The Workshop on Quality Enhancement Strategies, centred on the importance of Key Performance Indicators for Institutional Accreditations

The Workshop on Quality Enhancement Strategies, centred on the importance of Key Performance Indicators for Institutional Accreditations, was a significant event held on October 30th and October 31st, 2023. The event took place in the Smart Room, situated within the Management Block. The main speaker for this workshop was Mr Naived George Eapen, the Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. The workshop provided an invaluable platform for participants to gain insights into the complexities of the accreditation process, with a focus on the common abbreviations used, such as NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), AQAR (Annual Quality Assurance Report), and SSR (Self-Study Report). Additionally, participants acquired knowledge about when each of these pivotal documents is generated during the accreditation cycles.

The workshop kicked off with a detailed exploration of Criteria 1: Curricular Aspects and Criteria 2: Teaching Learning and Evaluation. These criteria are central to the accreditation process and set the foundation for quality enhancement. During the discussions on Criteria 1, the participants were provided with an in-depth understanding of the documentation requirements, highlighting the necessity of meticulous record-keeping and strict adherence to departmental policies to meet the accreditation standards. Moving on to Criteria 2, the workshop focused on the documentation filing process. This segment was instrumental in examining the intricate policies and procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the rigorous evaluation standards set by accrediting bodies.

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to an exploration of Criteria 3 through Criteria 7, which are equally crucial in the accreditation process. The speaker highlighted the key aspects of each criterion. Criteria 3: Research, Innovations, and Extension provided the significance on research, innovations, and extension activities. Faculty members were encouraged to publish papers, initiate activities, and provide extension projects, thus contributing to the institution's academic growth and development. Discussion on Criteria 4: Infrastructure and Learning Resources, primarily revolved around targeting library resources as a means to enhance infrastructure and learning resources. This segment focused on improving the availability of resources to foster a conducive learning environment. Criteria 5: Student Support and Progression emphasised the pivotal role played by the department in nurturing student development. Detailed discussions ensued, shedding light on the documentation and processes required to ensure student well-being, progress, and growth. In Criteria 6: Governance, Leadership, and Management, the speaker explained the proper governance structures and management practices. The speaker elucidated the significance of effective governance and leadership in ensuring institutional excellence. The workshop culminated in an exploration of Criteria 7: Institutional Values and Best Practices. Participants were guided on the importance of understanding and adhering to departmental values and best practices, which are fundamental in attaining institutional excellence.

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to Criteria 3 through Criteria 7. The speaker highlighted in Criteria 3: Research, Innovations, and Extension that the faculty members should publish papers, initiate activities and provide extension projects. The faculty members were informed that only the library resources have to be targeted in Criteria 4: Infrastructure and Learning Resources. Criteria 5: Student Support and Progression emphasised the vital role played by the department in nurturing student development hence, documentation and processes required to ensure student well-being and growth were discussed. The speaker elaborated on the importance of proper governance structures and management practices in Criteria 6: Governance, Leadership, and Management and concluded by exploring departmental values and best practices that contribute to excellence in Criteria 7. Participants were guided on how to showcase their department’s unique strengths.

In summary, the “Workshop on Quality Enhancement Strategies - Key Performance Indicators for Institutional Accreditations” provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the accreditation process, guiding them through the generation of key documents and adherence to the criteria necessary for a successful institutional accreditation. The workshop was instrumental in imparting the knowledge and skills required to enhance departmental quality and meet the stringent standards set by accrediting bodies. The invaluable expertise and guidance of Mr Naived George Eapen played a pivotal role in ensuring that participants left the workshop with a clear vision of the path to accreditation success. This event was a significant step towards elevating the standards of institutional quality and strengthening the overall educational environment.

OUTCOMES OF THE EVENT

To understand the importance of quality enhancement in higher education

To identify and develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring and improving institutional performance

To develop a shared understanding of the standard accreditation processes and requirements