Goals
The overall goal of this part is to provide an integrated view on how the systematic/structural and institutional conditions, and educational practices are related. This final part is essential for understanding the complex interplay between structure and practice. This will make it possible to identify (a) the current challenges that emerge in the intersection between structures and processes at various levels, (b) good practices with respect to work on quality and how these can be spread within the sector. The findings from the Norwegian cases will be interpreted in an international perspective. The core questions addressed in this part are:
1) Synthesis and integration by identifying challenges and good practices: What factors and mechanisms influence the quality of Norwegian higher education?
2) International comparisons: How can the quality of Norwegian higher education be interpreted in an international perspective?
3) Recommendations: How can the quality of Norwegian higher education be enhanced?
Approach
In order to examine the core factors and mechanisms identified the study will use a set of indicators that are developed during process part A and follow specific themes that have been analysed throughout the project in a more comprehensive manner, such as the use of ICT and research-based education. The close-up qualitative investigation of teaching and learning processes that was conducted in part C will be related to the findings from parts A and B and, when possible, compared to quantitative data collected from students and faculty in the above mentioned surveys. It is also in this section that the international partners will be used in depth to reflect on the project results and to provide international comparative perspectives and interpretations. This will generate possibilities to identify current challenges that emerge in the intersection between quality structures and process-quality at various levels, and good practices with respect to how effective quality-enhancement measures can be implemented and spread within the sector.
