IPA PROJECT

25-03-2011

Announcement – Conference “Addressing quality and transparency in education and training”, 13th April 2011

A conference to highlight progress in addressing the education reform agenda through the support and activities of the NQF and quality assurance in education project will be held between 10am and 2pm on the 13th April in the Congressional Hall of the Rectorate Building, University of Montenegro, Podgorica. Mr. Slavoljub Stijepović, Minister for Education and Sports and Mr. Nicola Bertolini, Head of Operations at the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro will open the conference which is being jointly hosted by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the University of Montenegro and the IPA-funded ”NQF and Quality Assurance in Education” project. This conference will mark the end of the project which closes mid May.

22-03-2011

Seminar for journalists on development and adoption of the Montenegrin Qualification Framework

A specialist seminar for journalists on the Montenegrin Qualifications Framework was held in Podgorica today. During this one-day training, the journalists specialising in education had an opportunity to learn about the goals, development and future challenges in the process of adopting the MQF.

A representative of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Mr Enrique Aguado- Asenjo, while opening the seminar, emphasized that one of the goals of the EU is to make it easier for people to move between countries to study and work. “Europe seeks to become the most competent market based on knowledge and skills and Montenegro has to be a part of this” said Mr Aguado-Asenjo.

The implementation of the Law on the National Qualifications Framework should enable a clear understanding and classification of domestic qualifications in a national framework. The compatibility of the NQF with the European Qualification Framework will encourage the mobility of work force, open up possibilities for the valuation of knowledge and competences that were not acquired in the formal education system, as well as encourage the development of life-long learning.

Journalists from all the relevant Montenegrin media were extensively informed about the MQF by the representatives of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Labour, and the representatives of Higher Education. They learnt about the European and British experiences from Janet Swainger, Team Leader of the project which has for the last two years provided expert support in this area.

The Law on the National Qualifications Framework was adopted in December 2010. The project “National Qualifications Framework and Quality Assurance in education” is supported by the EU IPA Funds.

02-03-2011

Recent event - 18 February: Seminar for the Cross-faculty Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Montenegro

Improving Student Learning through Effective Assessment and Feedback

On Friday, 18 February, a half day seminar was organized about this important topic for representatives of the various higher education institutions. The seminar was held at the University of Montenegro as a part of the programme of support for the Cross-faculty network members with quality assurance responsibilities provided through the EU-funded project „National qualification framework and quality assurance in education’’
The topic of the seminar was the improvement of student learning through effective assessment and feedback. The facilitator was a renowned international consultant, Professor Ray Land, Director of the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Enhancement at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

Presentations focused on “the role of assessment in fostering deep learning” and “Principles of effective assessment and feedback”. By analyzing two case studies of student assessment participants identified the principles that assessment should ideally meet. The participants learned about the experiences of internationally recognized universities, and exchanged ideas on ways of using marking schemes and assessment criteria to achieve more reliable grades.
For additional information regarding the forthcoming events of the Cross-faculty Network, please contact Maja Djukanović, our local expert, by phone + 382 20 414 251, +382 69 508 574, or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu .

08-02-2011

Graduates for the 21st Century

Public Lecture on Higher Education

Professor Ray Land,

University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK

Wednesday 16 February 12.00 – 1.30pm

Rectorate, University of Montenegro, Cetinjska 2, Podgorica

What attributes and values will graduates in Montenegro need in the coming decade? We cannot predict the future but we must help our students anticipate and prepare for active citizenship and continuing employability. In this process both students and their professors will need to encounter new ways of working, and deal with ‘troublesome knowledge’. In a knowledge-based global economy characterised by uncertainty, complexity, risk and speed, there needs to be a new emphasis on enquiry, ‘research-mindedness’, problem-formulation and interdisciplinary creativity. These qualities are valuable for business and industry as well as good citizenship. Examples of such approaches from different universities will be discussed, with the challenge also for professors to become ‘Academics for the 21st century’.

Professor Land is Professor of Higher Education at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a consultant for the OECD and the EU. He is the author of many books and scholarly articles on learning in universities and has given lectures in over twenty countries around the world. The lecture is being organized jointly with the University of Montenegro.

For further information contact:
National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education Project
Telephone 020 234 297

05-02-2011

Recent event held on 3rd February 2011
Council for Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Sports Working group meeting

The second meeting with the working group

On Thursday 3rd February, Council for Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Sports Working group met for the second time with members of the project team of the NQF and Quality Assurance in education project to further discuss the draft procedures and options for their implementation into the accreditation process in Montenegro The meeting was conducted by Dr. Patricia Georgieva, leading consultant for quality assurance within the project team.

