Internal Quality Assurance in Dutch Universities: an empirical analysis of characteristics and results of self‐evaluation

Abstract

Abstract In 1994 a research project with respect to internal quality assurance in Dutch universities was completed. The purpose of this project was to obtain insight first in the nature of self‐evaluation and the way evaluation results are utilised at faculty level and second in factors which (possibly) influence internal quality assurance in faculties. A theoretical model is being developed in which several factors are distinguished. Systems theory and contingency theory are used as starting points for the development of this model. On the basis of insights developed in this project, a contribution can be made to the design of higher education policy‐making with regard to development of the internal quality assurance in universities. We will argue, on the basis of our empirical findings, that in the further implementation of the Dutch quality assurance system emphasis should not be put predominantly on external demands, but rather should be focused at improving the self‐evaluation procedure. Such an appr...