THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM (QIS)

A WEB-BASED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SOLUTION FOR A DISTRIBUTED CAMPUS

SYSTEMMark Thompson M.Ed., Chair , Academic Advancement & AccreditationHigher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT THE HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY (HCT)

A Brief History

• 1988: 4 campuses opened in Abu Dhabi Emirate offering Higher Diploma programs;

• 1989-2008:16 campuses across 5 emirates offering a total of 82 programs including Masters, Bachelors, Higher Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Diplomas;

• 2003: Institutional Accreditation process initiated.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT HCT

Problems Associated with Rapid Expansion•Academic QI was split due to the geographically distributed nature of HCT;•Academic QI processes were not consistent across programs or divisions;•No coordinated processes for non-academic QI (provision of services, etc.);•Lack of communication or poor communication sometimes lead to gaps or duplication of efforts;

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT HCT

Problems Associated with Rapid Expansion•An emphasis on and resource allocation towards data collection rather than data analysis & interpretation – data was being collected but very little information resulted;•Difficulty in identifying areas in need of improvement;•Loss of organizational QI continuity.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT HCT

A Possible Solution

• Implement a QI Framework using agreed performance-based indicators;•Develop a web-based QI environment which would convert data into useful information that would meet both internal and external QI demands;•Utilize the databases already available;• Inform and engage all stakeholders in QI processes.

FITTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER

CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS)ELECTRONIC

FEEDBACK MANAGEMENT

(EFM)

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM (QIS)

PLAN DO

CHECKACT

BANNER INSTITUTION

ADMINISTRATION

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

(BI)

STUDENT, COURSE, PROGRAM, HR AND

FINANCE DATA

WHAT “ADDED VALUE” WILL QIS OFFER HCT?

Ways in which QIS would address problems•A single web-based QI environment HCT-wide;•Consistent, agreed processes and data representation HCT-wide;• Inclusion of non-academic QI;•QI efforts more visible to all stakeholders;•Centralized data collection leaving more time for local data analysis.

WHAT “ADDED VALUE” WILL QIS OFFER HCT?

Anticipated benefits of QIS

•Collaboration and Transparency: wide, role-based QI collaboration across HCT campuses;•Organizational Alignment: strategic planning initiatives linked at all levels;•Simplification of Data-driven Decisions: indicator metrics accessible via “dashboard” presentation;•Flexibility: maintains campus identity and autonomy while sustaining organizational continuity.

HOW WAS QIS BUILT?

Technology & Development

•Development of QIS commenced in May 2007;•QIS was developed using ASP.NET technology, data imported by database link into Oracle 10g;• In-house development involving a team of 1 fulltime & 3 part-time developer/programmers;•Testing undertaken by Quality Assurance Coordinators (QAC’s) at each campus;•Reported bugs fixed and most suggested enhancements incorporated.

THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

Using QIS

THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

Current value of PI

Target

Trend since last cycle

Trend dashboard icon

View Data/Add Analysis

THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

Analysis

Action Plan

Warning icons show when values have fallen below

the target

Full report icon

Analysis/Action Plan icon

THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

QI recommendations from all campuses available on Division Dean’s interface for review and

action.

SUMMARY

Where to from here?

•QIS will be a “work in progress” for some time to come;•Likely future developments:•Stakeholder needs-based reporting;• Incorporation of world-standard quality models (Baldridge Quality Award, EFQM, ISO, etc);•Staff performance evaluation module;•External reviewer access (government departments, accreditation agencies, etc.);

THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

Any Questions?

?