23 November 2021 | EQAF Paper

Quality Assurance in the context of a European University: a lean and trust-based approach for joint programmes

Jef Cox (KU Leuven) et al.

This papers presents a quality assurance approach for joint programmes which has been developed by the Una Europa alliance. The Una Europa partners developed a lean joint internal quality assurance strategy for the joint programmes, which seeks to build on the existing practices within the partner institutions to the maximum extent. Trust between the partners is the key aspect of the joint quality assurance strategy.


The approach is based on the principles of verified trust, subsidiarity and core practices. From this follows a need for accountability and transparency. To ensure transparency, the partners share information on their internal quality assurance methods in a ‘knowledge base’.

Furthermore, the partners agreed on core practices for a smooth operation of the joint quality assurance system: involvement of stakeholders, timing, scope, tools and communication.

Based on this lean strategy, all Una Europa partners commit themselves to safeguarding the quality of joint programmes on a continuous basis.

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

ISSN: 1375-3797

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