The working group discussed material produced by Dr Georgieva since last week’s working group meeting:

Draft Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of external evaluation experts: Criteria and Procedures
Draft Procedure for Student involvement in external evaluation: Criteria and Procedures
Draft Model for a Site Visit Programme

The opportunities and threats presented through the involvement of national students into a panel of experts were discussed, as well as possible approaches to finding students who will meet the requirements, and how to protect them from being manipulated. The importance of students reports, and whether their conclusions and recommendations should be regarded as obligatory to the Panel (or as just a different perspective to the way the evaluated institution is discharging its responsibility to the quality of educational provision) was discussed. Dr Georgieva explained how this issue can be solved and provided examples from other countries in the region.

The group that the Model for the Site Visit Programme should be considered as a set of guidelines for panel experts and their work during the site visit this should form the basis upon which panels develop their own specific programmes for their visits in each particular case.

The material on Nomination and Appointment of external evaluation experts: Criteria and Procedures was also found to be very useful and, after some adjustments, will be sent out as a proposal for adoption.

For further information, please contact Ms Maja Đukanović, our local expert via phone +38220414251 and +38269508574 or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu

31-01-2011

Recent event held on 25th January 2011
Council for Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Sports Working group meeting

Sets of criteria for selection of experts for Evaluation and Accreditation

On Tuesday 25th January, Council for Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Sports Working group met with members of the project team of the NQF and Quality Assurance in education project to discuss criteria for selection of experts for Evaluation and Accreditation in Higher Education. The meeting was conducted by Dr. Patricia Georgieva, leading consultant for quality assurance within the project team.

The working group discussed material produced by Dr Georgieva since last meeting of the Council for Higher Education (Experts´ recommendations and decisions, criteria for selection, publicity and mandate). The issues of including students and of including employer representatives into panels of experts were raised. Dr Georgieva gave many examples to illustrate the two ideas, explaining why it is good to include students, and how this can be organised. She also gave examples of how employer representatives can be included into the process of reaccredidation.

One of the questions that was discussed extensively, was criteria for the selection of experts. Dr Georgieva outlined an example procedure for the nomination and appointment of experts which included three phases:
Phase 1: Call for applications
Phase 2: Administrative check, Inclusion
Phase 3: Appointment

Draft procedures for inclusion of students in evaluation panels and for the nomination and appointment of experts will be considered at the next meeting of the group which will be held on Thursday 3rd February 2011 at the MoES.

For further information, please contact Ms Maja Đukanović, our local expert via phone +38220414251 and +38269508574 or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu

27-01-2011

Recent event held on 18th January 2011
Policy Seminar for Accrediting Bodies on the Evaluation and Accreditation Framework in Montenegro

A Quality Assurance Policy Seminar for Accrediting Bodies

On Tuesday 18th January, a seminar was held for the members of the Council for Higher Education and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science concerning the Framework and Regulations for External Evaluation and Accreditation in Montenegro. The seminar was organized through the EU-funded project „National qualification framework and quality assurance in education” and was conducted by Dr. Patricia Georgieva, leading consultant for quality assurance within the project team. Participants were informed about the generic functions of a Quality Assurance Agency including its administrative, co-ordination and decision-making functions.

Ms. Mubera Kurpejović, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, gave an overview of the current situation and clarified the role of the Council in the in the field of higher education. To inform the Council for Higher Education and Ministry of Education and Sports on the external processes more appropriately, Dr. Georgieva has presented a review of European Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance agencies, structured according to the ENQA Membership criteria.

Using many practical examples, Dr. Georgieva helped participants to understand the role of the Council. After the presentation she opened the discussion about the implications for the functioning of the Council for Higher Education as a national quality assurance body. One of the questions that was discussed extensively, was creating a list of experts for accreditation. Participants also received a copy of the leaflet on the Montenegrin Qualifications Framework (MQF). The Law on MQF was adopted by the Parliament at the end of December 2010. The leaflet sets out the main concept and elements of the MQF and highlights the benefits for learners and for employers. This raised the question of the jurisdiction and the role of the Council in the National Qualifications Framework.

For further enquires, please contact Ms Maja Đukanović, our local expert via phone +38220414251 and +38269508574 or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu

26-01-2011

MQF implementation moves ahead

Now that a Law on the National Qualifications Framework has been adopted, the Ministry of Education and Sport and the IPA-funded NQF and Quality Assurance in Education project is planning a busy schedule of activities for the coming months. The new bodies to support and manage MQF implementation will be established, detailed planning about the implementation will take place, further events will be held to raise awareness about the MQF and new publications will be produced.

