Educational Quality in Higher Education Institutions: Administrative and Evaluative Approaches
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Abstract
Educational quality in higher education institutions has become a strategic axis to ensure the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of university systems, especially in response to the demands of globalization, external evaluation processes, and the transformation of academic dynamics. In this context, the present study analyzed administrative and evaluative approaches to educational quality in higher education institutions, aiming to identify trends, tensions, and good practices documented in recent scientific literature. A qualitative, documentary, and exploratory-analytical approach was adopted, with inclusion criteria considering studies published between 2015 and 2024 in Spanish and English, available in open access and directly related to the topic. Data were retrieved from academic databases using content analysis techniques.
The results showed that administrative and evaluative models have strengthened strategic planning, institutional control, and the consolidation of a quality assurance culture. However, limitations were also found in their articulation with academic processes, as well as in the limited inclusion of qualitative indicators. Furthermore, tensions were identified between externa evaluation mechanisms and continuous improvement processes, which have led to proposals for more participatory and context-sensitive integration. It is concluded that transforming management and evaluation systems requires integrative approaches, responsive to institutional dynamics and capable of promoting sustainable, learning-centered educational quality.
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Viviana Paola Arregui-Valdivieso, Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2574-3439
Master's degree in Business Administration and Master's degree in Education and Social Development. Teaching experience at the Technical University of Manabí and at the State University of Southern Manabí.
María Valeria Pico-Delgado, Universidad Técnica de Manabí - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0164-9766
Professional with experience in tax matters, holding the position of Administrative Claims Analyst - Tax at the Servicio de Rentas Internas (June 2014 - April 2019), responsible for analyzing and resolving claims filed by taxpayers questioning administrative acts issued by the SRI. Currently serving as Provincial Legal General Supervisor of the Contraloría General del Estado (May 2019 - present), supervising and monitoring judicial sponsorship and legal advisory processes in accordance with the strategic planning and processes of the Provincial Directorate of Manabí; and Professor - Occasional Academic Staff, Category 1 Level 1, Part-time – Universidad Técnica de Manabí, carrying out teaching, research, and community outreach activities.
Angélica María Roben-Moreira, Universidad Técnica de Manabí
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9971-5265
Lawyer, Masters degree in Constitutional Law from San Gregorio de Portoviejo University. Public defender since July 2014 at the Public Defender's Office of Ecuador. Faculty member of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Technical University of Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador
Evelyn Jahaira Arregui-Valdivieso, Clínica Renal Metrodial - Ecuador
Nephrologist and diabetologist specializing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she holds a masters degree in Health Systems Management and is an active member of the Ecuadorian Society of Nephrology and the Argentine Society of Nephrology.
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