Contextualising the challenges of the built environment programme accreditation in HEIs in South Africa

Purpose – The accreditation of built environment programmes is a quality assurance measure which seeks to ensure defined deliverables are continuously met. This study presents the findings of the explored challenges associated with built environment programme accreditation in higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. This is done with a view to proffer formidable recommendations to help improve the processes involved in accreditation of built environment programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a quantitative approach, necessitating the collection of responses from a defined sample of respondents aided by a structured questionnaire. The data analysis phase of the study was designed using a four-pronged approach comprising descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings – The outcome of the analysis conducted shows that the most rated challenges facing the accreditation of built environment programmes are a lack of funding and insufficient accreditation assessors. Furthermore, the result of the EFA derived five constructs: assessors' challenges in programme accreditation, institutional challenges in programme accreditation, teaching and learning challenges, lack of support services and resistance to change and financial and technical challenges. Practical implications – The study's outcome can inform policy reforms to streamline the process and enhance consistency in evaluations of the delivery of accreditation of programmes in the built environment. Originality/value – From a South African perspective, no study has been conducted to explore the challenges faced in accreditation of built environment programmes. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by shoring up this gap in knowledge.