Calendar of key dates in MQF development

Appointment of national steering group for MQF	End January 2011
Appointment of members of National Council for Qualifications	March 2011
Establishment of MQF Department in MoEs	By end March 2011
MQF implementation – action planning workshop	End January/beginning of February 2011
MQF information system training – administrators of the system	During period February/March
MQF information system training – users of the system	During period February/March
Information and qualification modules of the MQF Information System “live”	February 2011
Employer Conference on MQF hosted by SME Directorate, MoLSW and Montenegrin Employers’ Federation	16th February 2011
Briefing on MQF for Senate at University of Montenegro	27th January 2011
Study visit – MQF implementation	Provisional date 27th February – 5 March 2011
Media training for key spokespeople for MQF (remaining 2 sessions)	February 2011
Media day - awareness raising on MQF for Press and visual media	March 2011
Bureau for Education Services – seminars on developing Citizenship unit for teachers	24 and 25 March 2011
Drafting of special regulations on MQF begins	February 2011
Sectoral Commission for Tourism and Hospitality – 5th meeting	23rd February 2011
Sectoral Commission for Construction and Architecture – 5th meeting	24th February 2011
Publication of additional awareness-raising tools – leaflet, postcard, presentation pack, animated clip about MQF	End March 2011
Publication of MQF User Manual	April 2011

12-01-2011

Establishment of a national framework for qualifications in Montenegro moves a step closer.

A Law on the Montenegrin Qualification Framework was adopted by Parliament at the end of 2010 and was published in Sluzbeni List no. 80 on 31 December. This marks the conclusion of a considerable amount of work on the development of the Law by the Ministry of Education and Science legal department and representatives from the IPA-project working group on MQF. The team leader of the IPA project, Janet Swainger provided technical expertise and support during this process. Speaking on behalf of the project team, Mrs Swainger said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Montenegro now has a Law to guide the future development of the MQF. Setting up the necessary systems and procedures to support the functioning of the MQF and the development and approval of qualifications that meet international standards can now move ahead. There is a considerable amount of work to be done, but the development of the MQF is important to increasing the possibilities for people to gain recognition for their knowledge, skills and competences however they have been acquired. If implemented appropriately, the developments will increase the quality of qualifications and the value of Diplomas and Certificates awarded as a result of learning and assessment. There will also be greater flexibility about how and where to learn.

The IPA project team is continuing to support the MQF development process. During the coming months the team will work with the NQF working group, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Directors of the main implementing institutions to develop a detailed action plan for the next phase of implementation. A range of publicity materials will be developed to help increase awareness about the MQF and to aid the development and implementation of the necessary systems. For more information about the MQF please visit the dedicated MQF website www.cko.edu.me”

14-12-2010

Recent event held on 9th December 2010
Seminar within Cross-faculty network for quality assurance in higher education in Montenegro

Using learning outcomes in tourism and hospitality

Implementation of the programme of seminars to promote cross-faculty cooperation in the higher education sector continued this week with a specialized seminar for staff in tourism and hospitality faculties. The seminar was organized on 9th December at the Faculty for International Tourist Management in Miločer.

The topic of the seminar was “using learning outcomes in tourism and hospitality”. It was moderated by professor Tom Baum from the Strathclyde Business School in Scotland. Professor Baum is involved in many tourism-related initiatives in higher education and is part of a renowned research group that focuses on people management in the services sector.

Participants at the seminar explored the approach to developing learning outcomes for the existing and future programmes within tourism and hospitality at levels of the Montenegrin Qualification Framework.

A Guide for writing learning outcomes was presented at this seminar and participants had an opportunity to try and develop some for their sector. A summary of new occupations in the sector of tourism and hospitality was provided as a focus for future discussion about potential new national qualifications.

For further enquires, please contact Ms Maja Đukanović, our local expert via phone +38220414251 and +38269508574 or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu

06-12-2010

Review of the seminar of the Cross-faculty network for quality assurance held on 2nd November 2010 at the Rectorate building of the University of Montenegro

35 representatives from the sector for higher education have participated at the seminar organized for staff working at institutional and faculty level with the responsibilities in management of quality assurance. The participants came from state and private universities, as well as from the Ministry of education and science (Sector for higher education, Department for Scientific Research and TEMPUS Programme). Besides, representatives from the students’ parliaments from the University of Montenegro, University of Mediteran and University Donja Gorica were present. There were three international experts who significantly contributed to the discussion: professor Ray Land and Dr Catherine Owen from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and Hugh Glenvill, a consultant from England.

Participants were welcomed by Dr Patricia Georgieva, a consultant for quality assurance within the IPA team of the project on ‘National qualification framework and quality assurance in education’. In her presentation on ‘Criteria for effective systems for quality assurance’, Georgieva emphasized parameters for elaboration of quality systems and illustrated ‘closed circle of quality control’ for programme reviews. She as well explained criteria for effectiveness that represent a minimum for assessment of system’s effectiveness in the area of quality assurance, which are:

Values, purpose and strategic approach;
Measurable indicators of quality;
Function and structure of the quality system;
Organization, management and resources of the quality system;
Data management;
Communication, including institutional mechanisms for exchange of good practice in quality management and improvement;
Periodical review of all arrangements for quality assurance.

