Institutional Quality Assurance Research Articles

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of institutional peer review in radiation oncology.

Radiotherapy peer review is recognized as a key component of institutional quality assurance, though the impact is ill-defined. We conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis to date to quantify the impact of institutional peer review on the treatment planning workflow including radiotherapy contours, prescription and dosimetry. We searched several medical and healthcare databases from January 1, 2000, to May 25, 2024, for papers that report on the impact of institutional radiotherapy peer review on treatment plans. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses of proportions to summarize the rates of any change recommendation and major change recommendation (suggesting re-planning or re-simulation due to safety concerns) following peer review processes. To explore differences in change recommendations dependent on location, radiotherapy intent, technique, and peer review structure characteristics, we conducted analyses of variance. Of 9,487 citations, we identified 55 studies that report on 96,444 case audits in 10 countries across various disease sites. The pooled proportion of any change recommendation was 28 % (95 %CI = 21-35) and major change recommendation was 12 % (95 %CI = 7-18). Proportions of change recommendation were not impacted by any treatment characteristics. The most common reasons for change recommendation include target volume delineation (25/55; 45 %), target dose prescription (18/55; 33 %), organ at risk dose prescription (5/55; 9 %), and organ at risk volume delineation (3/55; 5 %). Our review provides evidence that peer review results in treatment plan change recommendations in over one in four patients. The results suggest that some form of real-time, early peer review may be beneficial for all cases, irrespective of treatment intent or RT technique.

What Enables Implementation of Pain Management Interventions in Intensive Care Units and Why: A Realist Evaluation to Refine Program Theory.

To uncover perspectives and refine 12 initial program theories concerning the implementation of pain management interventions in intensive care units. Contexts enabling implementation are delineated, and causal mechanisms within these contexts are described. A realist evaluation approach was employed. Fourteen purposively selected Australian nurses of variant roles were virtually and individually interviewed between July and September 2023. Participants were presented with initial program theory, and their perspectives were collated. Data were analysed using an integrated approach of context (C), mechanism (M), outcome (O) categorisation coding, CMO configurations connecting and pattern matching. Pain management interventions work if perceived to be beneficial, precise, comprehensive and fit for purpose. Nurses should be willing to change attitudes and update knowledge. Unit leaders should nurture the development of nurses' professional identity, access to learning, autonomy and self-determination. Organisations should change the infrastructure, provide resources, mitigate barriers, develop shared mental models, update evidence and institute quality assurance. Adherence to interventions is affected by the outcomes of implementation and intrinsic merits of interventions. In these contexts, confidence is boosted; feelings of empowerment, self-efficacy, reflective motivation, trust, awareness and autonomy are developed; and capacity is built. Furthermore, frustration from the variability of practices is reduced, accountability and ownership are augmented, yielding positive implementation outcomes. Findings have implications on nurses, team leaders and organisations concerned with implementation. The findings provided a fortified understanding of conditions favouring successful implementation of pain management interventions. Actions should be undertaken at an individual, unit and organisation level to ensure successful implementation. RAMESES II Reporting Standards for Realist Evaluations informed presentation of study. Intensive care nurses contributed insights to refine the program theory.

Implementation of Internal Quality Audit at IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang

The Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) in universities has an important role in the implementation and improvement of the quality of educational services provided by universities. One of the ways to evaluate the fulfillment of the higher education standards in question is through the Internal Quality Audit (AMI) process. The implementation of AMI at IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang has been carried out well and has had a positive impact on improving the quality of higher education implementation and has also referred to SPMI and the PPEPP cycle. The Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) reported the results of the AMI training to the Rector of IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang and invited all leaders of faculties, study programs and work units to present the results of the AMI that had been implemented, with this the rector can know where the weaknesses and shortcomings need to be improved and improved in order to create Good University Governance (GUG).

