Institutional Quality Assurance Research Articles

Choosing a maternity hospital: a matter of travel distance or quality of care?

BackgroundThe choice of a hospital should be based on individual need and accessibility. For maternity hospitals, this includes known or expected risk factors, the geographic accessibility and level of care provided by the hospital. This study aims to identify factors influencing hospital choice with the aim to analyze if and how many deliveries are conducted in a risk-appropriate and accessible setting in Bavaria, Germany.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional secondary data analysis based on all first births in Bavaria (2015-18) provided by the Bavarian Quality Assurance Institute for Medical Care. Information on the mother and on the hospital were included. The Bavarian Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 was used to account for area-level socioeconomic differences. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the strength of association of the predicting factors and to adjust for confounding.ResultsWe included 195,087 births. Distances to perinatal centers were longer than to other hospitals (16 km vs. 12 km). 10% of women with documented risk pregnancies did not deliver in a perinatal center. Regressions showed that higher age (OR 1.03; 1.02–1.03 95%-CI) and risk pregnancy (OR 1.44; 1.41–1.47 95%-CI) were associated with choosing a perinatal center. The distances travelled show high regional variation with a strong urban-rural divide.ConclusionIn a health system with free choice of hospitals, many women chose a hospital close to home and/or according to their risks. However, this is not the case for 10% of mothers, a group that would benefit from more coordinated care.

Recycling of mineral wool waste as supplementary cementitious material through thermochemical treatment.

Mineral wool is commonly used in construction as thermal insulation material. After the product's lifetime, it is classified as hazardous waste if no trademark of the European Certification Board for Mineral Wool Products (EUCEB) or the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Labelling (RAL) exists. Mineral Wool Waste (MWW) is typically landfilled in Europe, which is challenging due to its low bulk density and dimensional stability. This circumstance highlights the need for alternative recycling methods that increase the recycling rate of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. This article outlines the recycling opportunities of MWW and focuses on the use of thermochemical treatment of different mixtures of input materials to produce a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). The material characterisation results and investigations on the binder suitability demonstrate that the slag fractions after the thermochemical treatment are well-qualified to be used as reactive binder components. Additionally, a material flow analysis was conducted to estimate the substitution potential of MWW as SCM in the Austrian cement industry.

Internal Quality Assurance System in Indonesia Higher Education: Literature Review

The importance of Quality Assurance (QA) is increasing worldwide, particularly in developed countries where products and services are prominent. The aims of this study analyze a comprehensive and essential comprehension of Internal Quality Assurance in Indonesian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The main approach utilised in this study involved doing a literature review, wherein relevant literature from many reliable sources was identified and subsequently filtered based on its relevance. This study emphasises four research topics that warrant thorough investigation. The implementation of the SPMI (System of Internal Quality Assurance) in multiple Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has been effectively executed, with the involvement of quality assurance bodies at the university, faculty, and study programme levels. Furthermore, there is the preparedness of SPMI documentation, the execution of the quality cycle, and the implementation of Internal Quality Audit by the Audit Team. It is imperative to consistently and sustainably implement SPMI in Indonesian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This will lead to an improvement in quality and the ability to satisfy stakeholders through the effective execution of the University's trifocal functions, namely teaching, research, and services.

Implementasi Lembaga Pengendali Mutu Pendidik Di Lembaga Pendidikan Islam

The educator quality assurance institution was established to ensure the quality of educators in educational institutions. The research aims to analyze and explain the planning, implementation, evaluation, and follow-up of the Educator Quality Control Institution at Maktuba Al-Majidiyah Islamic Education Institution in Pamekasan. This research uses a qualitative research approach with a case study research design. Meanwhile, the informants are: the general chairman of the education council, the education council, and personnel management. Data were collected using observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. Data analysis consists of three stages: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Research findings: (1) educator planning: setting standards, recruitment, selection, and placement of educators. (2) educator implementation: supervisor, motivator, trainer, developer, and compensator. (3) educator evaluation: monitoring educator activities by comparing standards with performance. (4) follow-up: rewards and punishments. Conclusion: the educator quality assurance institution has performed its tasks well because it has managed educators effectively. Research contribution: it can enhance the quality of educator management.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNAL QUALITY AUDIT INFORMATION SYSTEM BASED PPEPP CYCLE