This presentation can be downloaded from the website of the Cross-faculty network for quality assurance www.qualitynet.edu.me

After this presentation, there was a plenary discussion where barriers for setting up the process were discussed as well as quality mechanisms.

The topic of the afternoon workshop was creation of the structure for quality assurance at the University. Participants were divided in two groups and each group had its chair person who led the discussion and a reporter who took minutes and presented the report on findings of the group at the final plenary session.

First part of the workshop consisted of the task to agree on ideal approach to quality of an institution that they represent and to formulate common statement on policy of the quality. After presenting the report, the groups’ next task was to, in accordance with agreed statement, create and discuss adequate structure for quality assurance at the university. Both groups could use strategic documents of their institutions, for example strategic plans, strategies for quality assurance, action plans for quality improvement and so on.

The aim of this workshop was to start with the draft of the quality statement and based on this statement to build adequate structure for quality assurance of respective institutions for higher education. These structure and criteria that manage functioning of these processes have to be compatible with the quality statement as well as with the university vision, its purpose and values, and long-term and short-term objectives.

Reports from the two groups prompted further discussions at the final plenary session. Participants agreed that it is becoming imperative for their faculties and institutions to develop and support their quality systems on a continuous base in order to achieve overall improvement of their performance. The external quality assurance framework, based on periodic external evaluations and re-accreditation encourages universities and other higher education institutions in Montenegro to seek incremental improvements in their performance and stimulates such improvements through evaluations at regular intervals every four years.

It is expected that, in this way, suport will be provided for elaboration of effective quality assurance systems at Montenegrin universities and instituions for higher education.

03-12-2010

Briefing on MQF for members of the Senate of the University of the Mediteran

Members of the project team of the MQF and Quality Assurance in education project were kindly invited to provide a briefing about the MQF for members of the University Senate. Janet Swainger, team leader and Slavica Raicevic, education expert gave a general overview of the main elements of the system and provided an update on progress towards adoption of a Law to regulate the MQF. Mrs Swainger said that the Montenegrin drafting team had created a Framework that offers many new and exciting opportunities for the development of qualifications and for gaining recognition of performance, however the competence is gained. It will be possible to gain recognition for small amounts of learning as well as large amounts that are the norm for current qualifications. It also provides the scope for acquiring certification and building up to a whole qualification gradually. This should lead to greater recognition of the outcomes of learning that takes outside formal full-time school and university programmes as well as those gained within them. This should help to promote lifelong learning and make it more of a reality. The briefing was welcomed by the members of the Senate who said that they were very committed to moving this important develop forward.

25-11-2010

Recent event - 11 November: Seminar for the Cross-faculty Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Montenegro

Using internal programme reviews in order to improve student learning

Thursday, 11 November, University of Mediteran – A seminar for the Cross-faculty QA Network members with responsibilites in quality assurance at the institutional and faculty level was organised within the EU-funded project „National qualification framework and quality assurance in education”.

The focus of the seminar was the use of internal programme reviews in order to improve student learning. The facilitator was Catherine Owen, project manager at the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Enhancement at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

The participants learned about the experiences of internationally recognized universities, and exchanged ideas on the ways of using internal reviews in order to improve modules and programmes in Montenegro. Guidelines for those who create Good Practice reports were presented at the seminar, and working in small groups ensured discussion and exchange of good practices.

Student representatives from the University of Mediteran took active participation in discussions and provided valuable feedback from their learning experiences.

Dr. Patricia Georgieva, leading consultant for this Network component of the Project, presented to the participants the recently developed ‘Guide to reports on Good Practice in quality assurance and quality enhancement’ and invited faculties’ representatives to produce and send reports from their faculties to the team in order to be considered for publication on the website. The Guide can be downloaded from the ‘Announcements’ section of the website.

For additional information regarding the forthcoming events of the Cross-faculty Network, please contact Maja Djukanovic, our local expert, by phone + 382 20 414 251, +382 69 508 574, or by e-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu .

18-11-2010

Thirty representatives from higher education institutions attended a successful seminar about “Criteria for Effective Quality Assurance Systems in Higher Education” at the Rectorate Building of the University of Montenegro on Tuesday 2nd November

Designing and implementing quality systems at institution and programme level can seem a challenging task. A one-day seminar was therefore organised by the IPA NQF and Quality Assurance in education project with the aim of helping HE institutions improve their QA systems. This was the third seminar in the series of activities for the members of the Cross-Faculty QA network. The seminar was conducted by Dr Patricia Georgieva, a long-term consultant for quality assurance in higher education within the project team and an experienced practitioner in higher education quality assurance systems.

