QUALITY ASSURANCE - Definition and Process -

DEFINITION
Quality Assurance Quality Assurance in HE Assessment Internal assessment External assessment

Database Institution Criteria University Standard Good Basic Practices standard Code of Qualification Standard Practice Framework for Quality Management Quality Development Procedures

Program Course Learning outcomes Credits

DEFINITION
QA All those planned and systematic action policies, attitudes, action, procedures necessary to provide adequate confidence that quality is being maintained and enhanced and that the products and services meet the specified quality standard. (KPM) QA in Higher Education The totally of systems, resources and information devoted to maintaining and improving the quality and standards of teaching, scholarship and research, and of students learning experience. (QAA, UK)

QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Systematic examination to determine whether
Quality activities comply with planned arrangements The product (the educational process) is implemented effectively and is suitable for achieving objectives

Self-evaluation against specified criteria and standard to discern strengths and weaknesses as the basic for continuous improvement. Peer review and on-site visits by external experts which may include international experts (collegial system)

DEFINITION
Internal Assessment
The internal assessment or self-study is self evaluation an each section of the database by the institution to: a) Collect and review data about the institution and its educational program. b) Identify the institutional strengths and problem areas. c) Define strategies to ensure that the strengths are maintained and problems addressed.

DEFINITION
External Assessment
The external review by quality assurance assessment team to: a) Determine if the institution or program is in essential compliance to the standards; b) Validate the database and self-study report and to fill out missing information; and c) Assist institutions to improve standards and renewal.

DEFINITION
Program
A design of courses over a specified period of time (with clear learning outcomes), that leads to an award of a degree.

Course
A unit of study that forms the building block of a program, which has specific objectives, content, teaching-learning methods and students avenues.

Learning Outcomes
Covers the mastery of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills as well as the attitude suitable of a graduates.

DEFINITION
Credits
Total hours of classroom interaction, practical training and laboratory or fieldwork study required of a course or program.

Qualifications framework
Basic requirements of a program, which enables the program to be awarded according to the specified degree or field majoring, as stated by its name.

DEFINITION
Database
A group of information regarding a particular subject or object.

Criteria
Accepted practices that are agreed by consensus regarding general requirements of a particular program.

Standard
Measurable program detail and specific requirements.

DEFINITION
Basic standard
The standard must be met by every educational program and fulfillment demonstrated during evaluation. Basic standards are expressed by a

must
Standard for quality development
The standard is in accordance with international or national consensus about best practice for a particular program. Standards for quality development are expressed by a should

DEFINITION
Institution
The body that is responsible for designing and implementing a programs of study. It can be a faculty, a school , a center or an institute.

University
The parent or main institution that is chartered by an Act of Parliament to award degrees.

DEFINITION
Code of Practice
Conducts, responsibilities and ethical indicators of Quality assurance.

Good practices
Attributes of habits that are universally accepted as good.

DEFINITION
Quality management
The application of quality framework throughout the whole process of activities in an organization, to ensure the quality of product and services offered.

Procedures
A documented step-by-step approach of a process or an activity.