Implementation Of Quality Assurance Research Articles

Implementation of quality assurance standards in European higher education: does context matter?

ABSTRACTThe vast majority of studies concerning the implementation of quality assurance in higher education institutions have been conducted from a national perspective, with few cross-national studies. This study aimed to explore the implementation of quality assurance standards in Europe from a comparative perspective. A questionnaire based on Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area was developed to compare countries. The results indicate that higher education institutions mainly formulate their quality assurance systems according to national standards or based on their own needs. The main emphasis in quality assurance is on teaching and learning activities and curriculum development. The major contribution of the study lies in showing how different country settings affect the implementation of quality assurance standards through presenting the strengths and weaknesses for quality assurance implementation among several European countries.

The Effect of Implementation Quality Assurance and Business Incubators on Entrepreneur Quality and its Impact on SMEs Performance in East Java

The Effect of Implementation Quality Assurance and Business Incubators on Entrepreneur Quality and its Impact on SMEs Performance in East Java

Exploratory evaluation of solar radiation and ambient temperature in twenty locations distributed in United Kingdom

Solar radiation and ambient temperature is a foundation resource programs of large-scale deployment of solar energy technologies. This paper summarizes the analysis of a weather station network in United Kingdom. Whistle 3 years (January 2015 – December 2017) of data from twenty weather stations distributed across the country. The data comprises of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI), Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), ambient temperature, wind speed, and the humidity. Network design, implementation, and data quality assurance are described, in order to document the network extent and quality. From all observed datasets, it was found that Plymouth (located in southwest England) has the dominant GHI, and ambient temperature among all other 19 locations. The least GHI is observed for Aberdeen (located in northeast Scotland) estimated at 77.3 kWh/m2. However, the least average ambient temperature is equal to 9.1 °C, this data was detected from the weather station located in the capital of Scotland (Edinburgh). Although continued measurements are needed to understand the interannual resource variability, the current study provides significant guidance for preliminary technology selection, power plant modeling, and resource forecasting.

The Achievement of the quality standard of education in MAN Palangka Raya

MAN Palangkaraya is the partner schools of the ministries of Religious Affairs and the status is very proud achievement, and graduation reach 100% of the National level (UAMMN) and pass the National Exam (UN), and is accredited A.Based on the explanation above, the writer was interested in and choose the title of Education Quality Assurance in MAN Model Palangka Raya. The purpose of this study was to answer the problem of this research How does the achievement of quality standards of education in MAN Palangka Raya.The place of this research is MAN Palangkaraya at Jl.Tjilik Riwut km. 4,5 Palangka Raya. This study used qualitative methods. The data collection did by observation, interview and documentation. The subjects of this research were headmaster and wakamad as an informant, teachers and educators, and alumni. The validity of the data by using trasferbilitas, accountability, reliability, credibility.The results of the research showed that: Implementation of quality assurance in MAN Palangka Raya includes the standard process such as; teachers and educators and competency standards. Achievement of quality assurance in MAN Palangka Raya have been achieved such as monitoring, evaluation, certification, accreditation and national exams both internally and externally is carried out by the relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Religious Affairs and The Central Kalimantan Provincial Education Office. Keywords: Achievement, Quality Standard, Education,

Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Distance Education Programs in Vietnam: Rationale and Future Directions

Distance and online education are popular training modes in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and open education. Accreditation is one of the approaches that many countries across the world have implemented to assure the quality of higher education, including distance learning programs. This study investigates the rationale and future directions for quality assurance and accreditation of distance education programs in Vietnam. First, the paper presents concepts of distance education, and quality assurance and accreditation of distance education. Second, the research reviews experiences of implementing quality assurance and accreditation for distance education from several countries in the world. Next, the paper analyses the rationale for conducting accreditation of distance education programs in our country. Finally, the study proposes three groups of recommendations for the national quality assurance organization, accreditation agencies and higher education institutions to be able to implement the quality assurance and accreditation of distance education in Vietnam successfully.
 Keywords
 Quality assurance; Accreditation; Distance education; Online learning; Higher education
 References
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PENERAPAN PENJAMINAN MUTU RADIOLOGI PADA KENDALI MUTU PERALATAN BUCKY GRID PESAWAT DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