The Seminar topic is closely linked to internal quality assurance processes in Montenegro and the approach to re-accreditation which is based on external evaluation of the effectiveness of institutional and faculty quality systems. One of the main aims was to help establish a common understanding about what constitutes an effective quality assurance system, so that both university quality managers and external accreditors have shared expectations and assumptions about the main features of such a system in the context of higher education.

Participants heard about the use of closed quality cycles as well as other key parameters of successful quality systems. They also had the opportunity to focus on the design of quality structures. The idea of regular programme review as a mechanism for quality assurance with associated responsibilities for quality and standards at various levels in the institution was also introduced. Small-group workshop sessions provided opportunities to discuss and implement some of the ideas about quality assurance systems in designing an institution or faculty structure for quality assurance. It is anticipated that through participation in the seminar and in these discussions, the development of effective quality assurance systems in Montenegrin universities and higher education institutions will be supported.

Seminar materials are available to members of the cross-faculty network on their website www.qualitynet.me. Further information can be obtained from Maja Djukanovic from the project team. Tel/Fax: + 382 20 414 251, +382 69 508 574,
E-mail maja.djukanovic@montqual.eu

01-11-2010

Recent Event – 22nd October: Students meet to learn more about their role in quality assurance

With the aim of recognition of students’ role in improving quality in higher education, representatives from the students’ Parliaments at the University of Montenegro, the University of Mediteran and the University of Dornja Gorica, met on 22nd October, for a seminar about the role of students in quality assurance. The seminar was jointly organized by the IPA-funded NQF and quality assurance project and representatives from the Students’ Parliaments. Students strongly welcomed the opportunity to discuss the significance of quality assurance in their own institutional setting. They identified existing challenges in relation to good quality of their studies, and discussed possible solutions.

Students have a very important role to play in improving quality in higher education through providing feedback on the quality of their experiences and making suggestions about how they can be improved. The involvement of students can help to speed up the process of modernization and reform of higher education. Students met for the whole day to increase their awareness about the various roles they might adopt in both internal and external quality assurance processes, and to increase their understanding about how they themselves might contribute to the improvement of their studies and institutions as a whole.

The seminar focused on current developments in the European higher education area and the shared principles and practices there. Some of questions discussed included:

to what extent are the ESG for internal quality assurance of higher education institutions achievable in your institutional setting?
are these standards and guidelines meaningful? How significant are they in your disciplinary context?
do the European standards and guidelines encourage accountability to students and employers?
what quality assurance themes emerge in your programme/institution setting?
how might your own university secure the engagement of students?
how does the ESG assist in so doing?
what challenges do these quality standards pose to your programme? To your university?
what are possible solutions to the identified challenges in your setting?

Ms. Mubera Kurpejovic, the new Deputy Minister for Higher Education, made a presentation about recent major changes in the legal framework for quality assurance in higher education in Montenegro. One of these changes is that student participation is now included within the accreditation and re-accreditation processes. A student representative will be nominated to the Accreditation Council. This is a significant move forward in recognition of the importance of engagement of students in policy development and implementation.

Students stressed the importance of having national seminars on implementation of higher education reform which include students. They suggested that such meetings need to be held regularly with managers from their own institutions and with national policy makers. As a next step to their national representation in the external quality assurance they plan to arrange for their international representation in relevant European organisations like ESU (European Union of Students). This, however, requires that a national student body would be established. Participants agreed to work in the next period.

28-10-2010

Training Seminar with Workshop for the Network members “Criteria for Effective Quality Assurance Systems”

Following the agreed work plan and activities of the QA Network, I am pleased to kindly invite you to attend the seminar on “Criteria for Effective Quality Assurance Systems”, which is going to take place on November 2, 2010, at the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro, Podgorica.

The purpose of this full-day event is to facilitate the development of effective quality assurance systems in Montenegrin universities and higher education institutions by providing opportunities for discussion on various criteria for effectiveness of such systems. The focus of the seminar is therefore on re-accreditation methodology of HEC and providing support for faculties’ preparations for external evaluation and re-accreditation at various institutions. It also introduces the idea of regular programme review as a mechanism for quality assurance with associated responsibilities for quality and standards at various levels in the institution. Workshop sessions in small groups will provide opportunities to discuss and practice ways for designing processes, mechanisms and tools that are associated with effective quality systems.

We are expecting you to join us at this seminar and contribute to the group discussions.

