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Article
Publication date: 30 December 2019

Daniel A. López, Maria J. Rojas, Boris A. López and Oscar Espinoza

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between quality assurance, the traditional a priori approach, and a more recently developed empirical classification of…

342

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between quality assurance, the traditional a priori approach, and a more recently developed empirical classification of universities, as a means of assessing whether the different classification systems fulfill their original purpose. The study analyzes Chilean university classifications because they have been used in setting up higher education public policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing classifications of Chilean universities were identified in the literature. Researchers determined categories, criteria and/or indicators used, as well as their main purposes as described by the authors of the classifications. All the criteria and indicators identified were directly related to the quality of academic activities and to the results of the university accreditation processes. The institutional accreditation outcomes and variables were studied using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.

Findings

The a priori approach proved to be consistent with the results of institutional quality assurance, despite of the variability in individual performances. The empirical systems, however, do not show any contribution to the improvement of public policies in higher education. The results clearly show that classifications based on performance do not necessarily ensure improvements in institutional quality.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this analysis is the first study of the relationship between university classification and quality assurance. The growing number of proposals for different empirical classifications in Chilean universities is evidence of institutional diversity only. However, the classification designs did not respond to purposes such as public policies improvements and other expected results from these instruments.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2022

Daniel A. López, Oscar Espinoza, María J. Rojas and Mirta Crovetto

This study aims to review processes of accreditation for Chilean Universities. Along with cataloguing evolutionary milestones, the study analyses effects at the institutional and…

173

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to review processes of accreditation for Chilean Universities. Along with cataloguing evolutionary milestones, the study analyses effects at the institutional and program levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a meta-evaluative approach and is based on secondary information sources, including both specialised publications and national databases, regarding the expansion of institutions, programs and enrolment, as well as the results of accreditation processes.

Findings

University quality assurance reflects developments in economic policies, and supply and demand. Progressive consolidation of the national system has had positive effects on the management and development of universities, but the implementation of quality assurance has brought some problems. A traditional classification of universities into customary categories is predictive of the results of accreditation. The variable of administrative compliance is more important than a culture of quality in explaining the results of institutional and program accreditation.

Originality/value

This review identifies advances, limitations and challenges in the improvement and assurance of quality of Chilean Universities and their programs. This is an unprecedented metanalysis of studies concerning the evolution of accreditation processes and will inform future practice.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

Daniel A. López, Maria J. Rojas, Boris A. López and Daniel C. López

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a quantitative analysis of the university accreditation processes in Chilean universities. The aim is to determine the effects of the…

576

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a quantitative analysis of the university accreditation processes in Chilean universities. The aim is to determine the effects of the different variables, especially the type of institutions (state- and privately owned, with and without state financial support) on the results obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of official data.

Findings

Results indicate consistency in the accreditation processes in Chilean universities, as those variables directly associated with the processes accounted for approximately 70 per cent of the variation in the length of accreditation periods (between 0 and seven years), these variables being the ones that defined the type of universities. High dispersion was found in six state-owned universities that behaved as if they were private universities and in two private universities that behaved as if they were state universities. However, a high percentage of the universities included in the analysis maintained their affiliation to their corresponding legal group, when their performance in accreditation processes was analyzed.

Originality/value

The results of the university accreditation processes in Chile have been the focus of a intense debate due to the legal and economic conflicts between the different types of universities. This study constitutes the first scientific analysis of the results of these processes, especially in terms of the performance of the different types of universities, thus enabling a better interpretation of the results. This information is useful not only in the terms of the legal reforms that are being carried out in Chile, but they also help the understanding of the processes of accreditation of higher education in other Latin American countries.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2014

Lynda K. Vázquez, Francisco R. Mesa and Daniel A. López

Although student mobility worldwide is increasing dramatically, systematic analysis of the effects and variables associated with its results is still recent, especially in new…

425

Abstract

Purpose

Although student mobility worldwide is increasing dramatically, systematic analysis of the effects and variables associated with its results is still recent, especially in new destinations. The purpose of this paper is to examine student mobility in southern Chile from a case study perspective. An exploratory study is presented to analyze the experiences of students in an exchange program over a five-year period and the academic performance of local students abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-case design with two embedded units of analysis is presented. Data were drawn from semi-structured surveys and students’ grade records. Content analysis was applied to the students’ reports and statistical methods were used to verify the influence of certain variables.

