Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) has passed the audit of quality assurance system

“This is an excellent springboard for further development of both SAMK and of higher education institutions in Satakunta as a whole”, says Päivi Jaatinen, Development Director of SAMK.

The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (FINHEEC) has evaluated the quality assurance system of SAMK and SAMK has passed the QA audit. In a quality assurance audit it is evaluated how the QA system supports the leadership and the qualitative development of education, research and social interaction of the institution.

The QA activities are implemented as a normal part of strategy and practical work at SAMK. The activities are also closely linked with enterprise resource planning of the institution.

“The level of our QA system was ranked to belong to the second best group in terms of a four-point scale. This is an excellent springboard for further development of both SAMK and of higher education institutions in Satakunta as a whole”, says Päivi Jaatinen, Development Director.

SAMK’s quality assurance system has been steadily developed in order to make it a tool which guides the work and personal goals of each individual. Consequently, it enables each person to understand his or her own responsibility and impact on reaching the objectives of the whole SAMK.

“Our aim is to incorporate quality assurance closely into daily work. This begins already with the orientation programme as soon as a new employee is recruited to SAMK”, states Jaatinen.

SAMK’s strong input into QA work has brought about visible results along the years. According to the evaluation made by the Ministry of Education, SAMK is among the top five universities of applied sciences in Finland, when comparing the quality of education. The Ministry of Education has given SAMK two quality unit prizes for education and SAMK has also been selected to be a top unit for its activities in regional development.

Students have good possibilities to influence

In the audit report FINHEEC gives SAMK acknowledgement for the fact that a majority of the staff is committed to quality assurance and understands its importance. The QA system also guarantees the students good possibilities to participate and influence, which has been well benefited among the students. In its audit feedback FINHEEC also states that SAMK is well integrated into the surrounding society through its close interaction with the working life. Through advisory boards it is possible for the representatives of the working life to take active part in directing SAMK’s future activities.

“FINHEEC gave SAMK good feedback on our regular follow-up studies addressed to graduated students and employers, study feedback gathered from the students and our partnership contracts with companies”, says Päivi Jaatinen.

In its report, FINHEEC also makes some development recommendations. SAMK should clarify its Balanced Scorecard and increase the number of internal audits. It would also be vital for SAMK to better find out what kind of data produced by the QA system would be required by external stakeholders. In order to commit the whole SAMK staff into the QA system FINHEEC also recommends SAMK to further develop its QA system and enhance dialogue between the management and staff.

FINHEEC will evaluate the QA systems of all Finnish universities of applied sciences by the year 2011.

For further information kindly contact:
Ms. Päivi Jaatinen, Development Director, mobile +358-44 710 3014 or
Mr. Seppo Pynnä, President of SAMK, mobile +358-44 710 3010.