To secure a place at the Seminar, please fill in the Registration Form below and send it back to our Project Office, as indicated.

- Registration form.doc

20-10-2010

Announcement: Chamber of Economy of Montenegro was host to a Conference about Montenegrin Qualification Framework for employers today

October 19th 2010

The IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’’, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, today organised a conference on the Montenegrin Qualifications Framework.

The main goal of the Conference was to provide employers and employers’ association representatives with introductory information about the concept of a Montenegro Qualifications Framework. The opening speeches were given by the President of Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Mr Velimir Mijušković, Minister of Education and Science Mr Slavoljub Stijepović and Mr Nicola Bertolini, Head of Operations in the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro. Mrs Janet Swainger, leader of the IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’’ team gave a presentation on the Concept of the Montenegrin Qualification Framework.

The process of establishment and development of a Montenegrin Qualification Framework should enable the classification of qualifications from the perspective of the complexity of knowledge, skills and competences that an individual possesses. It should also improve the linkage and comparison between different types of qualifications within the framework. The process of establishing and developing the Montenegrin Qualification Framework is supported by the IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Higher Education’’, financed through the EU. Bearing in mind the important role of employers in the process of the establishment and development of the Montenegrin Qualification Framework, close cooperation with all relevant employers’ associations in the country is essential.

14-10-2010

Forthcoming event: Conference on Montenegrin Qualification Framework

On Tuesday, 19 October 2010, it will be organized the Conference on Montenegrin Qualification Framework. The Conference is organized by IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’’ in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, and will take place at 10:00 at the premises of The Chamber of Economy of Montenegro.
The opening speeches will be given by president of Chamber of Economy of Montenegro Velimir Mijušković, Minister of education and science Slavoljub Stijepović and Nikola Bertolini, Head of Operations in Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro. Janet Swainger, leader of the IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’’ team will have a presentation on Concept of Montenegrin Qualification Framework.
The main goal of the Conference is to provide employers and employer’s association representatives the introductory information about the concept of Montenegro Qualification Framework, which represents an instrument for easier understanding and comparison of qualifications and which is aimed at persons who learn, employers and wider public. The Conference will be an opportunity for representatives from the most important Montenegrin companies to discuss the topics on actual situation in the field, benefits that economy sphere will have from MQF development and implementation, and necessity for employers’ direct involvement in the processes of defining needs and development of new qualifications that satisfy their workforce needs.

The process of establishment and development of Montenegrin Qualification Framework should enable classification of qualifications from the aspect of complexity of knowledges, skills and competences that an individual possesses and to improve linking between different types of qualifications within the framework. The process of establishment and development of Montenegrin Qualification Framework is supported by the IPA Project ’’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Higher Education’’, whose realization is financed by the sources from EU. Bearing in mind the importance that employers could have in the process of establishment and development of Montenegrin Qualification Framework, this project involves close cooperation with all relevant employers’ associations in the country.

For additional information about the Conference, please be free to contact Ms Slavica Raičević, phone: 069 570 403 and Ms Irena Laković, phone: 069 570 766, both engaged in the organization of this conference by the IPA Project Team

- Programme of conference.pdf

30-09-2010

Sectoral Commissions for Qualifications meet for a second time

During the period of September 28-30. 2010 three one-day meetings of the Sectoral Commissions for qualifications - Construction and spatial development, Tourism and hospitality and Agriculture, food and veterinary were held.
The main topic during the meetings was analysis of current qualifications and how they fit against the emerging Montenegro Qualification Framework. Members of the Commissions analysed the current situation within their sectors with specific reference to the labour market and employers’ needs, as well as to the future socio-economic development needs in Montenegro. Sectoral commission’s members considered available research data in construction and spatial development, tourism and hospitality and agriculture, food and veterinary sectors, including strategic documents and policy papers. For each of the sectors and sub-sectors they considered; the workforce structure, the influence of global competition, developments in science and technology, economic factors and trends relevant to their sectors. On the basis of their findings they started the process of making proposals for new and revised qualifications that will satisfy future needs.

Members of the Sectoral Commission for Construction and spatial development reported after the meeting that they are pleased about the establishment of the sectoral commissions. They believe the Commissions will make a special contribution to the overall human capital improvement in Montenegro. By establishing sectoral commissions for qualifications, as a part of the Montenegro Qualification Framework, Montenegro will be able to identify the qualifications needed at levels, from the most basic to the most advanced. This will help Montenegro to become a part of European qualification area as well, and for Montenegro qualifications to be recognized across the Europe. It is of special importance that MQF will provide the opportunity for recognition of non-formal and informal learning as well as that which takes place in the more formal school and university system.