Findings

The experience of Chilean students abroad centered on building up personal competences, while visiting international students concentrated on intercultural interaction, influenced mainly by the quality of accommodation and language factors, the latter determining their relations with professors and local students. Academic performance of local students abroad was determined by the type of academic activity undertaken, course validation, and the selected destination.

Practical implications

Some patterns recorded in international literature are similar to the results of this particular case. However, this study reveals some unique findings that can be associated to the operation of study abroad programs in emerging countries, especially in young regional universities unprecedented in aspects related to student mobility.

Originality/value

The lack of scientific studies on student mobility in Chile, a country which international student population is rapidly growing, concedes great value to this exploratory study.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 7 April 2015

John Dalrymple

174

Abstract

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Book part
Publication date: 8 July 2016

Jaime A. Castellano

This chapter promotes the call for more research and practice in promoting comprehensive parent involvement policies, practices, and procedures that honors and respects racially…

Abstract

This chapter promotes the call for more research and practice in promoting comprehensive parent involvement policies, practices, and procedures that honors and respects racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse parents and families, in particular those of Hispanic descent. Furthermore, this chapter serves as a guide not only for Hispanic parents and families but also for those schools, districts, and other providers that work directly with them and their children. A primary emphasis is placed on information useful for Hispanic parents and families with a child identified as gifted, advanced, or high ability.

Details

Gifted Children of Color Around the World: Diverse Needs, Exemplary Practices, and Directions for the Future
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-119-4

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Book part
Publication date: 8 August 2022

Pablo Salgado Sánchez, Daniel López-Fernández and Victoria Lapuerta González

Since 2009, different challenge-based learning (CBL) activities have been implemented at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), with a shared objective: provide the students a

Abstract

Since 2009, different challenge-based learning (CBL) activities have been implemented at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), with a shared objective: provide the students a learning experience that covers the acquisition of technical knowledge, soft skills, and other generic competences, while bringing them closer to the current technologies and industry. The shared background of these activities is the participation of Master's students of aerospace engineering in the preliminary design of a space mission. During the 18/19 academic year, the UPM participated in the 2018 ESA Concurrent Engineering Challenge (ESA CEC), where the students complemented their technical knowledge with dedicated training in Concurrent Engineering and learnt how ESA assesses the feasibility of real space missions. This experience further motivated the organization of the UPM CEC, which was first executed in the 19/20 academic year (and is expected to be carried out in future courses). After a decade implementing CBL, different research methodologies and instruments have been used to evaluate its impact on different aspects of the learning process. In this chapter, we describe the main CBL activities performed, focusing on the instruments used to evaluate them. We draw attention to the main advantages and disadvantages of implementing CBL from a learning perspective, as well as the associated impact in the student's motivation and student–teacher relationship. In many cases, different teaching scenarios are assessed, thus making it possible to compare CBL against traditional methods.

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Book part
Publication date: 29 April 2013

Amanda Hollis-Brusky

This chapter examines the influence of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy on some of the most important Supreme Court decisions of the past three decades. Mobilizing…

Abstract

This chapter examines the influence of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy on some of the most important Supreme Court decisions of the past three decades. Mobilizing the epistemic community framework, it demonstrates how network members, acting as amici curiae, litigators, academics, and judges worked to transmit intellectual capital to Supreme Court decision makers in 12 federalism and separation of powers cases decided between 1983 and 2001. It finds that Federalist Society members were most successful in diffusing ideas into Supreme Court opinions in cases where doctrinal distance was greatest; that is, cases where the Supreme Court moved the farthest from its established constitutional framework.

Details

Studies in Law, Politics, and Society
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-620-0

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Article
Publication date: 13 August 2021

Daniel Soto Lopez, Maryam Garshasbi, Golam Kabir, A.B.M. Mainul Bari and Syed Mithun Ali

Previous studies on hospital supply chain performance have attempted to measure the performance of the hospital supply chain either by the measurement of performance indicators or…

648

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies on hospital supply chain performance have attempted to measure the performance of the hospital supply chain either by the measurement of performance indicators or the performance of specific activities. This paper attempts to measure the internal hospital supply chain's performance indicators to find their interdependencies to understand the relationship among them and identify the key performance indicators for each of those aspects of the logistics process toward improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a systematic assessment and analysis method under vagueness is proposed to assess, analyze and measure the internal health care performance aspects (HCPA). The proposed method combines the group Decision-Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method and rough set theory.

