A three-day workshop was held in Split as part of the Erasmus+ project SMEQA on the subject of IQA

In the period from April 14 to 16, 2025, a three-day workshop on the topic of internal quality assurance was held at the University of Split as part of the Erasmus+ SMEQA project - Strengthening capacities and mechanisms for improving the quality assurance system in higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose coordinator is the University of Zenica. The study visit was held in the premises of the University Library and brought together experts from the field of higher education, representatives of relevant ministries and quality assurance agencies.

The central theme of the three-day program was the development and implementation of a multidimensional model of internal quality assurance (IQA), which integrates standards of excellence in the areas of management, scientific research, cooperation with industry, studies, social responsibility and public communication. The model was presented as a dynamic system that supports the strategic development of higher education institutions, with a special emphasis on science as the foundation of the quality of the institution, as well as on support for young researchers, doctoral students and scientific mobility.

The first day was dedicated to the theoretical development of the model and the presentation of quality standard classes, and lectures were given by:

• prof. dr. sc. Mile Dzelalija – an introduction to the multidimensional IQA model
• assoc. prof. Ph.D. sc. Perica Bošković – a class of standards for IQA system management
• Assoc. Ph.D. sc. Gordan Radobolja - a class of standards for excellence in studies
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Mija Marinković – encouraging project orientation and scientific independence of young researchers
• Ivana Popović, PhD student – PhD student perspective in the context of IQA standards
• Prof. Dr. Sc. Jadranka Garmaz and Doris Žuro, MA Soc. – Social Dimension in Higher Education

The second day saw interactive workshops focused on analyzing and adapting questionnaires for the implementation of the IQA model in partner higher education institutions. Using self-assessment, reflection and peer learning methods, participants identified key strengths, challenges and development priorities of their internal quality systems.

The third day was dedicated to the coordination of project activities: meetings of the Consortium Board and the Quality Committee were held, results to date were evaluated, and a plan for future project activities was presented.

This study visit further strengthened inter-institutional and international cooperation and confirmed the need for an inclusive and development-oriented approach to quality assurance in higher education, in which all relevant stakeholders are actively involved.