Q³UoC Research
Q³ UoC Research aims at holistic, sustainable, and continuous quality development and renewal in research at the UoC.
Overview
Overview
Overview
Q³UoC - a systemic approach to quality
Quality Management Q³UoC
UoC's quality management system Q3UoC aims to establish a criteria-based understanding of quality in all areas of university performance. To this end, it pursues a systemic quality approach that is based on overarching quality principles, geared toward performance-specific quality objectives, and operationalized in concrete quality criteria.
The systemic approach
Q³UoC forms a full quality cycle (PDCA cycle) for each performance area: Within the framework of overarching quality principles, quality objectives for each performance area are formulated and regularly refined in a participatory manner (PLAN), and then operationalized in quality criteria to guide implementation and operational work (ACT). Compliance is verified using appropriate indicators and monitoring instruments, supplemented by external certifications and audits (CHECK). Results and needs for change are then identified in a dialogue-oriented manner, and set out in binding agreements via the university's established decision-making processes (ACT).
The Q³UoC quality principles
The following ambitious principles describe how we assure, manage and develop quality at the University of Cologne. They characterize the Q³UoC system and its functionality. Quality at UoC is geared towards continuous and future-oriented efforts to implement these principles in everyday practice.
1. freedom of research and teaching
We promote and respect freedom of research and teaching. Our approach aims to promote and support scientific excellence in all activities by preserving freedom and opening up opportunities.
2. responsibility of the research and within research
We see academic integrity and ethically motivated research, teaching, and transfer as decisive values for a responsible and effective QM system. We take into account the consequences of scientific activities and social expectations in order to ensure the integrity and relevance of our activities for the sciences and society.
3. scientific basis and adequacy
We ensure that instruments are both scientifically sound and sufficiently sensitive to the specificity of academia by continuously reflecting on the effects and suitability of the system, and always link quantitative and qualitative data in our evaluations, incorporating both internal and external expertise (informed peer review).
4. continuous and sustainable renewal and flexibility
We ensure flexibility and promote the ability to continuously and sustainably renew ourselves. We focus on evidence-based change and ensure the connection to university development. In addition, we continuously reflect on costs and benefits and constantly develop our approach and instruments. In doing so, we take current developments in the scientific environment into account.
5. information, communication, and transparency
We ensure low-threshold, regular and transparent information and communication.
6. co-creation, participation, and accountability
Our processes and the further development of the systemic approach are designed to be participatory, co-creative, and involve all members and status groups of the UoC as well as the various committees in accordance with their responsibilities. This includes taking responsibility and feeling accountable for specific tasks at the central and decentral levels.
7. discourse, dialogue orientation, and resonance between disciplinary cultures and actors
We ensure and promote respectful, dialogue-based exchange on equal terms, as well as constructive and critical disciplinary and interdisciplinary reflection by individuals and groups.
8. sensitivity to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion
Our quality approach aims to promote equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion, and systematically incorporates them at all levels.
9. solution-oriented and goal-oriented monitoring and facilitation
We ensure solution- and goal-oriented monitoring and a culture of enabling where quality management and quality development have a supportive and enabling effect, and do not restrict and create unnecessary effort.
10. state-of-the-art, sustainable, and people-centered use of digital transformation
We strive for simple, efficient digital solutions that reduce effort rather than just shifting or increasing it.
11. cooperation in a global context
Our approach and our quality development aim to exploit the potential for cooperation and collaboration within the university, the region, Europe, and the world.
Governance and impact
Q³UoC focuses equally on the operational, strategic, and normative levels, aiming not only to ensure quality in day-to-day business, but also to promote quality development and make an evidence-based contribution to the university’s overall strategic direction and that of its core units. The various levels, from the normative to the implementation level, are linked by the cross-cutting communicative level that ensures constant exchange and dialogue between the various actors.
| Level | Activities |
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| Normative |
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| Strategic |
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| Operational |
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| Communicative |
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To ensure the link to the overall development of the university, Q³UoC’s findings and results are regularly discussed at the Rectorate Conference and Faculty level, and integrated into the strategic planning of the university, the Faculties, and the administration. To ensure external quality development impulses and review implementation, the strategic planning of each Faculty and the administration is additionally reviewed and validated by an institutional peer evaluation every seven years.
Q³UoC has been implemented for study and teaching and subsequently for research, with the aim of gradually integrating existing quality assurance instruments from other areas, such as transfer and research infrastructures.
Q³UoC Teaching
Q³UoC Teaching is a learning system with the goal of quality development in the area of teaching and student studies.
Q³UoC Institutional Evaluations
Institutional evaluations complement Q³UoC’s quality assurance and quality management within the performance areas.