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Initiation of Quality Assurance Mechanisms at Ziauddin University
In Pakistan, all the universities, both in the public as well as in the private sector have been given a mandate for developing Quality Assurance mechanisms by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of HEC is responsible for systematic implementation of quality enhancement procedures to attain improved levels of international compatibility and competitiveness at institutional level. It was established in 2005 and is engaged in developing a viable and sustainable mechanism of quality assurance in the higher learning sector. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of HEC aims to meet the rising challenges of transforming the country into a knowledge economy.
There are various interpretations of what exactly constitutes acceptable quality: e.g., an institution's provision should be "fit for purpose"; should make effective use of resources; should offer its stakeholders value for money; etc… but it is increasingly agreed that it is important to promote improvement of quality, not just to ensure that quality is maintained. This shifts the emphasis from quality assurance to quality enhancement.
Quality Assurance is the means through which an institution can guarantee with confidence and certainty, that the standards of its educational provision are being maintained and enhanced.
Quality enhancement is taking deliberate steps to bring about continual improvement in the effectiveness of the learning experience of students. In QE there is greater emphasis on Internal QA and the encouragement of an institutional “Quality Culture.”
Quality Assurance Mechanism in Higher Education is a multi prong and multistage process. To ensure that an institution meets these requirements, a number of quality assurance procedures operate. Some of these are run by the institution itself, whereas others involve external scrutiny.
Developing an internal quality assurance mechanism in every institution is highly important. This acts as a sustainable base for External Quality Monitoring. Self Assessment being one of the tools used for achieving Quality Assurance is conducted by the institution itself. It is meant to assess whether the existing programs are able to meet the educational objectives and outcomes with the purpose and aims of improving the outcomes and outputs of the education system.
Self assessment needs to be reflective and self critical so that the institution is organized for external assessment. This prepares the academic programs for review by HEC and discipline councils. Accreditation bodies such as Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Council require quality assurance by means of self assessment of programs by the concerned institutions.
Quality Assurance is the responsibility of everyone in an educational institution.
The development of Quality Assurance is a continuous process and therefore, continuity of strategies, actions and efforts is a prerequisite for quality in higher education. Quality Assurance including its processes, procedures and outcomes of assessment is a challenge and its management is even a greater challenge to those who are interested in adopting it.
As per HEC criteria each academic program needs to undergo self assessment every year. For the purpose of developing self assessment procedures QAA at HEC has initiated a process of establishing Quality Enhancement Cells at each university. These QECs are responsible for planning, coordinating and following up on the Self Assessment (SA) activities within their institutions.
Each QEC is responsible for developing procedures for the following:
- Approval of new programs
- Annual monitoring and evaluations including program and faculty monitoring and student’s perception.
- Departmental review
- Student feedback
- Employer feedback
- Quality assurance of degree programs
- Subject review
- Institutional assessment
- Qualification framework
Ziauddin University has always been in the forefront for accepting and adapting best practices in the field of Education. Recognizing the role that it has to play in higher education sector, Ziauddin University has established a Quality Enhancement Cell. This cell has the responsibility to ensure that the university’s quality assurance procedures are compatible with international standards and are designed to improve the quality of higher education.
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| Seminar on "Quality Assurance in Higher Education" |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged a seminar on "Quality Assurance in Higher Education" on the 26th of January 2011 at its Clifton campus. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Wahid Usmani, Director QEC, Dow University of Health Sciences was invited as the guest speaker.
Objectives:
The objectives of the seminar were to:
- Create awareness about the importance of Quality Assurance in Higher Education among the hierarchy of Ziauddin University.
- Develop an understanding and take feedback about Self Assessment Procedures as defined by Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director , Deputy Director and Data Analyst) and Vice Chancellor of the University, the seminar was well attended by Deans, Associate Deans, Principals, Directors and Heads of various Departments and Controller of Examination.
Seminar Proceedings:
The Speaker discussed the importance and need of Quality assurance in Higher Education in Universities , and highlighted the SelfAssessment Procedures as defined by HEC. Dr. Usmani also spoke about the eight criterions and briefly discussed the measurement of each standard of Quality Assurance. He also gave guidance about essential elements required for formation of Program Teams by each Department. As the speaker also had experience in implementing the procedures, he talked about practical the participants which reflected their enthusiasm and interest.
Refreshments were served during the seminar.
Feedback:
The feedback from the participants was encouraging and the leaders were convinced about the importance of initiation of Quality Assurance procedures to enhance the Quality of education in Ziauddin University. Majority of the participants expressed their willingness for cooperation with the QEC of Ziauddin University.
The seminar was wrapped up by vote of thanks by Dr. Arshia Samin, Direcotr QEC Ziauddin University to the speaker for his enlightening talk on the topic.
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| 1st meeting with Program Teams (Phase-I) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 1st meeting with the Program Teams on 11th Feb 2011, of the following programs:
- MBBS (Basic Sciences Program)
- Diploma in Dermatology
- Diploma in Family Medicine
- Speech and Language Therapy Program
Objectives:
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Create awareness about mission and need of Quality Enhancement cell in Universities.
