With the rapid globalization of higher education as well as related changes in social, political, economic, and other conditions over the last 25 years there have been ever increasing expectations for higher education, in general, and Engineering Education, in particular. These expectations are often expressed in terms of the need for Quality Assurance locally, regionally, and globally. In some cases, there is a long tradition of independence and self-regulation of higher education institutions and programs. In other contexts, there has been c- siderable governmental regulation and disciplinary direction over time. The authors in this volume represent essentially all continents and 15 different countries. The common issues that they raise and their accounts of past, present, and future ch- lenges provide a snapshot of the current state of Quality Assurance in higher edu- tion and Engineering Education. This volume begins with an overview of the history and background of Quality Assurance in higher education and Engineering Education over the last century. The discussion of the historical, philosophical, political, and social background of Quality Assurance sets the stage for the other chapters. Following this broad brush stoke introduction, in the next part of the book, authors describe the general issues and challenges facing Quality Assurance in the twenty-first century from both regional and national perspectives. These authors have extensive experience in the area of Quality Assurance and have observed its growth and develop first hand over many years.
