Meta-evaluation: Evaluation and development of the QM system

In addition to the accreditation and re-accreditation of degree programmes, the central purpose of the QM system is the continuous, systematic and evidence-based development of the programme’s quality. In addition, the QM system is also intended to promote and further develop the quality culture in terms of study and teaching at the University of Cologne. In order to ensure that the QM system fulfils these purposes, the functionality and effectiveness of the system should be regularly examined and continuously developed.

The evaluation design used for this purpose comprises three components:

1. structure and process evaluation: using already developed process models, the structures and processes of the QM system are analyzed in discussion and workshop formats with different status groups and subjected to a critical assessment.
2. effect on courses of study: document analyses are used to determine which measures the degree programme have developed with the various QM formats.
3. effect on status groups: using effect models and surveys, it is examined how the formats of the QM system are perceived and used by the participants.

It has been planned to discuss the findings in strategy workshops with representatives of all status groups and to formulate development projects. This is to ensure that the QM system is continuously developed and evidence-based.