Quality assurance of research: are UASs really that different?

The national UAS sector protocol for practice-based research (Brancheprotocol Kwaliteitszorg Onderzoek, or BKO) highlights the need for research to have a concrete impact on professional practice and knowledge creation. While the BKO outlines four assessment standards, it does not specify the indicators for measuring impact beyond funding and human resources.

Saxion UAS has developed a new set of performance indicators based on the BKO standards and its strategic priorities, alongside implementing QA policies to promote a quality culture that enhances research impact. Changes include aligning internal QA practices with strategic goals, organizing QA around research clusters, defining roles for QA staff, and systematically incorporating user feedback. This approach aims to strengthen the connection between Saxion’s research, education, and societal impact.

This paper discusses the theoretical framework guiding Saxion’s quality culture approach, addressing formal structures and human dynamics (Verschueren et al., 2023). It examines how this framework informs QA policies, the implications for research group processes, and the role of indicators in supporting Saxion’s mission of creating impact through practice-based research.

This paper was presented at EQAF and reflects the views of the named authors only.

ISSN: 1375-3797

Quality assurance of research: are UASs really that different?

Natascha van Hattum-Janssen, Leon Cremonini

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