Supervision of Education and Implementation of Santri Character Formation in Pesantren

The character of santri is one of the objectives of implementing educational supervision in Islamic boarding school education units. The aim of this research is to analyze and interpret the implementation of educational supervision in forming the character of santri in the educational unit at the Darussalam Islamic Boarding School Blokagung Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. This research approach method uses a qualitative case study with key informants, the Head of education and teaching and members of the quality assurance unit using the Miles and Huberman interactive analysis model. The research results show that the character of santri who require continuous coaching is related to increased behavior, responsibility, honesty, discipline, thriftiness, caring and independence. Implementing supervision of santri character education as an evaluation of the implementation of institutional quality assurance by continuing to improve coordination, communication and collaboration in handling student problems. Integrated development that is controlled through standard operating procedures as an evaluation of the results of monitoring the character of santri and improving governance can be an effort to improve the quality of education.

Potret Program Institutional Support System dalam Mendukung Ketercapaian IKU di Universitas Palangka Raya Tahun 2024

As the oldest and largest tertiary institution in the Central Kalimantan region, Palangka Raya University (UPR) welcomes the policy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) regarding Independent Learning Campus (MBKM). Since 2020, UPR has been aggressively socializing the MBKM policy to all faculties, units, and institutions at UPR. To ensure that MBKM activities at UPR are carried out well and produce quality output and outcomes, the Chancellor has established various policies about MBKM such as the Chancellor's Regulation on the Implementation of MBKM within Palangka Raya University, the Chancellor's Decree regarding Curriculum Guidelines for Supporting MBKM at UPR for 2022/2023, Chancellor's Decree regarding Implementation of UPR Collaboration Supporting MBKM Implementation, Chancellor's Decree regarding Technical Instructions for Implementing Learning in the Context of the MBKM Program at UPR. In 2023, UPR will form an MBKM study center which is under the organizational structure of the University Quality Assurance Institute. To encourage, accelerate, and facilitate the transformation of higher education, the Ministry of Education and Culture launched the Independent Campus Competition Program (PKKM) for study programs and the Institutional Support System (ISS) program for its universities/institutions. In 2024, Palangka Raya University, in a competition grant proposal, succeeded in passing 1 ISS program and 2 PKKM programs for the Bachelor of Laws study program, Faculty of Law and Bachelor of English, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.

Faculty perspectives on accreditation, academic freedom and quality learning in private higher education institutes: empirical evidence

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effects of standardization, accreditation process on academic freedom and quality learning in higher education institutes (HEIs). In addition, this study explores the mediating effects of academic freedom between standardization, accreditation and learning. Design/methodology/approach To attain the objective, the study uses the theory of self-determination as its theoretical underpinning. The smart PLS-SEM technique is applied for analyzing data. Findings The results indicate that the accreditation process has a significant negative influence on faculty academic freedom and quality of learning in the sampled HEIs. There is also a significant mediating effect of academic freedom. Research limitations/implications There are a few limitations in this study. First, the study considers the faculty members only as respondents. Second, this study only considers the faculty members of private universities as respondents. In the future, public HEIs could also be included in similar studies. Finally, this research has been done in the context of a developing country. Practical implications The findings of the study have pervasive implications for the authorities in HEIs. The authorities of HEIs might capitalize on this evidence in formulating the appropriate policy for their HEIs. Social implications As the accreditation process weakens academic freedom and quality learning, accreditation should not be viewed as an institutional development and quality assurance tool. Rather, accreditation ought to allow for amplifying faculty voices, empowering faculty and protecting their rights. Originality/value Quantitative analysis on the subject addressed in the current study is scarce. Therefore, this research can be considered valuable for stakeholders of HEIs.

Cloud-Based Institutional Quality Assurance Model for a Local Higher Education Institution Using Data Mining Techniques

This study presents a Cloud-Based Institutional Quality Assurance Model for Local Higher Education Institutions (LHEIs). It utilizes advanced data mining techniques and custom data models that enhance the monitoring, assessment, and improvement of quality assurance processes through the utilization of cloud computing infrastructure in a developed system that offers scalability, flexibility, and accessibility, empowering policymakers to make data-driven decisions and to efficiently analyze vast amounts of data collected from various sources and be guided by algorithms. The findings advance quality assurance methodologies and offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in higher education.

