Quality Transformation in Higher Education Discussed

An event titled “Quality Assurance System and Sustainability” was organized by the Üsküdar University Institute of Sufi Studies. Instructor Dr. A. Hande Erol Bingüler, who was a guest at the online seminar, highlighted the determining role of quality culture and sustainability concepts in educational processes, emphasizing that quality is not a coincidence but the result of a systematic approach. Bingüler, addressing the importance of planning, implementation, control, and improvement processes within the PDCA cycle, stated that the understanding of quality in higher education has now transformed into an outcome-oriented, measurable, and continuously developing structure. It was also noted at the event that quality assurance systems are not merely an auditing mechanism but a fundamental tool for institutional learning and development.

Instructor Dr. A. Hande Erol Bingüler from Marmara University was a guest at the online seminar.

Elif Erhan, Director of the Institute of Sufi Studies, and İlknur Güzel, Head of the Strategy Development and Quality Department, also participated in the program. 

“It is not possible to break away from quality and sustainability” 

Instructor Dr. A. Hande Erol Bingüler spoke about quality culture. Bingüler said; “It is not possible to break away from quality and sustainability since ancient times. Our aim here is to increase students' awareness of quality management processes. Actually, it is to find the answer to the question ‘Why does this concern my future?’”

“Randomness does not meet sustainability”

Bingüler, addressing the importance of conformity in quality, said; “Not every diploma is the same. It can be the same department, but different quality can be in question here. The same course has different learning outcomes. All of these are part of education and training. We can face different employment rates for the same graduation during this process. From this perspective, if we do not have a system, quality is a coincidence. When we look at it correctly, quality is not a coincidence. We can achieve more successful results when we proceed with a specific system. From a sustainability perspective, randomness does not meet sustainability. Therefore, quality is about delivering products and services that meet or exceed expectations. Conformity to requirements is important here.” 

“Our aim is to ensure continuity in education”

Bingüler, talking about the system based on continuous improvement, said; “When we look at the definition of quality management, there is a system here that is based on continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction. We adopt the PDCA Cycle approach. That is, plan, do, check, and act. Our aim here is to ensure continuity in education. While doing this, we support transparency and participation.”

“Quality is not just being good, but being better every day”

Bingüler, emphasizing the importance of the concept of quality in sustainability, said; “Quality in higher education has now transformed into an outcome-based, measurable, and sustainable structure. This is also a very important situation for the development of societies. When we look at the headings of sustainability, there is no item devoid of quality. All of them are related to quality. Higher education systems are undergoing a significant transformation in line with globalization, increasing competition, and accountability pressures. This transformation necessitated the redefinition of the concept of quality, moving beyond merely ‘conformity to standards’ and focusing on learning outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and sustainable development. Here, quality is not just being good, but being better every day.”

“Quality assurance is not just a control mechanism”

Bingüler, explaining the stages of the quality assurance system, said; “Quality assurance systems are not merely a control mechanism, but a fundamental tool for institutional learning and organizational development. What we call quality assurance consists of planning, implementation, monitoring, and improvement processes. Quality assurance appears as a holistic management approach in higher education institutions, encompassing the systematic planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of education, research, and administrative processes. In this context, quality assurance is not just a control mechanism, but also a fundamental tool for institutional learning and organizational development.” 

The online event concluded after the Q&A session.