- Awareness about Quality enhancement procedures as laid down by HEC.
- Training the program teams to implement Quality enhancement procedures and complete Criterion 1 for the self Assessment report (Mission Statement and Objectives).
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director , Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the workshop was attended by the Dean and Associate Dean (Basic Sciences) Ziauddin Medical College and the respective program teams.
Workshop Proceedings:
After a brief introduction about Quality Enhancement procedures laid down by HEC and its importance, the QEC team with the help of examples assisted the program teams in developing the Vision, Mission and Objectives of their program.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to complete Criterion 1 and present it in the next meeting for further modifications and discussion, to be held fortnighlty as the Criterions and Standards are being completed step by step.
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| 2nd meeting with Program Teams (Phase-I) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 2nd meeting with the Program Teams on 24th Feb 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
- MBBS (Basic Sciences Program).
- Diploma in Dermatology.
- Diploma in Family Medicine.
- Speech and language Therapy Program.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Discuss the mission statements of the Departments and Programs.
- Facilitate in forming the Program objectives and strategic plans to achieve them.
- Introduce and circulate the different survey forms for Self Assessment.
- Discuss the outcomes of each program and its alignment with the objectives.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the program teams of Dermatology, Basic Sciences and Program Team of Ziauddin College of Speech & Language Therapy.
Meeting Proceedings:
Each Program team discussed their Mission statements and received feedback from other participants and QEC team. This was followed by facilitation by the QEC team in developing the objectives and outcomes of their respective programs.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to document standards of Criterion 1 i.e. Mission, Program objectives, Program outcomes and Strategies for achieving program objectives and present it in the next meeting to be held 3 weekly as suggested by the program teams.
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| 3rd meeting with Program Teams (Phase-I) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 3rd meeting with the Program Teams on 17th Mar 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
1. |
MBBS (Basic Sciences Program). |
2. |
Diploma in Dermatology. |
3. |
Diploma in Family Medicine. |
4. |
Speech and language Therapy Program. |
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Review Criterion 1 of the Self Assessment report prepared by the program teams
- Encourage circulation of faculty resumes and use of survey forms in the respective departments.
- Discuss Criterion 2 and 3 of the Self Assessment Report.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the program teams of Dermatology, Family Medicine and Program Team of Ziauddin College of Speech & Language Therapy.
Meeting Proceedings:
Each Program team finalized Criterion 1 of the Self Assessment Report and confirmed that survey forms are being completed in their departments. This was followed by briefing of Criterion 2 and 3 by the QEC team.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to complete and document Criterion 1 and present Criterion 2 and 3 in the next meeting to be held in the 1st week of April.
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| 4th meeting with Program Teams (Phase-I) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 4th meeting with the Program Teams on 7th Apr 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
- MBBS (Basic Sciences Program).
- Diploma in Dermatology.
- Diploma in Family Medicine.
- Speech and language Therapy Program.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Give feedback on Criterion 1 and 2 of the Self Assessment report prepared by the program teams.
- Review survey forms filled by departments and discuss issues if any.
- Discuss Criterion 3 - 5 of the Self Assessment Report.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the program teams of Dermatology, Family Medicine, MBBS and Program Team of Ziauddin College of Speech & Language Therapy.
Meeting Proceedings:
Each Program team finalized Criterion 1 and 2 of the Self Assessment Report. This was followed by briefing of Criterion 3-5 by the QEC team. The program teams were also requested to prepare a soft copy of the Self Assessment report. Template was provided to them.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to complete and document Criterion 1 and 2 and present Criterion 3-5 in the next meeting to be held in the last week of April.
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| 5th meeting with Program Teams (Phase-I) |
Introduction:
Self Assessment reports were submitted on 30th May 2011 by the following program teams
- Diploma in Dermatology.
- Diploma in Family Medicine.
- BS in Speech language Therapy.
A meeting and workshop for the Assessment teams was arranged on 3rd June 2011, which was attended by the following members of the Assessment team.
- Dr. Aisha Yousuf
- Dr. Yasen Usman
- Dr. Noman Syed
- Dr. Huma
- Dr. Najam
- Dr. Shahida
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- To introduce the Quality enhancement cell, its working and preparation of Self Assessment reports (SARs) by the program teams.
- To make the teams understand the procedure for assessment of SARs, its importance and to list down their recommendations for further improving the programs.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the Assessments teams for Diploma in Dermatology, Diploma in Family Medicine and BS in Speech & Language Therapy.
Meeting Proceedings:
After a brief introduction about QEC and self assessment reports, the assessment teams were given the hard copies of SARs respectively and the assessment check list. They were also given examples and ample time was given to question answers and queries.
Follow up:
Assessment teams were requested to review SARs and submit their recommendations in 1 week.
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| Workshop & Meeting with Assessment Teams |
Introduction:
Self Assessment reports were submitted to QEC by 30th May 2011 by the following program teams:
- Diploma in Dermatology.
- Diploma in Family Medicine.
