The Quality Assurance Unit of Democritus University of Thrace is implementing initiatives to strengthen and further develop the University’s Internal Quality Assurance System of the institution, as part of a co-funded project under the “Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021–2027” Program.

Project Identity

Subject of the Sub-project

Sub-project 1 aims to strengthen the operation of MODIP and to further develop the procedures and mechanisms of the Internal Quality Assurance System at the Democritus University of Thrace.

Through a set of complementary actions, the aim is to ensure more systematic monitoring and evaluation of the quality of academic activities, the use of evidence-based data for decision-making, and the strengthening of processes for the continuous improvement of study programmes and the institution’s operations.

The sub-project is organised into two Work Packages (WP), which include specific actions and deliverables.

WP1 – Development and operation of permanent structures and internal mechanisms of the Internal Quality Assurance System

The first Work Package focuses on strengthening the permanent structures and internal procedures that support the operation of the DUTH’s Internal Quality Assurance System.

The main objective is to create a stable and functional framework for cooperation between the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP), the academic and administrative units of the University, with an emphasis on the monitoring, evaluation and improvement of study programmes.

Key actions

• Development and operation of a Register of external partner organisations, with defined and documented criteria for inclusion.
• Strengthening the links between study programmes and the academic, professional and social environment.
• Developing procedures for the assessment of learning outcomes, in collaboration with the Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning (KEDIMA).
• Establishing mechanisms for communication, collaboration and feedback between MODIP and the relevant academic and administrative units.
• Supporting the systematic use of evaluation results to improve study programmes.

The actions under WP1 contribute to the stabilisation and further operational development of the Internal Quality Assurance System, strengthening continuous quality monitoring and evidence-based decision-making at the level of the Institution and its academic units.

WP2 – Quality Assurance Strategy

The second Work Package concerns the design and implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance strategy framework for the Democritus University of Thrace.

The approach is based on the systematic collection, processing and utilisation of data, the monitoring of quality indicators and the long-term assessment of the University’s progress.

Key actions

• Systematic processing and thematic organisation of external evaluation and accreditation reports on study programmes.
• Identification of common findings, trends and areas for improvement from the results of external evaluations.
• Development and utilisation of statistical tools and methodologies for the processing of quality indicators.
• Comparative and longitudinal analysis of data at the level of the institution, academic units and study programmes.
• Standardisation of data collection and processing procedures through a methodological guide, in accordance with the relevant specifications of the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).
• Definition of recording standards, data formats and variable dictionaries.
• Implementation of procedures for data anonymisation and quality control.
• Development of training and support materials to ensure the consistent application of the prescribed procedures.
• Design of a Quality Assurance Strategy framework for the Democritus University of Thrace.
• Setting operational targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Preparing annual evaluation and feedback reports.
• Formulating and monitoring targeted Improvement Plans.

Expected outcome

WP2 aims to strengthen the strategic dimension of quality assurance at the Democritus University of Thrace and to create a coherent and evidence-based framework for the planning, monitoring and continuous improvement of the University’s quality initiatives.

The use of reliable data and indicators, combined with the results of internal and external evaluation, supports a continuous cycle of planning, implementation, evaluation, feedback and improvement.

This strengthens the strategic role of MODIP and supports the more effective implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System, in line with the national institutional framework and European guidelines on quality assurance in higher education.

Deliverables

Sub-project 1 comprises individual deliverables linked to the activities of the two Work Packages and reflecting the results of their implementation.

The deliverables relate, amongst other things, to the development of quality assurance tools and procedures, the processing and utilisation of data, the development of methodological and educational tools, and the development of the Institution’s Quality Assurance Strategy.

Funding

The project is being implemented under the ‘Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021–2027’ programme and is co-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF) and by national resources.