Process Management Evaluation for Educational Quality Assurance in the Context of University Licensing and Accreditation.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze the importance of process management evaluation as a mechanism for ensuring educational quality in universities, particularly during institutional licensing and accreditation processes. The study aimed to review, analyze, and propose techniques and instruments for assessing the processes defined within Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Quality Management Plans (QMP), considering the requirements established by the National Superintendence of Higher University Education (SUNEDU) and the National System for Evaluation, Accreditation and Certification of Educational Quality (SINEACE). Methodologically, a systematic review of scientific literature was conducted using the analysis–synthesis and induction–deduction methods. The research included the review of scientific articles, international standards, regulatory documents, academic publications, and postgraduate theses related to process management and quality assurance in higher education institutions. The findings show that process management constitutes a fundamental element for complying with basic quality conditions and accreditation standards. Furthermore, limitations associated with institutional leadership, the competencies of personnel responsible for quality management, and the limited implementation of internal audits were identified. As a contribution, the study presents instruments and tools for evaluating university processes, including management system diagnostics, multicriteria methods, and process interrelationship analysis. It is concluded that the systematic evaluation of process management promotes continuous improvement, strengthens institutional self-regulation, and significantly contributes to the assurance of educational quality in universities.