Analytic Quality Glossary
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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–11, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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External sub-institutional audit
An external sub-institutional audit is a
process by which an external person or team check that procedures are in place
to assure quality, integrity or standards of provision and outcomes in part of
an institution or relating to specific aspect of institutional provision or
outcomes.
explanatory context
The sub-institutional element being checked
may be an academic area, administrative area, resource
(sub as library or computing facility) or an aspect that cuts across institutions,
such as compliance with disability legislation or health and safety. This
is similar to thematic evaluation. Subject assessment, programme accreditation are also
similar to external sub-institutional audits but unlike audits include some
for of evaluative judgement.
Note:
the term sub-institutional audit is rarely used as such but this is a generic
term to cover external audits of any element within an institution such as
external subject audit; external library audit; external legislation compliance
audit.
Sub-institutional audits can be
undertaken internally.
analytical review
The UNESCO definition of audit is directed
at programme level and is about checking that aims and objectives are met.
[This is normally referred to as validation,
programme evaluation, or programme
accreditation if linked to external recognition.]
Audit: The process of reviewing an
institution or a programme that is primarily focused on the accountability of
the latter, evaluating/determining if the stated aims and objectives (in terms
of curriculum, staff, infrastructure, etc.) are met. (Vlăsceanu et al.,
2007, p. 31)
The CHEA (2001) definition of audit is similar
to the UNESCO definition. (CHEA has a different definition of ‘quality audit’
(see audit)). CHEA also indicates that institutional
audit (review) is a British phenomenon (although it is more widespread)
Audit: A
process of review of an institution or program to determine if its curriculum,
staff, and infrastructure meet its stated aims and objectives. An audit focuses
on accountability of institutions and programs. (In the
related terms
See
also
internal sub-institutional audit
sources
Council For Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) 2002, Glossary of Key Terms in Quality Assurance and Accreditation, http://www.chea.org/international/inter_glossary01.html, last updated 23 October 2002, accessed 4 February 2011.
Vlãsceanu, L., Grünberg, L., and Pârlea, D., 2007, Quality Assurance and Accreditation: A Glossary of Basic Terms and Definitions (