QUALITY ASSURANCE MECHANISMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SERBIA

Purpose: The purpose of this study is that the proposed model take into consideration the factors related to the foundation of an education system, or what we call the internal factors, in addition to the environments factors, or the external factors. Methodology/Approach: The quality assurance of an higher educational system is a crucial success factor of creating an effective education. Worldwide, there are a vast number of initiatives to implement and enforce an educational quality assurance system. These initiatives are driven by the fact that Educational Quality Assurance Model can be a very effective tool for higher education institutions management to provide an excellent education. However, it can also be an adversity and a burden if it is not implemented correctly. Hence, few of them have achieved a real success. A major reason of quality assurance systems' failure is the missing a complete EQA model and framework for adopting the system. The proposed model takes into consideration the factors related to the foundation of an education system, or what we call the internal factors, in addition to the environments factors, or the external factors. Findings: It is expected that well defined quality indicators would be an efficient tool for the state analysis, both at the level of the individual study program and at the level of the institution as a whole. Research limitations/implications: Performance indicators have great value in pointing to achievements, but they do not attempt to tell the whole story about achievements in this study. Rather, they are merely measures that provide perspectives on aspects of performance, and should be used with other information to make judgements about overall levels of achievement. An important distinction can be made between simple indicators, performance indicators and general indicators. The basic objective of the quality indicators is to draw conclusions, in the objective manner, about quality and, based on them, to prepare the work plan for the following period. When the quality indicators are properly selected, they enable avoiding of subjectivity in making the important decisions for further development of an institution. For these reasons quality indicators should be selected and defined in a proper way, so that the mentioned subjectivity would not be reflected through them. Originality/Value of paper: The economic sciences faculties and departments chose another way out of the dilemma. They are working out a collaborative prototype for the description, introduction and trial of a quality management for studies and teaching. The concept will be compatible with academic work. It is expected to be transferable to other subject cultures. The concept was drafted by six professors of management. Firstly, it consists of four elements that have to be implemented in all departments. Secondly, different communication and decision schemes compatible with the habits of quality culture in each university will be worked out.