The Mataram University of Technology Quality Assurance Institute already has and has established national education standards plus the standards set by universities following Permendikbud number 3 of 2020. However, there are problems with the implementation of Internal Quality Audits, where the implementation of internal quality audits is very less effective and efficient, good in terms of time, cost, and energy. This is because the Mataram University of Technology Quality Assurance Institute only has 3 auditors to audit 12 study programs in one year and even spends two months in a row. This is an important concern for researchers to build and produce an internal quality audit information system application program that can help implement the internal quality audit process carried out by the Mataram University of Technology Quality Assurance Institute. The design of the internal quality audit information system was carried out using the prototyping method. The application of the prototyping method in system design will make information system builders better and more structured. The internal quality audit information system was built using the PHP programming language with the CodeIgniter framework and MySQL as the database and implementing Code-View-Controller (MVC). The main objective of this research is to produce an internal quality audit information system so that it can assist the Mataram University of Technology Quality Assurance Institute in documenting and optimizing higher education quality management in a planned and sustainable manner following the PPEPP cycle

Institutional Policies and Quality Assurance as Correlates of Entry Requirements of Undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study was to examine the Institutional policies and quality assurance as correlates of entry requirements of undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. To carry out this study successfully, two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of this study comprises 350 year one students from three universities in Cross River State. The sampling technique employed by the researcher in the selection of the sample was the simple random sampling technique. The sample size selected for this study was 225 year one students in selected schools which represents 5 percent of the accessible population comprising of 127 males and 98 females. The questionnaire was designed to measure the two sub-independent variables. The reliability of the instrument was 0.76 reliability coefficient. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the request questions. While Multiple and Simple linear regression analysis statistical tool was used to test the null hypotheses that were formulated to guild the study at 0.05 level of significance. The results of this study shows that institutional policies and quality assurance significantly enhances the correlates of entry requirements of undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria and Poor implementation of quality assurance policies significantly influences institutional entry requirements of undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study concludes that institutional policies and quality assurance significantly enhances the correlates of entry requirements of undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria and Poor implementation of quality assurance policies does not significantly influences institutional entry requirements of undergraduates in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the conclusion, it was recommended that universities management should may formulate educational policies the will help .....

The Role of the Human Resource Management from a Different Perspective: A Narrative Analysis

The Human Resource Management plays a vital role in an academic institution particularly ensuring the welfare of its employees. However, in a dynamic work environment and a fast-changing landscape of labor, industry and education, there are challenges that need to be discovered to provide a remedy that will serve as a catalyst of change for the improvement of its function and effectiveness. These will transcend barriers of ambiguity and complexity and initiate value and principles augmenting to the gap between the top management and employees. The researchers aimed to answer the following: Functions of the Human Resource Department, challenges, coping and its quality assurance mechanisms. To explore the experiences and insights of instituting quality assurance mechanisms of the HRDO directors, a narrative analysis was used. Results have revealed that the Human Resource is a complex work environment, and a genuine commitment is necessary, challenges are emanating from both internal and external factors, and one should adapt to provide a continuing and nurturing commitment that will ensure the well-being of employees. Recommendations focuses on fostering interpersonal relationships, providing regular faculty and staff development opportunities, ensuring accountability and responsibility and a sense of security.

Quality Assurance in West African TVET Institutions: A Brief Literature Review

The study reviews the role of quality assurance in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in supporting economic development, enhancing labor market competitiveness, and meeting industry expectations. The authors use a desk research strategy, focusing on document review and qualitative content analysis to analyze credible reports on the role of quality assurance in TVET to promote competent workforce. As per findings, quality assurance in TVET institutions is crucial to ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and competencies for the workforce, reducing skills gaps and enhancing employability. It aligns TVET programs with industry standards, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to the workforce. Quality assurance mechanisms also enhance the credibility and reputation of TVET institutions, increasing their attractiveness to students and employers. It helps produce highly skilled individuals, contributing to the country’s economic development and global competitiveness. However, the TVET sector in West Africa faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructures, curriculum relevance, teaching and learning quality, limited industry collaboration, and lack of quality assurance mechanisms. To address these issues, the authors suggest some innovative dimensions of quality standards to strengthen and improve quality assurance in TVET institutions. These quality standards include leadership, governance, management, physical environment, human resources, curriculum, student participation, access, equity, career guidance, financial management, program evaluation, research, innovation and development. All of these are interrelated, thereby spurring the overall quality and effectiveness of TVET programs and institutions.