- BS in Speech and Language Therapy
With the approval of Vice Chancellor Dr Anwar Ejaz Beg, three assessment teams were constituted, one for each program. A meeting and workshop for the identified members of Assessment teams for the above mentioned programs, was organized on 3rd June 2011. This was attended by the following members of the Assessment teams.
- Dr Aisha Yousuf
- Dr Yasin Usman
- Dr Noman Syed
- Dr Huma Ali
- Dr Najam
- Dr Shahida Rasheed
Objectives:
The objectives of the meeting were:
- To introduce the Quality Enhancement Cell, its working and the procedure of preparation of Self Assessment reports (SARs) by the program teams.
- To inform the teams about the procedure for 1) the assessment of SARs and 2) listing down their recommendations for further improving the programs.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the Assessments teams for Diploma in Dermatology, Diploma in Family Medicine and BS in Speech & Language Therapy.
Proceedings of the Meeting:
After a brief introduction about QEC and self assessment reports, the assessment teams were given the hard copies of SARs respectively and the assessment check list. They were also provided with examples to understand the process. Ample time was given to address the questions and queries of the participants.
Follow up:
Assessment teams were requested to review SARs and submit their recommendations within the time frame given to them.
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| Final Meeting with Program Teams (Phase I) |
Introduction:
On 1st August 2011, QEC organized a meeting to appreciate the efforts of the Program teams of BS in Speech and Language Therapy, Diploma in Dermatology and Family Medicine. The meeting was attended by the QEC staff and the program teams of respective departments.
Meeting proceedings:
An appreciation letter was distributed to the members of program team by QEC, followed by an informal gathering and refreshments. The members of program teams agreed on the importance of regular self assessments to improve the quality of their programs. The program teams also expressed their gratitude to the QEC staff for their continuous support and assistance in preparing the Self assessment reports.
This was followed by discussion on Action plans prepared by the program teams and follow up on the suggestions made by the Assessment teams. Teams agreed for Quarterly meetings and follow up with the QEC.
Conclusion:
The meeting was concluded by the QEC Director by thanking the program teams for their efforts and the need for their further support.
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| 1st meeting with Program Teams (Phase-II) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University, after approval from the Vice Chancellor, arranged the 1st meeting with the Program Teams on 12th July 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
- BS in Medical tehcnology.
- Pharm D program
- M. Phil in Basic Health Sciences
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Brief Quality assurance mechanisms in academic institutions.
- To describe the functions of Quality Enhancement cell and introduce the members to program teams.
- Register the members of the program teams and explain their role in preparation of Self Assessment Reports.
- Discuss the need of mission statement for a program and its documentation.
- Facilitate in forming the mission statement
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the program teams of BS in Medical Technology, Pharm D program and M. Phil program.
Meeting Proceedings:
The meeting started with presentation by QEC director about Quality assurance mechanisms which was followed by a briefing and examples of mission statement, which also included feedback and question and answer session from the members.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to document the 1st standard of Criterion 1 i.e. Mission statement of Program and present it in the next meeting to be held after 1 week as suggested by the program teams.
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| 2nd meeting with Program Teams (Phase-II) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 2nd meeting with the Program Teams on 22nd July 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
- BS in Medical tehcnology.
- Pharm D program
- M. Phil in Basic Health Sciences
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Review vision and mission statements of programs as prepared by program teams.
- Introduce and distribute the 10 survey forms provided by HEC for assessment.
- Discuss documentation of program objectives.
Participants:
Along with the QEC committee (Director, Deputy Director and Data Analyst), the meeting was attended by the program teams of BS in Medical technology and Pharm D program.
Meeting Proceedings:
Each Program team was given feedback about the mission statement of their respective programs. The 10 survey forms were introduced and teams were encouraged for initiating data collection for these surveys. This was followed by briefing of program objectives and its alignment with program mission by the QEC team.
Follow up:
Program teams were requested to complete and document Program mission and objectives and present in the next meeting to be held in after 2 weeks.
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| 3rd meeting with Program Teams (Phase-II) |
Introduction:
The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Ziauddin University arranged the 3rd meeting with the Program Teams on 11th August 2011. Program teams of the following programs were invited to participate.
- BS in Medical tehcnology.
- Pharm D program
- M. Phil in Basic Health Sciences
Objectives:
The objectives of the Meeting were to:
- Review program objectives of each program.
- Encourage completion of survey forms at the end of each course.
- Discuss documentation of program outcomes and alignments of program objectives with outcomes.
Participants:
Along with the QEC members, the meeting was attended by the program teams of BS in Medical technology, MPhil and Pharm D program.
Meeting Proceedings:
Each Program team was given feedback about their program objectives and they were encouraged to get the survey forms filled by respective faculty and students. This was followed by briefing of documenting program outcomes and alignment of the program objectives with outcome. The members were also requested to complete the criterions on soft copy provided on the QEC website.
Follow up:
Program teams were asked to present their program outcomes in the next meeting and complete criterion 1 of Self Assessment report in 2 weeks.
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