An Analysis of a Partnership Arrangement between an Institution of Further Education and an Institution of Higher Education

This article is the result of qualitative research undertaken over a two-year period to study a partnership arrangement between a college of further education and a university, in the context of a franchised programme of study. The results of the research appear in the form of a case study narrative, the aim of which is to provide an insight into how a partnership arrangement and the concept of quality can be defined. The outcome of the research should be of interest to both academics and administrators who are involved in or contemplating a franchise arrangement. It can be stated that a franchise operation can be classified as a loose arrangement, underpinned by clear authority and legality. Collaboration requires a high level of trust and teamwork, and a commitment to providing quality educational provision through shared responsibility. Mutuality is one of the factors behind collaboration, and in the case of an institution of further education can provide major benefits such as facilitating a higher education ethos and further opportunities for developing additional partnerships with other institutions of higher education.