Integration of Strategic Management and SIJAMIN Application in Improving the Quality of Higher Education

This research aims to analyze the integration of strategic management using SIJAMIN to conduct internal quality audits (IQA) at Universitas Malikussaleh in Lhokseumawe. This research used a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews with the Head, Secretary, Head of the Audit Center, and Accreditation Supervisor of the Learning Development and Quality Assurance Institute (LP3M), and documentary analysis to examine and evaluate the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. This data analysis technique used interactive model analysis. Research validity was ensured through data triangulation, utilizing multiple data sources to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of findings. The results indicated that strategic management was implemented using the SWOT analysis model. The University's strategic plan for 2020-2024 focused on the policy of independent learning as a guideline for human resource development, considering global trends such as technological advancements. SIJAMIN is one of UNIMAL's missions in the technology field and is used to implement the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI), held annually in the form of internal quality audits (IQA). The application of SIJAMIN in the 6th IQA cycle showed that it could facilitate real-time data-driven decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen coordination among units. Additionally, there was progress in achieving strategic goals and enhancing the quality of teaching, research, and community service, with the expectation of achieving excellent accreditation. In conclusion, integrating strategic management and implementing SIJAMIN is a practical strategic step in improving the quality of higher education, particularly at Universitas Malikussaleh.

THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS AND ITS RESULTS ON BLENDED LEARNING IN PGRI SEMARANG UNIVERSITY

Online lecturing during Covid-19 pandemic is the most appropriate method to carry out the learning process for colleges. This lecture activity able to be carried out through various learning applications such as WA Group, Google Classroom, Zoom, Google Meet etc. from time to time due to the pandemic transition status to PPKM 1, the policy of implementing online learning is entering the transition stage to offline learning, by applying mixed method. It is done by combining both of quantitative and qualitative research methods. This is based on the results of online learning is less than optimal when compared to the process carried out face-to-face at university. Blended learning in PGRI University Semarang has been carried out long after the pandemic status was at the PPKM level 1. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate the implementation of blended learning in PGRI University Semarang through online and offline learning guideline mechanisms by the Quality Assurance Institute. This study aims to analyze lecturing both of process and results through the blended learning method.

Internal Quality Assurance System to Improve Lecturer Performance and Its Relevance to Education Quality at ITB Swadharma

To improve teacher performance and education quality at ITB Swadharma, this research explains the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS). The qualitative case study research focuses on ITB Swadharma's Quality Assurance Institute (QAI). Data collection methods include direct observation, document and archival searches, and interviews. The research shows that IQAS at ITB Swadharma improves education through research and innovation. ITB Swadharma can improve inclusivity, relevance, and comprehensiveness by focusing on program evaluation, student empowerment, technology implementation, industry collaboration, internal quality monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and best practices adoption. The institution can better adapt to education sector and student needs with IQAS. ITB Swadharma can improve educational quality by incorporating students, alumni, staff, the local community, and industry partners. According to ITB Swadharma's QAI's academic and quality documents, the IQAS Cycle implements IQAS policies and ideas. Leadership commitment, auditor shortages, and IQAS routineness are issues. Quality assurance expertise, auditor training, and a culture of quality assurance address these issues. The results of annual IQAS examination are used to promote quality. Quality management criteria from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN PT) and the Independent Accreditation Agency (LAM) influence IQAS implementation.

Enhancing Islamic Educational Quality through Output-Based Quality Assurance: A Literature Review Perspective

This research undertakes a comprehensive literature review to analyze output-based quality assurance in Islamic educational institutions. The study systematically reviews scholarly articles published between 2019 and 2023, focusing on quality assurance and educational institution outputs. The findings highlight the pivotal roles of vision and mission alignment, strategic program implementation, robust facilities, and the cultivation of academically and competitively adept graduates. Key outcomes from the review include the importance of effective communication in achieving Islamic institutional goals, the significance of academic and non-academic flagship programs, and the criticality of a strong teaching and learning process. The study also reveals the efficacy of integrating strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and a balance of academic excellence and character development in enhancing educational quality. Despite its comprehensive nature, the research acknowledges limitations in its scope, primarily its reliance on existing literature, which may not encompass all possible educational contexts. Future research should explore diverse educational settings further and assess the long-term impacts of quality assurance strategies on student outcomes and Islamic institutional reputation. This study significantly contributes to the discourse on educational quality assurance, advocating for comprehensive, adaptable, and inclusive strategies in response to the evolving demands of the educational landscape.

