan TAFE's quality assurance mechanisms relating to monitoring of student performance data and external referencing activities

TEQSA considers that following the re-structure of the West Australian TAFEs in 2016, North Metropolitan TAFE is making good progress in developing and implementing its governance processes and higher education quality assurance framework.

TEQSA's assessment considered North Metropolitan TAFE's arrangements for delivery at all Australian sites.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, the registration as a higher education provider of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB) for a period of three (3) years until 16 March 2020 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed conditions on the registration of AIB as a higher education provider. A copy of the conditions is available at Attachment 1.

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of three (3) years to 16 March 2020:

• Diploma of Management
• Associate Degree in Management - exit point only
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Management
• Graduate Diploma in Management - exit point only
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Finance)
• Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management)
• Graduate Certificate in Change Management (new course name: Graduate Certificate in Action Research and Action Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Work-based Learning
• Master of Management
• Master of Management (Work-Applied Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Graduate Diploma in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Master of Management (Research)
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of two years until 16 March 2019. The courses have been renewed in teach out mode and no new enrolments are permitted in the courses.

• Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)

Main reasons for the decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by AIB against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2011 (the Threshold Standards). The scope of the assessment included delivery of AIB's courses in Australia and overseas.

TEQSA considers that its decision to apply conditions was consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as AIB was considered to be at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards. TEQSA notes that Conditions 2 and 3 have been complied with and satisfied fully.

The broad issues which relate to the AIB's registration relate to:

a) Provider Course Accreditation Standards (PCAS) 1.1, 5.1 and 6.1 in relation to AIB's course design, course review and assessment arrangements

b) PCAS 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5, in relation to assessment, moderation, student performance and benchmarking for AIB's courses.

Attachment 1

Conditions imposed on the registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB)

Condition 1

Within four weeks of receipt of the notice of decision, AIB must provide TEQSA with a comprehensive plan for review and development of its courses over the period of AIB's renewed registration. AIB must provide TEQSA with copies of reports arising from any subsequent major internal or external course review, including those proposed in the plan required by this condition, over the period of AIB's renewed registration.

Condition 2

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its online teaching and learning framework to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its online teaching and learning framework AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 3

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 4

By 31 March 2018 and each year thereafter, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) A report on the implementation of its "Scholarly Activity and Professional Development" policy and scholarship plans, including a list of all academic staff engaged to teach into the course of study, the nature of their appointment (i.e. casual, fixed term or continuing including fraction where applicable), the units taught by each staff member, the scholarly activity undertaken in the preceding calendar year and any funding support provided by AIB towards that activity.

b) Evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response.

Condition 5

By 31 March of each year, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a report on its student performance that:

i. details attrition, progression and completion rates and grade distributions at an aggregate level and by mode and course of study. Calculations must be based on the methodology set out within the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework(Version 2.1).

ii. identifies actions undertaken by Academic Board in response to student performance and an analysis of the effectiveness of those actions.

b) evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response to the report.

The first report is due to TEQSA on 31 March 2018.

Condition 6

By 31 January in each year AIB must provide to TEQSA complete and un-redacted copies of its Governing Board and Academic Board minutes for all meetings conducted in the preceding calendar year.

Condition 7

AIB must provide TEQSA with a report every six months, with the first report due by 31 January 2018, which describes AIB's progress in implementing the actions arising from the:

a) independent external review of its online teaching and learning framework required by Condition 2

b) independent external review report on unit assessment and assessment moderation required by Condition 3, and

c) changes it has committed to in its response to TEQSA's draft summaries of findings relating to AIB's registration and course accreditations.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, the registration as a higher education provider of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB) for a period of three (3) years until 16 March 2020 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed conditions on the registration of AIB as a higher education provider. A copy of the conditions is available at Attachment 1.

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of three (3) years to 16 March 2020:

• Diploma of Management
• Associate Degree in Management - exit point only
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Management
• Graduate Diploma in Management - exit point only
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Finance)
• Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management)
• Graduate Certificate in Change Management (new course name: Graduate Certificate in Action Research and Action Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Work-based Learning
• Master of Management
• Master of Management (Work-Applied Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Graduate Diploma in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Master of Management (Research)
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of two years until 16 March 2019. The courses have been renewed in teach out mode and no new enrolments are permitted in the courses.

• Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)

Main reasons for the decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by AIB against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2011 (the Threshold Standards). The scope of the assessment included delivery of AIB's courses in Australia and overseas.

TEQSA considers that its decision to apply conditions was consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as AIB was considered to be at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards. TEQSA notes that Conditions 2 and 3 have been complied with and satisfied fully.

The broad issues which relate to the AIB's registration relate to:

a) Provider Course Accreditation Standards (PCAS) 1.1, 5.1 and 6.1 in relation to AIB's course design, course review and assessment arrangements

b) PCAS 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5, in relation to assessment, moderation, student performance and benchmarking for AIB's courses.

