Evaluation of academic quality assurance models in ecuadorian universities in light of recent regulatory criteria

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze quality management in Ecuadorian higher education and to assess the relevance of the new accreditation standards applied by the national regulatory body. The methodology used was mixed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Official documents from evaluation and accreditation processes conducted between 2009 and 2025 were reviewed, and a survey was administered to 30 national and international academic authorities. The results showed that quality management has evolved over the past fifteen years through transformations in regulatory bodies and the implementation of increasingly rigorous models. However, most of these models originate from European and North American contexts, with socioeconomic and funding conditions different from those in Ecuador, which creates difficulties for their implementation. Statistical analysis of the surveys revealed that 90% of the authorities surveyed perceived that the standards do not align with institutional or socioeconomic realities, prioritize bureaucratic processes over learning quality, and limit the assessment of knowledge transfer. An educational proposal was designed based on higher education trends and challenges to train faculty and improve preparation quality. It was concluded that, in order to ensure relevant and sustainable accreditation, models must be adapted to regional particularities and strengthen the emphasis on teaching, research, and social engagement.