PROGRAM TRAINING DUTA BAHASA SEBAGAI AGEN PENYULUH BAHASA DAN LITERASI

The Indonesian Study (TBI) of FTIK IAIS Sambas also supports educational programs, especially in efforts to promote literacy in Sambas Regency. One of these programs is manifested in sending delegates to West Kalimantan Language Ambassadors every year which of course requires training and implementation of literacy advocacy for the benefit of the community. The purpose of this community service is to invite language and literature ambassadors through training and program implementation to support community literacy in Sambas Regency. The author uses service learning methods that are in accordance with andragogy (educational theory for adults) which is implemented through public speaking, personal branding, and pageant manner training. The result of the training was 2 delegates to the quarantine stage with one person who won third place. The Language Ambassadors 2024 representing Sambas Regency have contributed by implementing literacy programs in the campus and public. The training program was continued by the IAIS Sambas Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) which was handled and funded directly by the Student Reasoning and Creativity Center.

Student academic representation in the UK: An exploration of recruitment, training, and impacts

AbstractStudent academic representation is a staple feature in UK and international higher education. It provides a vital quality function whereby students, who are elected representatives of their programme, canvas the opinions of peers to inform quality assurance processes. In the UK, there is increasing regulatory pressure for universities and student unions to be dual owners of representation activity and much work has been done to enact this model. Nonetheless, little is known about the experiences of those serving as student representatives, despite this being a community of thousands of students across the UK, who hold an instrumental position in institutional quality assurance. We developed an instrument (SARA) to evaluate experiences of 773 active student representatives from 15 UK HE institutions. It explored key areas, including recruitment, training, working approaches and development outcomes. Data indicated low engagement in training in some key areas (e.g., representation of diverse groups and data gathering) and a narrow range of working approaches. These patterns may compromise the value of student representation both from the institutional perspective and that of individual representatives seeking to enhance their skills. Recommendations are suggested for enhancing future practice.

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 .....

Jati Diri, Citra, dan Jaminan Kualitas Lembaga Pendidikan Islam

The purpose of writing this article is to find out the importance of institutional identity, image and quality assurance of Islamic educational institutions. This research uses the library research method, namely researching library materials or literature related to the research problem by selecting, reading, reviewing and researching books or other relevant written sources. The results of the research explain that Islamic educational institutions show themselves not only as educational institutions, but also include Islamic identity and the identity of Muslims. Ways to grow the image of Islamic educational institutions are educational publications, forming public opinion, and marketing education. Guaranteeing the quality of educational institutions can be seen from the implementation of quality assurance for Islamic education which is directed at the National Education Standards.

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.

Міжнародні офіційні документи як джерело для вдосконалення внутрішнього забезпечення якості у вищих військових навчальних закладах

Background. In the current landscape marked by russia's armed aggression, Ukraine's higher military educational institutions continue to fortify their internal quality assurance systems. The enhancement of these systems is impossible without taking into account the best world practices and achievements in this area, notably gleaned from international official documents. This study aims to formulate proposals for improving internal quality assurance in military higher educational institutions of Ukraine, taking into account the provisions of international documents. Methods. The source base of the study is formed by documents of international organizations on quality assurance in the field of higher education, and international agreements of Ukraine on cooperation in the field of training military specialists. Dialectical, historical, comparative-legal methods are used to track the transformation of views on solving the problems of internal quality assurance in higher education institutions; systemstructural, formal-logical methods – to determine the provisions that should be taken into account in the process of improving internal quality assurance in military higher educational institutions of Ukraine; methods of analysis, generalization and synthesis – for the development of proposals. Results. Summarized and systematized international official documents (agreements, protocols, conventions, recommendations, standards, declarations, communiqués, messages, charters) are classified into three categories: documents that define national policies to encourage higher education institutions to implement internal quality assurance systems; documents that provide methodological assistance in the formation of internal quality assurance systems; documents on cooperation in the field of training military specialists. The provisions that should be taken into account in the process of improving internal quality assurance in Ukraine's military higher educational institutions have been determined. Proposals for the implementation of these provisions in domestic regulations have been developed. Conclusions. This study's outcomes develop the ideas of other researchers on the expediency of taking into account the Standards and Recommendations for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, alongside NATO Quality Standards by Ukraine's military higher educational institutions in the process of improving internal quality assurance.