Title of publication
Audit of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
Authors
Karim Khakzar, Henrik Dindas, Hilal Karaoğlan, Hanne Salonen, Hanna Väätäinen & Kati Isoaho
Self-assessment of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (eds.) Tia Hoikkala, Elina Iloranta, Merja Lehtomäki, Marjaana Mäkelä, Inka Paakkinen & Johanna Rajakangas-Tolsa
The Higher Education Evaluation Committee’s decision
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has passed the audit on 26 May 2023.
The Quality Label is valid until 26 May 2029.
The audit team’s evaluation of evaluation areas I-III
I: HEI creates competence: good level
II: HEI promotes impact and renewal: good level
III: HEI enhances quality and well-being: good level
HEI as a learning organisation – evaluation area chosen by Haaga-Helia
Work&Study model
Theme and partner for benchlearning
Theme: Continuous Learning, especially eLearning
Partner: HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland & NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Key strengths and recommendations
Strengths
- Haaga-Helia considers the competence orientation of their degree programmes as a crucial quality standard. It has systematic and inclusive planning processes that ensure the relevance of its programmes for working life, which is also seen and appreciated by students and regional stakeholders.
- The reorganisation of the management of social impact initiatives and RDI projects as well as the refocusing of responsibilities shows that societal impact plays an important role in Haaga-Helia’s overall strategy. Clear procedures for applying for and implementing RDI projects support the motivation of teaching and research staff to commit to RDI projects.
- Haaga-Helia has created a positive culture towards professional development and continuously supports the staff’s individual competence development.
- The Work&Study model responds appropriately to the needs of future education, working life and continuous learning. The model is well in line with Haaga-Helia’s profile and strategic goals.
Recommendations
- Haaga-Helia should continue and expand its efforts in preparing international students for the Finnish labour market. In addition, Haaga-Helia should enhance opportunities for internationalization as well as improve the quality of the teaching staff, i.e., its English skills.
- Haaga-Helia should provide enough opportunities and possibilities for getting involved in RDI activities. Sufficient possibilities to improve entrepreneurial competences should also be provided. Management and administration of RDI projects requires more support.
- In order to optimize the benefits of Haaga-Helia’s quality system cycle ”Plan-Do-Check-Learn&Develop-Communicate”, the feedback procedures should be systematized and students and companies should be encouraged to give feedback more actively.
- The standards and implementation of the Work&Study model should be harmonized to ensure transparent and equal criteria for the recognition of competences. More concrete criteria for the type of work and work environment suitable for the model could support this as well.