The next meetings for the Sectoral Commissions for Qualifications will be held October 26, 2010 for construction and spatial planning, October 27, 2010 for sector of tourism and hospitality and 28th for agriculture, forestry, food processing and veterinary.

14-09-2010

Montenegro Qualification Framework – Glossary of terms

This two language glossary of terms used in national qualification framework policy is intended for MQF implementers and more widely for all those involved in MQF policy. It identify as a selection of key terms that are essential for an understanding of current qualification framework policy in Montenegro and in Europe. This glossary takes into consideration a series of important recent policy developments, such as establishment of Montenegro Qualification Framework and its development.

This glossary was prepared by IPA 2007 ‘National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’ project team. The publication will be also available online on MQF’s website (www.cko.edu.me).

It is our hope that this work will aid communication among Montenegro Qualification Framework stakeholders, especially implementers and contribute to a better understanding of qualification framework policy.

- Glossary of terms.pdf

06-09-2010

The first newsletter published by IPA Project ’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’

The first newsletter is being published by IPA 07 Project ’National Qualification Framework and Quality Assurance in Education’ to mark the completion of the first 12 months of the project, the current stage of progress and the approach in the coming months.

The Project team would like to thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this point. We look forward to continuing this work over the coming months.

In this Newsletter:

First Phase Development of the Montenegrin Qualification Framework (MQF) reaches its conclusion
Next steps with the Montenegrin Qualification Framework – making it a reality!
A Quality Assurance Strategy for the University of Montenegro
Encouraging networking amongst all those involved in higher education in Montenegro
Forthcoming events (provisional)

- MQF Project newsletter No1.pdf

19-07-2010

The project reaches its half-way point!

June and July have been very busy for those working on the NQF and QA in education project which has now been running for almost 10 of its 20 month duration. A number of outputs have been completed and progress on both components is becoming increasingly noticeable.

On the MQF, the development phase is almost complete and in September the implementation phase (that will help to turn the concept into a reality) will start. Some of the key milestones include:

completion of the consultation phase on the level descriptors for the MQF - these are now included in the draft Law on MQF;
development of concrete proposals about the other elements of the MQF system: the Montenegrin Credit Transfer System; the types of qualifications and types of award that will be available;
production of a set of 6 methodologies that will support the implementation of the MQF - these include guidelines about how to level existing and new qualifications, how to apply the Montenegrin Credit system to new qualifications, how to specify new qualifications and units for inclusion within the MQF and how to recognise non-formal and informal learning;
An analysis of the training needs of those who will be the main players in the development and implementation of the MQF;
around 15 meetings, training activities and consultations with members of the NQF working group and key agencies;
development of a unique visual identity for the MQF including a special logo, templates and other visual elements;
production of a user-friendly leaflet about the MQF which will be in circulation in September;
delivery of 15 separate awareness raising events for a variety of organizations and individuals;
the start of work on a web-based system that will allow much improved access to information about qualifications, assessment and learning opportunities across all the qualifications in the MQF;
establishment of two of the planned Sectoral commissions for Qualifications that will play a key role in ensuring that qualifications developed are relevant and well-designed.

At the same time the project team has been working closely with the University of Montenegro to develop their quality assurance strategy and has started implementing a programme of activities for people involved in quality assurance across all the universities and faculties of higher education. Some of the key milestones include:

5 days of meetings for the QA strategy working group;
5 training seminars for the whole QA strategy working group and a further 4 workshops on particular topics for specialist sub-groups;
establishment of a cross-faculty network for those engaged in QA in higher education in Montenegro;
a national conference on the Standards and guidelines for QA in the European Higher Education Areas for those involved in QA in higher education;
production of a set of guidelines for course/programme review in higher education;
development of a set of national performance indicators to support the monitoring of quality assurance across all higher education in Montenegro;
agreement about the focus for the development of the national information system to support QA in higher education;

In addition, we have assisted with the purchase and installation of IT equipment and software to strengthen the capacity of the MoES and the University of Montenegro to process and distribute data in support of the MQF and QA systems in Montenegro.

The next phase of activities will begin in September. The project office will be closed in the period 23rd July to 16th August.

19-07-2010

Awareness Raising Sessions About the MQF

Two further awareness raising sessions about the MQF were held for senior members of the Montenegrin Employment Agency and for members of the Councils for VET, Adult and General Education at the beginning of July. Janet Swainger and Slavica Raicevic from the project team were invited to address a meeting of the management group at the Montenegrin Employment Agency and to answer questions about the project, the concept and stage of development of the MQF and the role that the Employment Agency will have in its implementation. This topic is of great importance to the Employment Agency as it has such a key role to play in helping those who are unemployed enter or re-enter the labor market, it provides training for the unemployed and it also has close links with employers and the labor market. Recognizing the outcomes of non-formal and informal learning is very important in this context and the development of the MQF, which provides a mechanism for recognizing the outcomes of learning however it is achieved was of course of great interest to the participants.