Attachment 1

Conditions imposed on the registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB)

Condition 1

Within four weeks of receipt of the notice of decision, AIB must provide TEQSA with a comprehensive plan for review and development of its courses over the period of AIB's renewed registration. AIB must provide TEQSA with copies of reports arising from any subsequent major internal or external course review, including those proposed in the plan required by this condition, over the period of AIB's renewed registration.

Condition 2

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its online teaching and learning framework to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its online teaching and learning framework AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 3

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 4

By 31 March 2018 and each year thereafter, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) A report on the implementation of its "Scholarly Activity and Professional Development" policy and scholarship plans, including a list of all academic staff engaged to teach into the course of study, the nature of their appointment (i.e. casual, fixed term or continuing including fraction where applicable), the units taught by each staff member, the scholarly activity undertaken in the preceding calendar year and any funding support provided by AIB towards that activity.

b) Evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response.

Condition 5

By 31 March of each year, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a report on its student performance that:

i. details attrition, progression and completion rates and grade distributions at an aggregate level and by mode and course of study. Calculations must be based on the methodology set out within the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework(Version 2.1).

ii. identifies actions undertaken by Academic Board in response to student performance and an analysis of the effectiveness of those actions.

b) evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response to the report.

The first report is due to TEQSA on 31 March 2018.

Condition 6

By 31 January in each year AIB must provide to TEQSA complete and un-redacted copies of its Governing Board and Academic Board minutes for all meetings conducted in the preceding calendar year.

Condition 7

AIB must provide TEQSA with a report every six months, with the first report due by 31 January 2018, which describes AIB's progress in implementing the actions arising from the:

a) independent external review of its online teaching and learning framework required by Condition 2

b) independent external review report on unit assessment and assessment moderation required by Condition 3, and

c) changes it has committed to in its response to TEQSA's draft summaries of findings relating to AIB's registration and course accreditations.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, the registration as a higher education provider of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB) for a period of three (3) years until 16 March 2020 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed conditions on the registration of AIB as a higher education provider. A copy of the conditions is available at Attachment 1.

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of three (3) years to 16 March 2020:

• Diploma of Management
• Associate Degree in Management - exit point only
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Management
• Graduate Diploma in Management - exit point only
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Finance)
• Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management)
• Graduate Certificate in Change Management (new course name: Graduate Certificate in Action Research and Action Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Work-based Learning
• Master of Management
• Master of Management (Work-Applied Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Graduate Diploma in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Master of Management (Research)
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of two years until 16 March 2019. The courses have been renewed in teach out mode and no new enrolments are permitted in the courses.

• Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)

Main reasons for the decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by AIB against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2011 (the Threshold Standards). The scope of the assessment included delivery of AIB's courses in Australia and overseas.

TEQSA considers that its decision to apply conditions was consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as AIB was considered to be at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards. TEQSA notes that Conditions 2 and 3 have been complied with and satisfied fully.

The broad issues which relate to the AIB's registration relate to:

a) Provider Course Accreditation Standards (PCAS) 1.1, 5.1 and 6.1 in relation to AIB's course design, course review and assessment arrangements

b) PCAS 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5, in relation to assessment, moderation, student performance and benchmarking for AIB's courses.

Attachment 1

Conditions imposed on the registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB)

Condition 1

Within four weeks of receipt of the notice of decision, AIB must provide TEQSA with a comprehensive plan for review and development of its courses over the period of AIB's renewed registration. AIB must provide TEQSA with copies of reports arising from any subsequent major internal or external course review, including those proposed in the plan required by this condition, over the period of AIB's renewed registration.

Condition 2

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its online teaching and learning framework to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its online teaching and learning framework AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 3

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 4

By 31 March 2018 and each year thereafter, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) A report on the implementation of its "Scholarly Activity and Professional Development" policy and scholarship plans, including a list of all academic staff engaged to teach into the course of study, the nature of their appointment (i.e. casual, fixed term or continuing including fraction where applicable), the units taught by each staff member, the scholarly activity undertaken in the preceding calendar year and any funding support provided by AIB towards that activity.

b) Evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response.

Condition 5

By 31 March of each year, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a report on its student performance that:

i. details attrition, progression and completion rates and grade distributions at an aggregate level and by mode and course of study. Calculations must be based on the methodology set out within the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework(Version 2.1).

ii. identifies actions undertaken by Academic Board in response to student performance and an analysis of the effectiveness of those actions.

b) evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response to the report.

The first report is due to TEQSA on 31 March 2018.

Condition 6

By 31 January in each year AIB must provide to TEQSA complete and un-redacted copies of its Governing Board and Academic Board minutes for all meetings conducted in the preceding calendar year.