ІНСТИТУЦІЙНИЙ АУДИТ ЯК ВАЖЛИВИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ ОСВІТИ

The article highlights the problem of implementing an effective model of quality assurance in general secondary education institutions, based on a combination of mechanisms for external evaluation of the activities of an educational institution and procedures for self-assessment of the results of its functioning. The emphasis is placed on the need to conduct an institutional audit of general secondary education institutions as a necessary component of the system of external evaluation of educational and management processes of an educational institution and the internal system of quality assurance for education, as well as verification of compliance by an educational institution with the requirements of legislation in the field of education. The legislative interpretation of the quality of education and the components of the quality assurance system, as well as institutional audit as one of the components of external verification and assessment of the quality of general secondary education, which results in the effective functioning and sustainable development of an educational institution, is considered. The article reveals the essence of institutional audit and defines the procedure for its conduct in general secondary education institutions. It is noted that the institutional audit is carried out by the Ukrainian State Education Quality Service and its territorial bodies within their powers, in accordance with specially developed procedures according to a clearly defined list of areas, requirements, criteria and evaluation indicators. The main directions of institutional audit in general secondary education institutions are considered. The priorities of building a modern institutional audit on the basis of innovation, transparency, openness, high quality, independence, and partnership with other educational institutions are emphasized, which is a prerequisite for ensuring the quality of educational services in general secondary education institutions and a guarantee of effective development of the educational sector in Ukraine.

إجراءات تطبيق عمليات ضمان وضبط الجودة في الجامعات اليمنية من وجهة نظر القيادات الاكاديمية وأعضاء هيئة التدريس

This study displays the Yemen experience in the field of quality assurance and academic accreditation for post secondary institutions to build on when constructing quality assurance and academic accreditation for general education. It aims at identifying the implementation level of postsecondary institutions of evaluation activities required for quality assurance and academic accreditation through the opinions of those who are in charge of this process and others involved in it. It also aims at identifying needs that help in applying quality assurance in post-secondary institutions in Yemen Arabia، hurdles faced، and proposing suitable solutions at the individual، institutional، and system levels. The two researchers have applied a questionnaire at purposeful sample consisting of those who are in charge of evaluation and quality assurance activates and those interested in it at their universities. Interviews were also conducted to specify the practicing level of evaluation for individuals، programs، and institutions، and its barriers. Results showed that there are differences amongst the universities in regard to implementing evaluation and tools for quality assurance and accreditation purposes. The main implementation barriers were the lack of sufficient knowledge and training. The researchers stressed the necessity of adopting capacity building model to assess training needs for individuals، programs، and institutions. This model can be used to design graded and detailed training programs that fit each university، and the implementation and monitoring of it should happen at each university site.

Internationalization of Quality Assurance as a Pre-Requisite for Internationalization in Higher Education

Abstract There are multiple positive effects of internationalization of Higher Education (HE) on enriching students’ experiences in general and providing opportunities for exchange and development of all segments of university functioning. This paper aims to contribute to determining the role of institutional QA in promotion of the international cooperation in HE by analysing undergraduate students’ perceptions on their international experience and comparing them to their home University. Individual experiences of students from the Southeast European University (SEEU) in North Macedonia, who participated in Erasmus exchange program in the last two academic years (2021/22 and 2022/23), with regard to the main quality assurance (QA) principles and measurements applied at their home University, are being considered. Their academic progress at the international universities is also taken into consideration. The aim is to collect firsthand information from the main stakeholders in the QA process about areas that can be further developed, as well as to position SEEU and self-check where it stands comparing and benchmarking it with some reputable European universities in order to better prepare its students for the international job market. SEEU has one of the most developed QA systems in the wider region, created and constantly being developed based on the international standards and guidelines and the long institutional experience. Thus, the paper also aims to contribute to defining some basic standards of internationalization of QA which would be recommended to the institutions from less developed, ITC (inclusiveness target countries) in order to assist them to place and welcome international students more successfully.

Challenges Facing Enforcement of University Quality Assurance Standards in Fostering Compliance in Tanzania

Compliance with quality assurance standards worldwide requires universities to be strongly enforced by external and internal quality assurance bodies. Tanzania, as in the case of other countries, enforces quality assurance standards through national and institutional quality assurance bodies. Despite such efforts, non-compliance cases are still found at various university stakeholders’ levels. This study explored the challenges in enforcing quality assurance standards to foster universities’ compliance in Tanzania. The qualitative approach and multiple embedded case study design informed the study. Data was collected from the four public and private universities involving 46 participants who were purposively selected. In addition, data was gathered through focus group discussions, individual interviews and documentary reviews and then analyzed by content analysis. The study found that academics' resistance to quality monitoring of teaching, financial challenges, inadequate quality assurance awareness, quality assurance officers acting as police officers, underestimating the quality of tests, and lack of detailed national guidelines for some enforcement initiatives were the challenges encountered in enforcing quality assurance standards. Such challenges impede the successful enforcement of quality assurance standards. Therefore, they contribute to the universities' non-compliance cases. As such, this study recommends that national and institutional quality assurance bodies continue educating and guiding their stakeholders about the essence of quality assurance standards and how to implement each enforcement initiative to foster compliance. Also, universities must keep searching for multiple sources of funds to enhance their financial stability and sustain quality assurance standards.