Findings

The study results indicate that the most critical aspects of hospital supply chain performance are completeness of treatment, clinical care process time and no delay in treatment.

Originality/value

The causal relationship from rough-DEMATEL can advise management officials that to improve the completeness of treatment toward patient safety, clinical care process time should be addressed initially and with it, patient safety aspects such as free from error, clinical care productivity, etc. should be improved as well. Improvement of these aspects will improve the other aspects they are related to.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Misael Lopez-Ramirez, Rene J. Romero-Troncoso, Daniel Moriningo-Sotelo, Oscar Duque-Perez, David Camarena-Martinez and Arturo Garcia-Perez

About 13 to 44 per cent of motor faults are caused by bearing failures in induction motors (IMs), where lubrication plays a significant role in maintaining rotating equipment…

211

Abstract

Purpose

About 13 to 44 per cent of motor faults are caused by bearing failures in induction motors (IMs), where lubrication plays a significant role in maintaining rotating equipment because it minimizes friction and prevents wear by separating parts that move next to each other, and more than 35 per cent of bearing failures can be attributed to improper lubrication. An excessive amount of grease causes the rollers or balls to slide along the race instead of turning, and the grease will actually churn. This churning action will eventually wear down the base oil of the grease and all that will be left to lubricate the bearing is a thickener system with little or no lubricating properties. The heat generated from the churning, insufficient lubricating oil will begin to harden the grease, and this will prevent any new grease added to the bearing from reaching the rolling elements, with the consequence of bearing failure and equipment downtime. Regarding the case of grease excess in bearings, this case has not been sufficiently studied. This work aims to present an effective methodology applied to the detection and automatic classification of mechanical bearing faults and bearing excessively lubricated conditions in an IM through the Margenau-Hill distribution (MHD) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), where the obtained results demonstrate the correct classification of the studied cases.

Design/methodology/approach

This work proposed an effective methodology applied to the detection and automatic classification of mechanical bearing faults and bearing excessively lubricated conditions in an IM through the MHD and ANNs.

Findings

In this paper, three cases of study for a bearing in an IM are studied, detected and classified correctly by combining some methods. The marginal frequency is obtained from the MHD, which in turn is achieved from the stator current signal, and a total of six features are estimated from the power spectrum, and these features are forwarded to the designed ANN with three output neurons, where each one represents a condition in the IM: healthy bearing, mechanical bearing fault and excessively lubricated bearing.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology can be applied to other applications; it could be useful to use a time–frequency representation through the MHD for obtaining the energy density distribution of the signal frequency components through time for analysis, evaluation and identification of faults or conditions in the IM for example; therefore, the proposed methodology has a generalized nature that allows its application for detecting other conditions or even multiple conditions under different working conditions by a proper calibration.

Originality/value

The lubrication plays a significant role in maintaining rotating equipment because it minimizes friction and prevents wear by separating parts that move next to each other, and more than 35 per cent of bearing failures can be attributed to improper lubrication and it negatively affects the efficiency of the motor, resulting in higher operating costs. Therefore, in this work, a new methodology is proposed for the detection and automatic classification of mechanical bearing faults and bearing excessively lubricated conditions in an IM through the MHD and ANNs. The proposed methodology uses a total of six features estimated from the power spectrum, and these features are sent to the designed ANN with three output neurons, where each one represents a condition in the IM: healthy bearing, mechanical bearing fault and excessively lubricated bearing. From the obtained results, it was demonstrated that the proposed approach achieves higher classification performance, compared to short-time Fourier transform, Gabor transform and Wigner-Ville distribution methods, allowing to identify mechanical bearing faults and bearing excessively lubricated conditions in an IM, with a remarkable 100 per cent effectiveness during classification for treated cases. Also, the proposed methodology has a generalized nature that allows its application for detecting other conditions or even multiple conditions under different working conditions by a proper calibration.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 69 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

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