Page 67 - AUN-QA

The “Plan” phase starts with the communication of intent for quality assessment.
Appoint a group responsible for writing the SAR. The group should consist of key
people representing various departments and led by someone appointed by the
faculty or university. As part of the change management process, early engagement
with the stakeholders is crucial to get their buy-in and commitment before the start of
the project. A clear timetable should be set up to develop the SAR (see Figure 3.2).
Each member in the group should be made responsible for collecting and analysing
data and information, and writing the SAR. Each member must have a good
understanding of the AUN-QA criteria before proceeding to the next phase.

Figure 3.2 - Typical Project Timeline for SAR Development.

The “Do” phase involves identifying the gaps in the quality assurance system in
meeting the AUN-QA criteria. Data collection is a critical step in this phase as it helps
to quantify the existing quality assurance practices as well as to identify what the
institution needs to do to meet the AUN-QA criteria. Solutions to close the gaps
should be implemented before proceeding to write and review the SAR.

The “Check” phase involves verifying the SAR as well as the quality assurance
practices; and giving feedback to improve them. An independent team should be
appointed to assess the SAR and the existing quality assurance practices against
the AUN-QA criteria. Recommendations to improve the SAR and close the gaps in
the existing quality assurance practices should be made.

The “Act” phase involves implementing the recommendations raised in the “Check”
phase and finalising the SAR before communicating the SAR to the relevant
stakeholders and getting ready for external assessment.

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