| Abstract [eng] |
The thesis consists of 186 pages, 25 figures, 15 tables, 10 appendices, 111 references The aim of the Master's thesis is to assess the effectiveness of integrating ISO 9001:2015 and Lean principles to improve internal quality assurance by analyzing the quality assurance systems of European higher education institutions, based on the recommendations of the ESG document. Research methodology: analysis of scientific literature - to analyse the ESG document Part 1 and to identify the potential synergies between the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard and the principles, tools and instruments of the Lean management system for a successful higher education quality assurance and learning environment. The survey method was to use an online questionnaire to interview representatives of the quality departments of foreign HEIs on the topic under study and to structure the results. The statistical tools used for the survey are SPSS (statistical package for data analysis; IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.2.0) and Microsoft Excel. Cronbach's alpha coefficient is used to test the reliability of the constructs. A weighted average is used to assess the importance of the ranked attributes. Pearson correlation method is used to assess the relationships between variables. The hypotheses are tested using linear multiple regression analysis, which allows for the evaluation of the various factors and their influence on the values of the variables considered. Synthesis method - to systematise and summarise the analysed material, to meet the set objectives of the work, to form recommendations and suggestions for higher education institutions on the topic under study. The aim of this thesis is to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of the integration of ISO 9001:2015 and Lean quality systems in the context of internal quality assurance in European higher education institutions. Based on a literature analysis and an empirical study, it was determined how these systems affect internal quality assurance processes focused on the implementation of ESG (European Standards and Guidelines for Internal Quality Assurance in Higher Education) principles. The study analysed how the ISO 9001:2015 standard and the Lean quality framework can be combined to optimise quality management practices and how their application in HEIs can contribute to improving the quality and competitiveness of education. The results of the Master's thesis show that the integrated application of ISO 9001:2015 and Lean management systems in the internal quality assurance of European HEIs contributes significantly to process efficiency and resource rationalisation, helping institutions to adapt to changing educational trends. Although a direct link between Lean and ESG requirements has not been established, the application of these approaches has nevertheless had a positive impact on the ESG-related aspects of sustainability and responsibility. The study highlights that an effective combination of these frameworks can significantly improve the competitiveness and attractiveness of HEIs by demonstrating a higher level of commitment to social responsibility issues. The combination of ISO 9001:2015 and Lean management systems in the internal quality assurance of European HEIs increases process efficiency and rationality of resource use. The application of these systems helps HEIs to better adapt to the dynamically changing requirements of the education market, as well as to increase their attractiveness and competitiveness. Although the link between Lean principles and ESG requirements is not direct, the effective integration of these frameworks has a positive impact on the sustainability and social responsibility aspects, reinforcing the institutions' commitment in these areas. ISO 9001:2015 and Lean systems can enhance quality assurance in higher education, promoting more efficient and sustainable educational practices. |
