16-Quality Enhancement Cell by Dr. Bushra Kalim.pptx

quality enhancement

1. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL DR. BUSHRA KALIM DIRECTOR QEC GOVERNMENT ISLAMIA GRADUATE COLLEGE (W) COOPER ROAD LAHORE

2. QUALITY “Quality is free, but to those who are willing to pay heavily for it.” - T. DeMarco and T. Lister

3. QUALITY In academic scenario it means satisfaction of all the stakeholders , Parents, Students , Society, Teachers, Institutions, Government / Policy Makers It has to do something with a certain degree of effectiveness or excellence and satisfaction Whether “the satisfaction of all the stakeholders is relevant to your program or not”.

4. QUALITY ASSURANCE

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE 1 2 Maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service or product, especially by means of attention to every stage of the process of delivery or production. Refers generally to all planned and systematic actions or processes necessary for providing adequate confidence to managers that a product or a service will satisfy the specified requirements for quality . A way by which managers satisfy themselves and monitor that control mechanisms are working to maintain and enhance standards. 3

6. Quality Assurance Checklist Establishing Standard Quality Assurance (SQA) Facilitation Implement a quality management process Conduct a process review periodically Create a report on project status Perform a project compliance review Identify process improvement areas Create process trainings

7. QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ACADEMICS 1 2 Academic quality assurance refers to the processes used for evaluating the quality of academic activities. This includes processes for assessing, monitoring, maintaining and improving academic processes and academic experience and outcomes. The means by which an Institution can guarantee with confidence and certainty that the standards and quality of its educational provision are being maintained and enhanced (HEC QA Manual)

8. Quality in Higher Education _ is a dynamic entity which is the outcome of interaction among many factors including inter-alia, leadership, quality of faculty and students, infrastructure facilities, research and learning environment, governance, strategic planning, assessment procedures, and market force.  Vision: To develop a quality Higher Education System relevant to national needs and compatible to International QA Standards that enables HEIs to demonstrate excellence in teaching, learning and research.

9. QUALITY ASSURANCEC AGENCY ​​​​​​​ With the vision "To promote, enhance and assure the quality of higher education across HEIs in Pakistan" Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) was established in 2005 by the Government of Pakistan through Higher Education Commission (HEC). QAA is a policy making and monitoring organization for enhancement and assurance of quality in Higher Education Institutions. It is involved in systematic implementation of quality enhancement procedures/criteria to attain improved levels of international compatibility and competitiveness at institutional and program level. HEC is providing funding and logistical support for making QAA fully functional. QAA manages the affairs in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Division of HEC whereas the Quality Assurance Committee (QAC), comprising of eminent educationists, serves as its Advisory board. QAA is working to safeguard public interest by enforcing good practices in education and encouraging continuous improvement in quality in higher education.​

10. PROCESS OF QA

11. QAA Goals: ​​​​ Policy making and development of practical guidelines of quality assurance related to the higher degree programs. Developing guidelines for establishment of Quality Enhancement Cells and their Monitoring & Evaluation. Capacity building to enhance the standard of quality assurance in higher education at national level. To monitor and regulate HEIs for implementation of policies to improve quality and standard of higher education in Pakistan.​

12. Functions of QAA: Developing practical guidelines and policies for establishing Quality Enhancement Cells at pu ​ blic sector universities for integration of quality assurance in the higher education system. Monitoring, Evaluation and Capacity Building of all Quality Enhancement Cells. Capacity building of selected professional staff of Quality Enhancement Cells to serve as Master Trainers after receiving training in quality assurance, to increase the levels of international compatibility through skill enhancement in the respective field. Hiring the services of local as well as foreign experts, having practical exposure of academic quality assurance for conducting trainings/workshops/seminars for the capacity building of QAA & QEC staff. 1 1 2 3 4

13. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL Vision Progress Quality

14. QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELLS IN HEIs Quality Assurance in education plays a pivotal role in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality education and fostering continuous improvement in academic institutions. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is committed to elevating the standard of education by implementing a comprehensive strategy across various areas . The Objective of the establishment of QECs is to develop and promote quality culture in the academia in Pakistan leading towards sustainability in Quality Assurance and Enhancement efforts at institutional level. Development of quality culture in universities is an art of holistic approach to account for all aspects quality in terms of faculty, research, students, curricula management of , governance, accreditation, recognition of qualifications in specific and harmony with national needs and social impact in general.

15. Establishment of Quality Enhancement Cells: The QAA recognizes that Quality Enhancement Cells are fundamental in promoting a culture of quality assurance and continuous improvement in educational institutions. QAA's initiative involves the establishment of QECs in all degree-awarding institutions and their Affiliated Colleges (QECACs). These cells serve as central units responsible for monitoring and enhancing the quality of education by developing and implementing quality assurance policies, procedures, and practices. By instating QECs, institutions are better equipped to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to enhance the overall learning experience.

