The Faculty of Arts – Al-Asabia hosted a workshop entitled “Quality: From Concept to the Application of Standards” on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The workshop was organized as part of a series of workshops and training programs planned by the University of Gharyan Office of Quality Assurance and Performance Evaluation, with the aim of promoting a culture of quality, strengthening understanding of its concepts and applications across the University’s faculties, and raising awareness among university personnel of quality assurance and accreditation requirements and standards.

The workshop targeted Heads of Quality Assurance Departments and Quality Coordinators of academic programs across the University’s faculties, in addition to a number of specialists and professionals interested in the field of quality assurance. The event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation among quality assurance units across the faculties.

The workshop commenced with an opening address by Dr. Abdullah Al-Labbad, Dean of the Faculty of Arts – Al-Asabia, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the Faculty’s achievements in the field of quality assurance, as well as the progress made toward fulfilling the requirements for institutional accreditation.

This was followed by an address from Dr. Tarik Faraj Idbeaa, Director of the University Office of Quality Assurance and Performance Evaluation, who outlined the key programs, activities, and initiatives planned by the Office as part of its efforts to support the University’s faculties. He emphasized that these efforts aim to enhance the quality of academic and administrative processes, strengthen institutional practices, and support faculties in meeting the requirements for institutional and programmatic accreditation.

For his part, Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Tuwair, Head of the Quality Assurance Department at the Faculty of Arts – Al-Asabia, addressed a number of issues related to the Faculty’s readiness to obtain institutional accreditation. He highlighted the efforts made by the Faculty’s staff and their continued work to fulfill and provide the necessary accreditation requirements and standards.

Following these addresses, Dr. Tawfiq Ajjal, Head of the Quality Assurance Department at the Faculty of Engineering and a member of the team appointed by the University Presidency to implement the planned series of workshops, delivered a presentation entitled “Quality: From Concept to the Application of Standards.”

The presentation covered several important topics, including the concept of quality and its evolution from its traditional understanding to encompass the quality of the institution or organization as a whole; the role of quality in improving and developing institutional processes and performance; and the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM), with particular emphasis on promoting awareness of the value of quality and accuracy in work. The presentation also addressed the stages of implementing quality assurance systems and the benefits associated with their effective application.

In addition, the presentation examined the main challenges, difficulties, and obstacles that may hinder the implementation of quality assurance systems in higher education institutions, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges through sound planning, collaborative institutional work, and continuous improvement in order to fulfill quality assurance and academic accreditation standards and requirements.

The workshop forms part of the University of Gharyan’s ongoing efforts to build the capacities of quality assurance personnel across its faculties, strengthen coordination and integration among quality assurance offices, and promote a culture of quality and accreditation, thereby supporting the University’s commitment to achieving academic and institutional excellence.