Institutional accreditation approach through training as a strategy within university management systems

Abstract

This study aims to design a training system oriented toward strengthening the culture of university management for institutional accreditation at the Quevedo extension of UNIANDES University. To achieve this, a comprehensive analysis was conducted of theoretical, regulatory, and situational models related to evaluation and quality assurFormación especializadaance processes in higher education. The findings revealed a growing interest within the academic community in improving university management systems, highlighting the need for a critical understanding of the epistemological foundations of institutional quality. Additionally, the importance of having administrative teams with updated and contextualized training was identified, enabling them to lead transformation processes aligned with national and international standards. The institutional diagnosis confirmed achievements such as certifications under ISO 9001:2015 and compliance with annual operational plans. However, shortcomings were also identified, including insufficient cultural appropriation of quality, weak interdepartmental integration, and limited student participation in management processes. In response, a structured training system was proposed, based on two main pillars: evaluation and accreditation, and operational management. Special emphasis was placed on the training of internal auditors, quality managers, and institutional leaders. This model seeks not only to address the identified weaknesses but also to consolidate a culture of continuous improvement aligned with the requirements of Ecuador’s higher education system.