Logistika sistemov
University of Maribor
                            
                            SQAA:
                                                            Programme evaluation
                                                                                    
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                                            ProgrammeLogistika sistemov
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    Qualification/award- Doctorate
 
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    Levelthird cycle (NQF 10)
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    Programme typeFull recognised degree programme
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    DEQAR Report ID100023
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    Agency
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    Type- External (sample) evaluation of a study programme
 
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    Statuspart of obligatory EQA system
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    Formal decisionnot applicable
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    Date21/09/2023
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    Valid untilnot applicable
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    SummaryThe Faculty prepares a self-evaluation report on the functioning of the Faculty and the implementation of study programmes, in accordance with the UM guidelines. The faculty also prepares a self-evaluation report for the study programme "Logistics of Systems" at the 3rd level. The expert group notes that the self-evaluation report of the study programme should also include an action plan, on the b...Report summaryThe Faculty prepares a self-evaluation report on the functioning of the Faculty and the implementation of study programmes, in accordance with the UM guidelines. The faculty also prepares a self-evaluation report for the study programme "Logistics of Systems" at the 3rd level. The expert group notes that the self-evaluation report of the study programme should also include an action plan, on the basis of which the effectiveness of the implementation of measures/activities to improve and update the study programme could be monitored. Lecturers regularly implement minor additions to the subjects in the study programme to reflect the dynamic changes in the field of logistics activity, including updating of resources. The faculty does not conduct student surveys during the 3rd level studies. In an interview with the faculty leadership, the programme coordinator and the doctoral students, a group of experts concluded that the faculty collects the data for the change of the study programme in an informal way, but the collection of this data is not systematised. The faculty needs to appropriately formalise the monitoring and collection of 3rd level students' opinions, comments and suggestions regarding the implementation and content of the study programme (quality loop). The faculty has several possibilities to collect data from the students (questionnaires, focus groups or individual interviews with students). It is useful to consider introducing a self-evaluation survey of study providers, where proposals for changes and updates to the study programme could be directly identified. It is also necessary to take an appropriate measure to inform students and external stakeholders about the contents and measures of self-evaluation report. The Faculty has established a system for collecting proposals for changes to the study programme from external stakeholders through the Faculty Programme Council. The Faculty Programme Council consists of representatives of the project partners and employers. Minutes are kept at the meetings of the Programme Council. As the Programme Council has only recently been established, the impact of the proposals to change the study programme is not yet clear. The 3rd degree programme "Logistics of Systems" focuses on students' independent work, which is typical for 3rd degree programmes. Students carry out part of their independent work in the laboratories of the faculty. The laboratories are appropriately adapted and equipped for the type of study. As part of the orientation, students carry out various activities (measurements) in the laboratories. In individual courses, students write and publish original and transparent scientific articles based on research results. The study is very individual due to the small number of students. In the interview with the subject holders, the lack of tutors was highlighted, so the holders suggested reducing the number of students enrolled. The students confirmed in the interviews that the accredited hours of lectures and consultations are indeed conducted in accordance with the curriculum. However, they would like to see more contact hours in the compulsory courses, as students currently do a lot of independent work. The faculty does not measure the workload of third level students with independent work. It would be useful to set up a system to monitor the workload of students with independent work and compare it with the defined credit points for each course. Each year, mentors and students write a report on their participation and progress in their studies. The report is submitted to the coordinator of the doctoral programme. The doctoral students describe the professors as professional, approachable and responsive. The faculty monitors competences and learning goals based on the students' scientific publications, but this is only possible in the 2nd and 3rd year, not in the 1st year. The expert group suggests that the faculty introduce a system for monitoring the achievement of competences and learning goals in the 1st year. The project office mainly involves students in ARRS projects. Students are also involved in research in laboratories, or they carry out research with project partners from industry. The students' research activities are also reflected in their publications in scientific research publications. In interviews with a group of experts, the 3rd level students emphasised that they needed to be better informed about the possibilities of participating in different projects and research. Based on the documentation provided and interviews with academic staff, it can be concluded that the Faculty of Logistics at UM has a sufficient number of qualified lecturers to run the 3rd level doctoral programme. In the period from 2017 to 2021, the Faculty acquired and implemented seven research and development projects, six development and research and international projects and two marketing projects. In the last five years, UM FL acquired projects financed with public funds, funds from abroad or funds from the business sector with a total value of 993,503.034 EUR. Projects whose leaders are also holders of third-level study programmes at UM FL are taken into account. In the interviews, non-teaching staff expressed high motivation for the work and confirmed that they have guaranteed conditions for professional and personal development. The University of Maribor prepares "Izpolopolni UM"trainings for staff. Employees receive a monthly invitation and a training programme. The Faculty has suitable premises and quality equipment for the implementation of its mission, vision and goals. The faculty is financially stable. Students are enabled to progress smoothly and complete their studies if they regularly fulfill their obligations. Before starting their studies, students sign a special study and supervision agreement with the faculty, which defines all the rights and obligations of both the student and the faculty. The Faculty offers scholarships for doctoral studies, both for Slovenian and foreign students. In order to facilitate the students' progress, it has also introduced a postponement of the payment of tuition fees until the transfer of scholarship holder. The expert group concludes that it is necessary to shorten the study period accordingly, which was also agreed by the faculty leadership during the interviews. The faculty estimates that the cause is inactive students who have already been asked to finish or complete their studies. Also due to the experience with inactive students, the faculty has conversations with students before enrolment in which they try to present to them the complexity and burden of studying for a third degree. Lecturers are guaranteed autonomy in teaching and research, which is in accordance with the Code of Ethics of UM. In accordance with the 7th standard of Article 12 of the criteria, the Faculty informs stakeholders about its study programmes and activities through the website. The selfevaluation report of the faculty is also published on the website, but not the self-evaluation report of the study programme. As self-evaluation report is an extensive document, the expert group suggests publishing the summary for the foreign partners in Slovenian and English.
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    Report and decision
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    Permalink
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        Agency's identifier6034-3/2023/3
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    Verifiable Credential
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