The research about grid performance testing in Radiology Installation RA Kartini Jepara have been done using X-ray digital radiography type Multix Select DR. X-ray digital radiography hasn’t been re-tested after acceptance testing in 2016. Based the frequency, it’s often use. The purpose of this study to know the implementation of radiology quality assurance and quality control and to determine the result testing. Research conducted in the examination room in radiology installation RA Kartini Jepara with depth interviews, two radiographers as a respondents. Then, put a Grid Allignment Test Tool in the middle of center beam, with vertical rays. Afterthat, all the holes exposed by a factor using 45 kVp and mAs setting 1 and 5. Then do the processing and measure the optical density using densitometer three times each holes. In the analysis of data from measurement should determine the value of highest density on the 3rd or center hole and getting decreases to the lateral. The result show the quality assurance and quality control aren’t going well because there is none about QA Committe. Density measurement data show, on the first hole has 2,48 and 2,56. On the second hole has 2,66 and 2,74. On the third hole has 2,71 and 2,81. On the fourth hole has 2,69 and 2,72. The fifth hole has 2,71 and 2,78. The first hole show lowest density value and getting decreases to the lateral side. It means bucky is missalignment with central rays.

Cancer screening and early diagnosis in low and middle income countries : Current situation and future perspectives.

Limited health system capacities and competing health priorities in low and middle income countries (LMICs) necessitate apragmatic approach to population-based cancer screening. Thus, the challenges faced by LMICs to implement a'western' model of screening for common cancers and the possible means to overcome these challenges are presented. Breast cancer is the number one cancer with arising trend in the majority of LMICs. Implementation of mass-scale mammography-based screening is not feasible and sustainable in most of them. While some LMICs have introduced breast cancer screening based on clinical breast examination (CBE), the programs need to be of appropriate quality. All LMICs should improve the capacity for early diagnosis of breast cancer along with other common cancers through community education, training of frontline health workers, facilitating prompt referrals and improving the infrastructure for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Resources permitting, the LMICs with high burden of cervical cancer may consider human papillomavirus (HPV) detection-based screening; asimple low-cost alternative is visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Regardless of the choice, astrong linkage should be established between screening and treatment with implementation of robust quality assurance. The few LMICs with arising trend of colorectal cancers and adequate resources may implement demonstration projects to screen with fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). Oral cancer screening of habitual tobacco and/or alcohol users using oral visual examination (OVE) may be implemented in countries with high burden of the cancer, but primary prevention (i.e., tobacco/alcohol cessation) should be prioritized. Screenings for other cancers are not recommended for LMICs.

Innovaciones en industrias de alimentos en escuelas agropecuarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires

En el año 2015 se propuso desarrollar un curso para escuelas agropecuarias de la provincia de Buenos Aires orientado a incorporar habilidades en la confección de procedimientos operativos estandarizados, como estrategia de implementación de sistemas de calidad, que les permitan asegurar la inocuidad de los alimentos producidos en el contexto de las agroindustrias escolares. Con este objeto se interrogó a docentes y alumnos de escuelas agrarias de la provincia, al respecto de los conocimientos sobre la calidad de alimentos, la factibilidad de implementación de los sistemas de aseguramiento de la calidad en las industrias agroalimentarias de las distintas unidades educativas y la relevancia de su incorporación en la trayectoria formativa de los técnicos en producción agropecuaria. La metodología de estudio utilizada para el análisis fue del tipo cualitativa, mediante entrevistas y encuestas semi-estructuradas.

Internal quality assurance: A new culture or added bureaucracy?