16. BACKGROUND OF QUALITY ENHANCEMENT CELL The rapid growth of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) at public and private sectors has raised a key concern for quality among all stakeholders of higher education both nationally and internationally . The Government of Pakistan established the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2002. A national Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) established in 2005, under the jurisdiction of HEC, as a Specialized body to introduce and encourage the development of a quality culture in Higher Education . The establishment of Quality Enhancement Cells roots in the establishment of Quality Assurance Agency. Initially the PC-I of QECs was approved by DDWP, in August 2006 which was followed by phase wise establishment of Quality Enhancement Cell at the Higher Education institutions (HEIs ). Planning Commission (PC) Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP)

17. FUNCTIONS OF QEC QEC is Responsible for : Promoting Public confidence that the quality and standards of the award of degrees are enhanced and safeguarded. Reviewing of Quality Standards and the quality of teaching and learning in each subject area. Reviewing of Academic Affiliations with other institutions in terms of effective management of standards and quality of programs. Defining Clear and Explicit standards as points of reference to the reviews to be carried out. It should also help the employees to know as to what they could expect from candidates .

18. Cont.. FUNCTIONS OF QEC Developing qualifications framework by setting out the attributes and abilities that can be expected form the holder of a qualification, i.e. BA/BSc ( Hons ), Master’s, M.Phil., PhD Developing program specifications . These are standards set information clarifying what knowledge, understanding, skills & others attributes a student will have developed on successfully completing a specific program Developing Quality Assurance Process and Methods of Evaluation to affirm that the quality of provision and the standards of awards are being maintained and to foster curriculum, subject and staff development, together with research and other scholarly activities. Ensuring that the university’s quality assurance Procedures are designed to fit in with the arrangements in place nationally for maintaining and improving the quality of Higher Education .

19. QEC is also responsible to Develop Procedures for the following: FUNCTIONS OF QEC Approval of new programs Approval of new programs Student feedback ´Employer feedback Quality assurance of Master’s, MPhil, and PhD degree programs Subject review Institutional assessment Program specifications Quality framework

20. QUALITY ASSURANCE MECHANISM Active Elements

21. QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM Components

22. INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE Refer to the processes and procedures within institutions to review, evaluate, assess or otherwise check, examine or ensure the quality of the education provided and/or research undertaken. IQA mechanisms lay/place the foundation for EQA mechanisms

23. EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE MECHANISM (EQA) QA refers to the actions of an external body, which maybe quality assurance agency or another body different from the institution, which assesses its operation or that of its program in order to determine whether it is meeting the standard that have been agreed upon . Reviews: (Institutional Performance Evaluation review (IPER) Post Graduate Program Review (PGPR) MS/MPhil & PhD Review Ranking of HEIs ( National & International) Accreditation by Respective Councils

24. QEC IN AFFILIATED COLLEGES (QECAC) One of the key responsibility of QEC is to review academic affiliations with other institutions in terms of effective management of standards and quality of programs . Mandatory to establish QEC in affiliated colleges and follow the same guidelines in terms of Accreditation, Program Self Assessment and Institutional Performance Evaluation, provided by Quality Assurance Agency, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan .

25. PROGRESS AGAINST PROGRAM SELF ASSESSMENT Self-assessment is an important tool for academic quality assurance and provides feedback for faculty and administration to initiate action plans for improvement.

26. THE OBJECTIVES OF SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE ARE TO

27. Every Program undergoes self-Assessment every two-year cycle . The self-assessment is based on several criteria, their relevant standards mentioned in Self-Assessment Manual and the number of proforma i.e .

28. SAR PROFORMAE

29. SELF ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE / SAR CYCLE

30. Institutional Performance Evaluation (IPE) The HEC is systematically implementing the five-year (2002 - 2007) agenda for reforms outlined in the HEC Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF). The key components identified in the MTDF are Access, Quality, and Relevance.

31. Institutional Performance Evaluation (IPE) In order to improve the performance of HEIs, HEC has started with primary step of outlining the Performance Evaluation Standards for the HEIs to be used for the purpose. A total of eleven standards are defined in a document and all eleven standards are equally important to be met by the HEIs to achieve the desired certification to quality provision in higher education, international visibility and a significant place in the regional and international rankings of the HEIs. It is mandatory for every Higher Education Institution to prepare the UPR (University Portfolio Report) for IPE Review.

