Quality evaluation of departments at Iran Helal Institute of Applied-Science & Technology: application of system model

The quality evaluation of applied-science institutes is necessary due to the importance of continuous quality improvement. By using system model, current study has evaluated the inputs, processes and outputs of four departments at Iran Helal Institute of Applied-Science & Technology. In this mixed method study, 20 participants were interviewed in the qualitative phase. After content analysis of interviews and also using national and international experiences, 13 factors, 52 criteria, 280 indicators / judgment criteria were compiled in 3 sections including inputs, processes and outputs. On the basis of the results of qualitative phase, the questionnaires and checklist were prepared and completed by 341 participants including heads of departments, faculty members, students, alumni, and employers in the quantitative phase. According to the results, inputs and outputs of departments were evaluated at»fairly-desirable«level. Also the quality of process factor (teaching) was evaluated at»desirable «level. The results indicated that the evaluated departments have gap between their current situation and desirable situation especially in case of inputs and outputs. The list of evaluated factors, criteria, and indicators is a great document for Iran Helal institute of Applied-Science & Technology. Undesirable and fairly desirable level of some factors, criteria, and indicators in this document are spotlights for quality improvement and planning in this institute.