This paper analyses teaching and non-teaching staff perceptions on the implementation of internal quality assurance (QA) practices at their higher education institutions. The aim is to understand how far different perspectives on quality – as culture, as compliance or as consistency – are reflected in the views of these two groups on such practices. Data from a survey sent to all Portuguese institutions show that, to some extent, the perspectives of quality as culture and quality as compliance seem to permeate both groups’ views. This is evident in regard to the factors identified as supporting the development of internal QA, the main features underlying the implementation of such practices and their main effects. As the study allows for a better understanding on how these practices are perceived by teaching and non-teaching staff, it can contribute to promoting the critical reflection of institutions about QA and the way it can be both more effective and aligned with academia’s needs and expectations, contributing to influencing institutional practices.

The Quality Assurance System of HKU SPACE: The Implementation of Collaborative Quality Assurance for Programs in Library and Information Studies with Charles Sturt University

ABSTRACTQuality assurance (QA) management has been used by educational institutions as a tool to control and measure the academic output and achievement of the faculty. The School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong (HKU SPACE) implemented a QA System in 1999 for its programs including the collaborative programs offered by the HKU SPACE and its academic partners. This paper examines the structure and implementation of the QA System, introduces the conceptual framework of the QA System and discusses in detail the Quality Review Process (QRP) and QA exercise of the collaborative library and information studies (LIS) programs offered by the HKU SPACE and the Charles Sturt University (CSU). The QA System can be used to reflect on and appraise objectively the quality and effectiveness of collaborative LIS programs jointly offered by the HKU SPACE and CSU, and also similar quality review programs can be used in other contexts. It should however be noted that caution should be taken to prevent the QRP from becoming just a superficial exercise. This paper can be used as a case study in the discussion of adopting QA management in educational institutions and contexts.

Preliminary assessment of the solar resource in the United Kingdom

Abstract Solar radiation resources data are the foundation of knowledge for programs of large-scale deployment of solar energy technologies. This article summarizes the analysis of a new weather stations network in the United Kingdom. The analysis used three years (January 2015–December 2017) of data from 27 weather stations distributed across the country. The data comprises global horizontal irradiance (GHI), diffuse horizontal irradiance, direct normal irradiance and the ambient temperature. Network design, implementation and data quality assurance are described to document the network extent and quality. From all observed datasets, we found that Plymouth (located in southwest England) has the dominant GHI and ambient temperature among all other 26 locations. The least GHI is observed for Aberdeen (located in northeast Scotland) estimated at 77.3 kWh/m2. The least average ambient temperature is equal to 9.1°C; the data were detected by the weather station located in the capital of Scotland (Edinburgh). Although continued measurements are needed to understand the interannual resource variability, the current study should have significant applications for preliminary technology selection, power plant modeling and resource forecasting.

Quality Assurance Framework Development Based on Six New ECV Data Products to Enhance User Confidence for Climate Applications

Data from Earth observation (EO) satellites are increasingly used to monitor the environment, understand variability and change, inform evaluations of climate model forecasts, and manage natural resources. Policymakers are progressively relying on the information derived from these datasets to make decisions on mitigating and adapting to climate change. These decisions should be evidence based, which requires confidence in derived products, as well as the reference measurements used to calibrate, validate, or inform product development. In support of the European Union’s Earth Observation Programmes Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the Quality Assurance for Essential Climate Variables (QA4ECV) project fulfilled a gap in the delivery of climate quality satellite-derived datasets, by prototyping a generic system for the implementation and evaluation of quality assurance (QA) measures for satellite-derived ECV climate data record products. The project demonstrated the QA system on six new long-term, climate quality ECV data records for surface albedo, leaf area index (LAI), fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbon monoxide (CO). The provision of standardised QA information provides data users with evidence-based confidence in the products and enables judgement on the fitness-for-purpose of various ECV data products and their specific applications.

Healthcare workers' perceptions of an organizational quality assurance program implemented in a resource-limited setting: a qualitative study.

