Brussels, 22/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - In a new report published on 16 September, the European University Association (EUA) provided an illustration of the different factors and conditions needed to create “a culture of quality” in European universities. The study particularly highlights a number of conditions and recommendations that can help universities create a culture of effective quality: (1) universities should not promote one quality instrument alone but seek to promote a comprehensive set of instruments, which involves linking these instruments to a global strategy and the given institution's academic values; (2) universities must develop clear lines of responsibility and ensure that the quality assurance system is applied in the simplest possible way; (3) leadership is crucial when providing an overview of the comprehensive quality assurance mechanism structure. This has to facilitate the internal debate and even allow opposing opinions, in order to ensure that the process is not imposed in a unilateral way; (4) universities must invest in human capital, particularly in personnel; (5) autonomy and confidence in themselves are crucial factors that determine a given establishment's ability to correctly define quality and implement the quality assurance process.
The author of the report, Andrée Sursock, states: “This report underlines that vitality and sustainability in a culture of quality depends both on internal and external factors. It demonstrates that universities that have a culture of effective quality are generally part of an open environment that avoids excessive regulation and enjoys a high degree of public confidence.” (IL/transl.fl)