Condition 7

AIB must provide TEQSA with a report every six months, with the first report due by 31 January 2018, which describes AIB's progress in implementing the actions arising from the:

a) independent external review of its online teaching and learning framework required by Condition 2

b) independent external review report on unit assessment and assessment moderation required by Condition 3, and

c) changes it has committed to in its response to TEQSA's draft summaries of findings relating to AIB's registration and course accreditations.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 36(1) of the TEQSA Act, the registration as a higher education provider of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB) for a period of three (3) years until 16 March 2020 in the provider category of 'Higher Education Provider'.

TEQSA has, under subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, imposed conditions on the registration of AIB as a higher education provider. A copy of the conditions is available at Attachment 1.

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of three (3) years to 16 March 2020:

• Diploma of Management
• Associate Degree in Management - exit point only
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Graduate Certificate in Management
• Graduate Diploma in Management - exit point only
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Finance)
• Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management)
• Graduate Certificate in Change Management (new course name: Graduate Certificate in Action Research and Action Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Work-based Learning
• Master of Management
• Master of Management (Work-Applied Learning)
• Graduate Certificate in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Graduate Diploma in Management (Research) - exit point only
• Master of Management (Research)
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy

TEQSA has renewed, under subsection 56(1) of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the following courses of study offered by AIB for a period of two years until 16 March 2019. The courses have been renewed in teach out mode and no new enrolments are permitted in the courses.

• Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)

Main reasons for the decision

As part of the renewal of registration process, TEQSA has assessed the application submitted by AIB against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2011 (the Threshold Standards). The scope of the assessment included delivery of AIB's courses in Australia and overseas.

TEQSA considers that its decision to apply conditions was consistent with the basic principles for regulation in Part 2 of the TEQSA Act, as AIB was considered to be at risk of not complying with a number of the Threshold Standards. TEQSA notes that Conditions 2 and 3 have been complied with and satisfied fully.

The broad issues which relate to the AIB's registration relate to:

a) Provider Course Accreditation Standards (PCAS) 1.1, 5.1 and 6.1 in relation to AIB's course design, course review and assessment arrangements

b) PCAS 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5, in relation to assessment, moderation, student performance and benchmarking for AIB's courses.

Attachment 1

Conditions imposed on the registration of Australian Institute of Business Pty Ltd (AIB)

Condition 1

Within four weeks of receipt of the notice of decision, AIB must provide TEQSA with a comprehensive plan for review and development of its courses over the period of AIB's renewed registration. AIB must provide TEQSA with copies of reports arising from any subsequent major internal or external course review, including those proposed in the plan required by this condition, over the period of AIB's renewed registration.

Condition 2

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its online teaching and learning framework to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its online teaching and learning framework AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 3

AIB must arrange for an independent and external review of its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices to be undertaken, culminating in a report developed and signed by the independent external reviewer. AIB must obtain TEQSA's approval of the identity of the reviewer and of the review's terms of reference before making an appointment. The report arising from the review must be provided to TEQSA and AIB simultaneously and not later than 1 July 2017.

Within four weeks of receipt of the report on its unit assessment and assessment moderation practices, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a copy of the minutes of the Academic Board meeting which record the Academic Board's response to the report

b) a proposed implementation plan to address the recommendations in the report.

This condition has been fully satisfied by AIB.

Condition 4

By 31 March 2018 and each year thereafter, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) A report on the implementation of its "Scholarly Activity and Professional Development" policy and scholarship plans, including a list of all academic staff engaged to teach into the course of study, the nature of their appointment (i.e. casual, fixed term or continuing including fraction where applicable), the units taught by each staff member, the scholarly activity undertaken in the preceding calendar year and any funding support provided by AIB towards that activity.

b) Evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response.

Condition 5

By 31 March of each year, AIB must provide to TEQSA:

a) a report on its student performance that:

i. details attrition, progression and completion rates and grade distributions at an aggregate level and by mode and course of study. Calculations must be based on the methodology set out within the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework(Version 2.1).

ii. identifies actions undertaken by Academic Board in response to student performance and an analysis of the effectiveness of those actions.

b) evidence by way of meeting minutes that the report has been considered by the relevant AIB governing bodies which includes any action in response to the report.

The first report is due to TEQSA on 31 March 2018.

Condition 6

By 31 January in each year AIB must provide to TEQSA complete and un-redacted copies of its Governing Board and Academic Board minutes for all meetings conducted in the preceding calendar year.

Condition 7

AIB must provide TEQSA with a report every six months, with the first report due by 31 January 2018, which describes AIB's progress in implementing the actions arising from the:

a) independent external review of its online teaching and learning framework required by Condition 2

b) independent external review report on unit assessment and assessment moderation required by Condition 3, and

c) changes it has committed to in its response to TEQSA's draft summaries of findings relating to AIB's registration and course accreditations.