Workshop on key performance indicators for quality assurance in higher education held at the University of Genoa

One of the key principles of KPI4HE is the development of the institutional governance of universities, decision-makers, educators, and researchers’ capacities, in line with the sustainable development goals of the National Framework for Key Performance Indicators (NF-KPIs), as a tool for higher education management and quality assurance.  

Arsen Apronyan, Head of the Grants Coordination Department at the International Cooperation Office and Coordinator of KPI4HE project, mentioned that the strategy of the project, the timeline for the implementation of activities, and the actions related to the project's awareness and communication were discussed at the University of Genoa. "The workshop presented examples of European universities' experience in the development of NF-KPIs, the relevance of experience exchange, and the need for support. Issues regarding the development of capacities for institutional research, strategic planning, the creation and implementation of new procedures and tools, quality assurance, and performance efficiency indicators were also discussed at the University of Genoa.

Within the framework of the KPI4HE project, a model guide on KPIs will be developed by the working groups of the partner institutions involved in the project, a two-day workshop for the development of NF-KPIs will be organized at Yerevan State University, and online meetings and discussions will be held with representatives of partner universities."  

Arsen Apronyan emphasized that the "Concept of the National Framework of Key Indicators for Higher Education Activities of the Republic of Armenia" has been developed, which presents the issues in the sector, proposed solutions, and expected impacts. "The implementation of the concept is expected to improve the higher education system of the Republic of Armenia, ensure accountability and transparency, align with international educational standards, improve the state funding system for universities in Armenia, increase the effectiveness of university accreditation, and ensure comprehensive quality control."

The development of the concept involved the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, Yerevan State University, the Institute for Informatics and Automation Problems of NAS RA, the Armenian State Pedagogical University after Khachatur Abovyan, Eurasia International University, Northern University, Gavar State University, National Centre for Professional Education Quality Assurance, and the Armenian Center for Education Policy and Management. 

The advisory bodies for the implementation of the concept include the University of Oldenburg (Germany), Dresden University of Technology (Germany), and the University of Genoa (Italy).

The workshop at the University of Genoa was attended by YSU Rector H. Hovhannisyan, Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs Rafayel Barkhudaryan, Head of the International Cooperation Office and Project Coordinator Alexander Markarov, Head of the Grants Coordination Department at the International Cooperation office Arsen Apronyan, Rector's Advisor Vigen Khalatyan, Head of the Information Systems Department Natalya Danielyan, and employee of the Strategic Planning Center Armine Ghalamdaryan.