The structure and operation of the E.S.D.P. and the MO.DI.P. are described below in:
a) Manual of the E.S.D.P. and
b) the Internal Rules of Operation of the Mo.DI.P.
2a) The handbook of the E.S.D.P.
The E.S.D.P. includes requirements that the Foundation fulfills in order to obtain relevant certification. The Quality Manual is an official document of the E.S.D.P. and is used as a guide for its implementation. The Quality Manual of the E.S.D.P. is compiled by the MO.DI.P.-A.T.TH. and is approved by the Senate of the Foundation. The Quality Manual contains the general requirements, the structure and organization of the E.S.D.P.-Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the Quality Policy of the Institution, the commitment of the Administration and the organizational structure of the E.S.D.P. In addition, the processes and procedures of the system are recorded and analyzed, with an illustration of the flow of the processes, and standard forms are provided for documentation. The structure of the ESDP includes processes and procedures, which are connected and interact with each other, in order to produce the individual and overall results of the operation of the System.
1. Processes are the organic units of the System, which correspond to the requirements of the standard. Processes take into account elements, called input data, that are necessary for the operation of the process. The results of the process are called output data.
2. The process is the way in which the process is implemented. The process has a beginning, stages and an end. The procedures include steps or steps, which must be followed in order to achieve the intended outcome of the process.
3. The documentation of each process shall be implemented by the necessary documents and files in electronic and/or paper form, in order to enable the monitoring and verification of compliance with the prescribed procedures.
4. Evaluation of the process: Each process is evaluated internally, both in terms of its own functionality and in terms of its effectiveness (i.e. if, if, it results in sufficient results that justify its existence). Indicators are used to evaluate effectiveness, which will be determined in the context of the Quality Manual of the Institution's ESDP.
5. The processes, procedures and documentation of the System are depicted and described in detail in the Quality Manual of the E.S.D.P., which is approved and revised by the Mo.DIP, whenever deemed necessary and approved by the Senate of the Institution.
The following are indicatively mentioned as Processes of the E.S.D.P. of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki:
1. Quality assurance policy of the Institution
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has developed and implements an official Quality Assurance Policy. The Quality Policy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki sets out the principles of operation of the Internal Quality Assurance System of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the continuous improvement of the Institution, as well as its obligation to public accountability. The Quality Policy is implemented within the framework of the Strategic Planning of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as approved by its competent bodies.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki establishes clear and defined objectives for the assurance and continuous improvement of the quality of the curricula provided, the research and innovation activities, as well as the scientific and administrative services. These objectives can be quantitative and qualitative and derive from the Foundation's strategy.
All internal stakeholders of the Foundation participate in the implementation and adherence to the Quality Policy.
The Institution's Quality Policy is published and is posted on the official website of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as on the website of MODIP.
2. Planning and Allocation of Resources
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki plans and allocates resources to meet the needs of teaching, research and its academic and operational activities in general.
3. Operation of the E.S.D.P.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki establishes and organizes the Internal Quality Assurance System, which includes procedures that correspond to all academic activities and functions. In particular, they focus on the quality of learning and teaching - including the learning environment - on research, innovation and management with a view to continuous improvement on the one hand and the implementation of legislation and certification standards on the other.
4. Internal Evaluation
The E.S.D.P. includes the process of the annual internal evaluation of the Institution's academic, research and administrative functions. The process aims to identify errors or gaps and to take corrective actions in order to achieve the objectives set, with the expected result of improving quality.
For the internal evaluation process (and for any procedures deemed appropriate) the HAEAE quality standards (e.g. quality standards for curricula) are used. For cases in which there are no relevant standards from the N.T.A.A.E., the MO.DI.P. can utilize data and reports from the existing quality systems of the units (indicatively, ISO Quality Standards, EFQM, etc.) in collaboration with them.
The Foundation's decisions to correct, comply or improve its quality assurance systems and operation are taken in the context of the EDPB's annual review process.
5. Quality Data Collection: Measurement, Analysis and Improvement
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki collects, analyzes and uses the information in a uniform, functional and immediately accessible way, in order to effectively manage the quality data of educational, research and other academic activities, the data of the administrative operation as well as the data submitted for the Achievement Report.
6. Information Management and Disclosure
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki publishes its educational, academic and research activities in a direct and accessible way. The information is published on the Foundation's website and in the official NCAs. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki publishes the applied Quality Assurance System and the Quality Policy and informs all interested parties about it. Care is taken to ensure that the relevant information is up-to-date and formulated in a complete, objective and clear manner.
7. Design, Establishment and Reform of Study Programs
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki implements specific procedures for the design and establishment of new Study Programs, as well as for the control and reform of aspects of existing Study Programs (undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral studies in Greek or foreign languages), in order for them to meet the current legislation and the standards of the HAHA and to meet the objectives and learning outcomes that have been set.
8. Certification
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki undergoes periodic external evaluation by committees of experts appointed by the National Institutes of Health, in order to certify the Internal Quality Assurance System, the Study Programs, the Lifelong Learning Center and any additional entity provided for by the Legislation.
2b: The Internal Rules of Operation of MODIP
The Internal Rules of Operation of MODIP are recorded in the following article.