Grappling with ‘cost’: Pressures for effectiveness and efficiencies in quality assurance

February 8, 2024 (Thursday)
15:00 – 16:30 CET/UTC+1

Online (via Zoom)

In an era characterized by dynamic global challenges, this INQAAHE Talk aimed to delve into the intricacies of upholding quality amidst financial pressures, external demands, and evolving stakeholder expectations. This candid and complex discussion skillfully navigated the terrain of ‘costs’ in quality assurance. It specifically addressed external pressures shaping our practices, emphasized stakeholder engagement as a pivotal driver of change, introduced innovative ideas redefining conventional methodologies, and shed light on the enduring principles of quality that must withstand the challenges posed by financial constraints.

Our distinguished panel of experts—Sylvie Mainville, who provides management services at OCQAS in Ontario, Canada; Ronny Heintze, Deputy Director for International Development at AQAS in Germany; and Vicki Stott, Chief Executive at the QAA in the UK— delved deep in to these issues and speak frankly about practical matters of how agencies manage priorities, innovate policy and practices, and navigate the growing role of entrepreneurialism in quality assurance. This webinar offered a unique opportunity to gain insights from leaders, fostering an exchange of ideas that transcends borders and contributes to the advancement of quality assurance practices on an international scale.

The session was moderated by Mary Catharine Lennon, INQAAHE Board Director.

The recording of this session is available on INQAAHE’s YouTube channel.

The following speakers joined us in this session:

Sylvie Mainville

Sylvie provides management services in support of the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) organizational needs. She works with the Executive Director and the Management Board to ensure ongoing consistency of the OCQAS processes with international best practices in quality assurance for and within Ontario’s Colleges.

Prior to this role, her studies in linguistics, psychology and education led her to teach preschool to senior-aged students in a variety of settings including schools, colleges, non-profit agencies, corporations, and even for members of the Canadian Armed Forces. She came to OCQAS from Cambrian College where she managed all QA processes and mechanisms including new program development and program review, policy and procedure redaction, and all course, program and institution level accreditations and audits. At Cambrian, Sylvie established and actioned an audit process to review third-party educational institutions (for international students).

Ronny Heintze

Check his presentation.