Background:There is increasing awareness of the need to implement quality assurance programs in developing countries. Healthcare staff are the primary drivers of improving the quality of care,but little is known about how they perceive quality assurance programs in resource-limited settings. This study aims to evaluate healthcare workers’ perceptions of the organizational quality assurance program (OQA) at Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC), Cambodia. The OQA involves regular data collection and monitoring of quality indicators, to assess whether agreed quality standards are being met. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 29 hospital staff (convenience sampling) from medical, nursing and non-medical departments. Staff members’ understanding of quality assurance and perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of the OQA were explored. Thematic content analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: Participants emphasized that quality indicators must include physical and psychological well-being. Strengths of the OQA included shared understanding amongst all groups of participants of its goals, committed leadership, that it was locally-relevant and that target indicators were developed from a "ground-up" approach. On-going challenges included that there was a gap in understanding of the OQA processes and overall running of the OQA across the organization between managers and staff. Conclusion: The introduction of the OQA at AHC has been well-received by staff members.Overall, the program is perceived to be valuable. Healthcare provision in resource-limited settings increasingly needs to demonstrate quality assurance. The model of OQA developed at AHC is one way to achieve this.

Quality Assurance Implementation, Management Practices, and Staff Performance in the Technical Colleges of the Sultanate of Oman: Inputs for a Quality Intervention Program

Abstract The research endeavored to analyze the impact of quality assurance on management practices and staff performance in the Technical Colleges of the Sultanate of Oman. The use of a quantitative research approach and a correlational research design was deemed necessary in order to address the research objectives. The respondents of the study comprised of the different faculty, staff, and administrators from various technical colleges. It was revealed that there was a very satisfactory level of quality assurance implementation in terms of general standards in higher education (m=3.87) and in the implementation of the standards of good practice in higher education (m=3.97). There was a satisfactory level of quality assurance implementation of the standards of the National Qualifications Framework (m=3.49) and the implementation of the standards in approval and accreditation process (m=3.42). In terms of the management practices profile, an overall very satisfactory level was recorded in the said colleges. This is indicated by the overall mean score level of 3.82. An overall very satisfactory level of staff performance was obtained in the said colleges. This is indicated by the overall mean score level of 3.71. All of the null hypotheses were rejected in favour of the research hypotheses, which means that there was significant relationship between all the quality assurance implementation and staff performance, quality assurance implementation and management practices, and staff performance and management practices. Implications for management and future research are provided.

Factors which contributed for low quality sputum smears for the detection of acid fast bacilli (AFB) at selected health centers in Ethiopia: A quality control perspective.

ObjectivesQuality of tuberculosis (TB) microscopy diagnosis is not a guarantee despite implementation of External Quality Assurance (EQA) service in all laboratories of health facilities. Hence, we aimed at evaluating the technical quality and the findings of sputum smear microscopy for acid fast bacilli (AFB) at health centers in Hararge Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between July 8, 2014 and July 7, 2015.A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method was put into practice for collecting all necessary sample slides. Data were analyzed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsOf the total55 health center laboratories which had been assessed during the study period, 20 (36.4%) had major technical errors; 13 (23.6%) had 15 false negative results and 17 (30.9%) had 22 false positive results. Moreover, poor specimen quality, smear size, smear thickness, staining and evenness were indicated in 40 (72.7%), 39 (70.9%), 37 (67.3%), 27(49.1%) and 37 (67.3%) of the collected samples, respectively. False negative AFB findings were significantly associated with lack of Internal Quality Control (IQC) measures (AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio): 2.90 (95% CI (Confidence Interval): 1.25,6.75) and poor staining procedures (AOR: 2.16(95% CI: 1.01, 5.11).ConclusionsThe qualities of AFB smear microscopy reading and smearing were low in most of the laboratories of the health centers. Therefore, it is essential to strength EQA program through building the capacity of laboratory professionals.

DESAIN SISTEM PENJAMINAN MUTU PADA SATUAN PENDIDIKAN TAMAN KANAK-KANAK (TK)

This paper will substantially discuss the quality assurance system in the kindergarten education unit. This matter becomes very important because the education unit of kindergarten to date hasn’t yet implemented the optimal quality assurance system. Though kindergarten as the foundation of early education level is very effective role in developing intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual intelligence. Thus, the kindergarten education unit absolutely requires a serious quality management system that is managed seriously to direct and control educational programs in accordance with the policy direction, objectives, plans, and processes or quality procedures and their achievements in a sustainable manner. The implementation of quality assurance in the kindergarten education unit is done through: first, designing institutional quality assurance unit. Second, formulate the vision, mission, objectives and target institutions. Third, develop the Master Plan for Development, Strategic Plan and Operational Plan. Fourth, compile quality documents. Fifth, conduct an internal quality audit.