Exploring the Dynamics of Job Performance and Job Satisfaction on Work Effectiveness: A Study at BPMP Yogyakarta During COVID-19

This study investigates the impact of job performance and job satisfaction on employee work effectiveness at the Yogyakarta Special Region Education Quality Assurance Institute amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the novel challenges posed by the work-from-home policy, the research aims to elucidate the direct influence of these variables in a transformed work environment. Utilizing a stratified random sampling method based on Slovin's formula, the study engaged 82 employees from BPMP Yogyakarta, employing bivariate correlation and double linear regression analysis. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between job performance and work effectiveness (Pearson Correlation: 0.883), with job performance and satisfaction collectively accounting for 82.7% of work effectiveness (R Square: 0.827). These findings highlight the critical role of job performance and satisfaction in enhancing work effectiveness, especially under pandemic-induced remote working conditions. However, the study's context-specific nature and reliance on self-reported measures suggest caution in generalization. The study's implications are significant for human resource strategies in similar institutions, advocating the need for adaptable and resilient work environments in challenging times. Future research should extend these findings to various organizational contexts and explore the long-term implications of remote working on these variables.

Policy Implementation of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in The Nepalese Higher Education Institutions Offering Hospitality Education

Quality assurance and accreditation has become essential components of higher education globally. Policy implementation is necessary for quality assurance and accreditation in Nepalese higher education institutions offering hospitality education. The study aims to explore the current state of policy implementation, identify the challenges and gaps in the implementation process, and recommend strategies for improving the policy implementation. The study uses a descriptive research design with a mixed approach using structured questionnaire and structure interview schedule about the implementation of QAA in the Nepalese higher education institution offering hospitality education. This study uses purposive sampling. This study includes14 hospitality management professionals and 97 hospitality students. The study finds that Nepal has recognized the importance of quality assurance and accreditation in higher education, and policies have been developed to implement them in the hospitality education sector. However, the implementation of these policies faces several challenges and gaps. This study emphasizes stakeholder participation, clear policies, and transparent feedback. Clear curriculum, various teaching techniques, and student-accessible amenities improve campus culture and student achievement. Resources, interdisciplinary research, and real-world research improve learners and community. Resource allocation, capacity-building, partnerships, staff professional development, and funding exploration can improve quality assurance, UGC compliance, and student happiness.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Institutional Quality Assurance in Higher Education: A Case of a Bangladeshi Public University

The fundamental target of the self-assessment is to assist institutions to in improving the quality of education and setting priorities in improvement plan as per requirements of relevant stakeholders and following the vision of a nation which requires a huge self-inspiration of faculty members’ within the organization. Universities in Bangladesh have already completed a self-assessment programme and this paper aims to investigate faculty members’ perception and perceived change impact of organizational self-assessment process on academic units using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The SAC members’ perception on the self-assessment process is collected using likert scale. Overall, mean score implies that SA members are convinced with the standards set for SA process. Organizational improvement priorities and perceived change impacts are identified through Nvivo and in-depth interviews respectively. Although there are some priorities set by them cannot be executed without a grant, only a few departments are chipping away at their improvement plan. However, it is reported that, there is a big change happened in the affective domain of faculty members. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 48(2), Dec 2022, p.67-82

Quality Assurance in Higher Educational Institutions: Empirical Evidence in Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to look into the importance of educational processes, practices, and research activities in predicting knowledge skills and competences (KSC) and employability in Indonesian higher education. A survey was used in the quantitative research approach. Respondents to this study selected 500 instructors and students from 31 universities in Indonesia that offer outstanding approved study programs. The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology oversees all universities. Scoring and structural equation modeling were used to evaluate the data. The educational process is significantly influenced by facilities. Significant relationships have been discovered between facilities and practicum activities, facilities and research activities, practical activities and employability, research activities and employability, research activities and KSC, and practical activities to KSC. There is no significant relationship between the educational process and employability, nor between the educational process and KSC. This study’s findings also show that the educational process does not mediate the effect of facilities on employability but does mediate the effect of facilities on KSC, that the effect of facilities on employability was mediated by the practical activity variable, that practical activity variables mediated the effect of facilities on KSC, and that research activity variables mediated the effect of facilities on employability. Variables related to research activity influenced the effect of facilities on KSC. This research’s contribution can become literature for future research and can be used by education stakeholders to identify applicable policies to assist KSC and its graduates’ employability.