32. Standards of University Portfolio Report (UPR) Standard 1: Mission Statement and Goals Standard 2: Planning and Evaluation Standard 3: Organization and Governance Standard 4: Integrity Standard 5: Faculty Standard 6: Students Standard 7: Institutional Resources Standard 8: Academic Program and Curricula Standard 9: Public Disclosure and Transparency Standard 10: Assessment & Quality Assurance Standard 11: Student Support Service

33. UNIVERSITYWISE DATA FOR UNIVERSITY PORTFOLIO REPORT (UPR)

34. REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 1 Progress against Institutional Performance Evaluation 16 2 Progress against Program Self-Assessment 16 3 Accreditation 14 4 PhD. Program Review and MS/MPhil & Equivalent Program Review 18 5 Functioning of QEC Secretariat 31 6 Implementation of HEC(QA) Polices and criteria 5 Total 100 Sr.# QEC Activity/ Assignments Weightage

35. 1. Institutional Performance Evaluation Report (IPER) Weightage: 16 1.1 University Portfolio Report (UPR) Prepared / updated on yearly basis : (6) Yes / No 1.2 1.2.0 Institutional Performance Evaluation by HEC in same FY of rating : (6) Yes/No In case of yes 1.2.1 Status of Action taken and Implementation Plan against Institutional Performance Evaluation Report In case HEC not evaluated, marks will be accorded to self IPE 1.3 1.3.0 Institutional Performance Self Evaluation by DAI in same FY: Yes/No (4) In case of Yes : • If all evaluator are internal member • If at least one evaluator is external member 1.3.1 Implementation Plan prepared against IPE Report 1.3.2 Action taken against IPE Report • If external IPE was conducted the report should also be addressed and will also be counted in assigning marks to action taken REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS

36. REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 2. Progress against Program Self Assessment (SAR) Weightage: 16 Total Number of Program Offered: 2.1. Total Number of Program Teams formed: 1 2 .2 Total Number of Assessment Teams Formed: 1 2 .3 Total Number of Programs in which Executive Summary prepared: 2 2.4 Total Number of Programs in which Implementation Plan prepared 4 2.5 Total Number of Programs in which Corrective Actions have been taken: 4 2.6 Online feedback surveys conducted for each program 4 Total Number of SARs completed

37. REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 3. Accreditation Weightage: 14 Total Number of Program Offered: 3.1. It is mandatory for HEIs to ensure accreditation of certain academic programs (where applicable) by their respective accreditation council 3 .2 Total Number of Programs falling under the purview of Accreditation Councils (council wise programs details) 3 .3 Total Number of Programs in which Executive Summary prepared: 3.4 Total Numbers of Programs Accredited (council wise program details) 3.5 Total Number of Programs that are In process of Accreditation NOCs/Green signal etc.) (Council wise program details) 3.6 Total Number of not accredited Programs (council wise program details )

38. Pakistan Accreditation Councils Existing Accreditation Councils/Professional Bodies: Accreditation Councils Established by HEC: Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) ​ National Accreditation Council for Teachers Education (NACTE) Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) National Agricultural Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)  National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC) Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC)  National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) Pakistan Pharmacy Council (PCP) National Technology Council (NTC)​​ Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) National Council for Homoeopathy (NCH) National Council for Tibb (NCT)​ Allied Health Professionals

39. REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 4. PhD Program Review and MS/MPhil & Equivalent Program Review Weightage: 18 It is the requirement from the Quality Assurance Agency, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to conduct Post Graduate Program Review (July-June) either by HEC Review Panel or self review by the Institution/Higher education Institution. It has a weightage of Marks 18 in the final score card of the Quality Enhancement Cell(QEC).

40. Sr.no Activity/Assignment Marks/ Score 5.1 Functioning of QEC Secretariat 5 5.2 Budget Allocation for QEC Secretariat 3 5.3 Infrastructure and Facilities 1 5.4 Memberships of International QA bodies obtained by QEC 2 5.5 Membership of QEC in all statutory bodies 4 5.6 Awareness seminars/conferences/workshops on QA 2 5.7 Contributions and Participations in Academic QA activities 4 Total 31 REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 5. Functioning of QEC Secretariat Weightage: 31

41. Sr.# Score Plagiarism Policy (3) 6.1. QEC representative in Plagiarism Standing Committee of DAI 6.1.1. Action taken against all reported cases of Plagiarism 2 1 6.2 Faculty Appointment Criteria 1 6.3 Minimum admission criteria of MS/MPhil and Ph.D. Programs 1 Total 5 REVISED CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF QECS 6. Implementation of HEC(QA) Polices and Criteria’s Weightage: 31

42. Targets for QEC for Current Assessment Year The QEC needs to prepare activity calendar (July-June), keeping in view all the requirements/targets set for yearly progress report (YPR) and submitted to the Quality Assurance Agency(QAA) HEC, after it’s approval from the Vice Chancellor, Rector/Head of the Institution.