Pregnancy care in Germany, France and Japan: an international comparison of quality and efficiency using structural equation modelling and data envelopment analysis

ObjectivesHealthcare systems in developed countries may differ in financing and organisation. Maternity services and delivery are particularly influenced by culture and habits. In this study, we compared the pregnancy care quality and efficiency of the German, French and Japanese healthcare systems. Study designComparative healthcare data analysis. MethodsIn an international comparison based mainly on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicators, we analysed the health resources significantly affecting pregnancy care and quantified its quality using structural equation modelling. Pregnancy care efficiency was studied using data envelopment analysis. Pregnancy output was quantified overall or separately using indicators based on perinatal, neonatal or maternal mortality. ResultsThe density of obstetricians, midwives, paediatricians and the average annual doctor's consultations were positively and the caesarean delivery rate negatively associated with pregnancy outcome. In the international comparison at an aggregate level, Japan ranked first for pregnancy care quality, whereas Germany and France were positioned in the second part of the ranking. Similarly, at an aggregate level, the Japanese system showed pure technical efficiency, whereas Germany and France revealed mediocre efficiency results. Perinatal, neonatal and maternal care quality and efficiency taken separately were quite similar and mediocre in Germany and France. In Japan, there was a marked difference between a highly effective and efficient care of the unborn and newborn baby, and a rather mediocre quality and efficiency of maternal care. ConclusionGermany, France, and Japan have to struggle with quality and efficiency issues that are nevertheless different: in Germany and France, disappointing pregnancy care quality does not correspond to the high health care expenditures and lead to low technical efficiency. The Japanese system shows a high variability in outcomes and technical efficiency. Maternal care quality during delivery seems to be a particular issue that could possibly be addressed by legally implementing quality assurance systems with stricter rules for reimbursement in obstetrics.

EP-2142: Implementation of registration quality assurance

EP-2142: Implementation of registration quality assurance

Improvement Of Internal Quality Assurance System Based On ISO 9001:2008 With Document Management Control (DMC) And Web Based Application

&#x0D; Managing the enactment of an internal quality assurance system requires the proper implementation of internal quality assurance to ensure the quality of Higher Education. The global challenges and dynamics of the development of information technology make Indonesian universities somewhat under pressure. higher education institutions are required to be able to handle changes, both internally and externally, to further strengthen the quality of the learning process. For this reason internal quality assurance plays an intense role in education services.&#x0D; The quality policy of the internal quality assurance system describes an explanation of how a university understands, designs and implements their internal quality assurance system in the provision of higher education services to build, manage and maintain a quality culture. In these documents there is an explanation of backgrounds, objectives, and strategies, to improve the quality in every done task. In the global era, the nature of day-to-day operations tends to get more sophisticated and complex, therefore the internal quality assurance system must be supported by an integrated system in internal processes using information technology such as Document Management Control. Create quality holistic cycles that work best with the uniqueness of the institution itself. This will then result in a "Competitive Advantage" for the institution.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword: Internal Quality Assurance System, Information Technology, Integrated System and Competitive Advantage&#x0D;

A practical implementation of physics quality assurance for photon adaptive radiotherapy

The fast evolution of technology in radiotherapy (RT) enabled the realization of adaptive radiotherapy (ART). However, the new characteristics of ART pose unique challenges for efficiencies and effectiveness of quality assurance (QA) strategies. In this paper, we discuss the necessary QAs for ART and introduce a practical implementation. A previously published work on failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) of ART is introduced first to explain the risks associated with ART sub-processes. After a brief discussion of QA challenges, we review the existing QA strategies and tools that might be suitable for each ART step. By introducing the MR-guided online ART QA processes developed at our institute, we demonstrate a practical implementation. The limitations and future works to develop more robust and efficient QA strategies are discussed at the end.