INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Vision: To contribute towards making NUST a better place for all its members at all times
Mission: To work towards continuous improvement in all facets of the institution for the benefit of internal and external stakeholders
The Institutional Research and Quality Management (IRQM) Unit in the Vice Chancellor’s Office at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) seeks to consolidate the institution’s vision, mission and strategic goals for self-improvement through the development of client-focussed management systems supported by constant information sharing among the members of the university community. The unit is also the local cog of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) in all matters as determined by the university, the quality assurance watchdog body, and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
Key Strategic goals
The IRQM unit strives to support all university functions through the following:
- Creating and providing requisite institutional data for efficient decision-making
- Driving the institution’s internal self-evaluation systems for higher productivity and efficiency
- Ensuring compliance with internal and external benchmarks for long-term institutional growth and adaptability
Associate Professor. Nduduzo Phuthi - Director
Among the key functions of the IRQM unit will be the following:
Research
Training
Curriculum Development
Institutional Benchmarking
Policy Development
The IRQM unit ensures that the university remains on a top performance level with relevant improvement achieved through proactive self-evaluation and monitoring. This will ensure that holistic quality management will focus on ensuring the quality and reliability of the institution’s products, services, and operations.
External Quality Management and AccreditationThe university must ensure that it stands heads and shoulders among other competing institutions, and thus needs to be pass the test for benchmarking and fitness against pre-established criteria by credible evaluators. The institution and its programmes will be assisted to be accredited .
To ensure customer consultation in university programmes and activities through survey administration and data capture, the instrument development and analysis, and reporting of findings to relevant audiences.
Standards, benchmarking data, rankings
Developing procedures and guidelines for compliance with local and international standards. Striving for international visibility and reputation.
Meet The Team
Senzelwe Ncube, as the Institutional Research Officer, is responsible for collecting and analyzing data and reporting on the data to support the university's strategic planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement efforts. Senzelwe has a diverse educational background, having earned a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Operations Research and Statistics from the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Mathematics from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe. Additionally, Senzelwe has the BSc Special Honours in Monitoring and Evaluation Studies and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Lupane State University, Zimbabwe.
He brings more than a decade of experience in higher education, demonstrating a robust commitment to academic excellence and student development. As a part-time lecturer in Research Methods and Statistics, he has effectively guided students through intricate statistical concepts and research methodologies, fostering their analytical skills and enhancing their understanding of the subject matter. In addition to teaching, Senzelwe Ncube has served as the Quality Assurance Analyst at Gwanda State University, Zimbabwe, where he played a crucial role in ensuring that both academic and non-academic processes adhered to the rigorous institutional standards established by accrediting authorities. He was also responsible for gathering, maintaining, compiling, analysing, and reporting institutional data for quality enhancement. His comprehensive expertise will not only enrich the educational environment but also contribute to the overall quality and integrity of the institution's offerings.
Nakisani Tshuma is a seasoned administrative professional with a passion for excellence in institutional management. She currently serves as the Chief Secretary in the Department of Institutional Research and Quality Management (IRQM) at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), a position she assumed in September 2024. Before her current role, Nakisani accumulated over a decade of experience in administrative leadership, having worked in various capacities at Lupane State University. Her previous roles include being Chief Secretary in the Bursar's Department and Secretary in the following departments, namely the Business Management Department, the Department of Educational Foundations, and the Faculty Office.
Nakisani holds a Special Honours Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation (2022-2023) and a Bachelor of Commerce Honors Degree in Human Resource Management (2014-2018). She also possesses professional qualifications, including a Higher National Diploma in Office Management and a National Diploma in Secretarial Studies from Bulawayo Polytechnic College. Nakisani has demonstrated exceptional administrative skills throughout her career, including time management, communication, and customer service. Her expertise in office operations, financial management, and event planning has been invaluable to her previous employers. As a dedicated and results-driven professional, Nakisani continues to make significant contributions to institutional management. Her commitment to excellence, integrity, and teamwork has earned her a reputation as a trusted and respected leader in her field.