The second meeting, for those involved in the various Councils, was held at the Restaurant Radovce. It was very well-attended and there was a lively discussion about the MQF concept and what it will mean in reality. Again, the opportunities it presents to recognize the outcomes of non-formal and informal learning as well as formal learning were welcomed. It was agreed that there will be a considerable amount of further work to make the MQF a reality but the project team explained how this is going to be taken forward and supported in the coming months.

17-06-2010

Awareness raising about Montenegrin Qualifications Framework enters a new stage!

In order to prepare people from key national institutions to apply and implement the MQF in an efficient and high quality manner, a further series of awareness raising seminars/workshops has been organized during the last two weeks. Employees in the Ministry of Education and Science, the Bureau for Education and the Examination Centre considered the whole Montenegro Qualification Framework concept and, in particular, the implications of the MQF implementation for their regular work activities.

Workshops for employees in the Ministry of Education and Science and the Bureau for Education were organized on June 10 and for the Examination Centre on June 16. The main approach was to combine presentation of the key segments of the Framework, with the possibility for participants to discuss and ask further questions on topics that are relevant for their further work.

Staff from all the above institutions have also taken part in a training needs analysis to help identify where to focus further training and support as the process of developing and implementing the Montenegro Qualification Framework continues. Based on the results of this exercise, tailor-made training programmes and mentoring will be provided.

09-06-2010

Visual identity for MQF

Strawberry I&S, a regional media and design company has been contracted to produce an MQF/CKO logo and a visual identity for the whole MQF/CKO development. In addition to the logos (Montenegrin and English versions) and accompanying book of standards, a set of templates has been commissioned. This development should help create a brand identity for the MQF and increase recognition of this important development.

Roll-up banners and a leaflet about the MQF, targeted at implementers and employers will be ready later this month. A domain name www.cko.edu.me has been registered. Other tools and materials will follow.

For further information about the current stage of development of the MQF/CKO, please contact the project team at their office in the MoES, room 17, second floor, telephone (020) 410 170.

19-05-2010

Working Group meetings for MQF conducted

The MQF working group met again on two occasions in May - 13th and 18th in the MOES conference room. These were full day workshops with the focus on finalizing the methodologies developed at the previous residential workshop in Pobori. Over the two days the group finalized the following methodologies:

Classifying a Qualification,
Specifying a Qualification,
Aligning an existing qualification with the MQF,
Placing a new qualification on the MQF and
Applying a credit rating to a qualification.

The next stage in the development of the methodologies is a technical edit by the international expert team. Thereafter, the methodologies can be used in the training of qualification implementers and in the consultation with other stakeholders.

05-05-2010

NQF working group

The NQF working group will be meeting on two occasions in the coming weeks. On the 13th May they will work on concluding the methodologies for classifying qualifications and for specifying a qualification. On the 18th May they will complete their work on the development of a methodology for aligning existing qualifications with the MQF and on methodologies for credit rating and recognition of non-formal and informal learning.

05-05-2010

Awareness raising for staff in the VET Centre

Six representatives from the VET Centre met with Slavica Raicevic and Janet Swainger from the IPA NQF and quality assurance in education project last Thursday (29th April) for the first of a series of regular weekly sessions about the MQF. The topic for this week was the MQF concept and the MQF levels and level descriptors. For some this was all very new, whilst for others it offered an opportunity to reinforce what they already knew about the MQF generally and to examine the proposed Montenegrin level descriptors in more detail. There was much discussion, particularly about the level descriptors which stimulated considerable debate. A formal consultation on the proposed level descriptors will take place soon.

13-04-2010

The Montenegrin Qualifications Framework (MQF)

The Montenegrin Qualifications Framework (MQF) is a vehicle to understand and compare qualifications; to be used by learners, employers and the general public to show the links between different types and levels of qualifications, and the progression pathways available for lifelong learning.

The levels within the MQF provide the guidance to recognise existing qualifications and to specify new qualifications in terms of expected learning outcomes, which reflect the knowledge, skills and competences of the learners. This focus on outputs means that learning can be recognised irrespective of the learning routes, thus enabling the recognition of non-formal and informal learning alongside that acquired through formal programmes. This allows people of all ages and circumstances to gain qualifications, and gives employers the capacity to evaluate the skills of the workforce against the standards expected in the work place.

The introduction of a transferable credit system to recognise learning outcomes, as they are achieved, will enable learners to understand and plan their lifelong learning journey. Additional value of the MQF is that it will allow the comparison of Montenegrin qualifications on an international level, thus promoting the mobility of learners and the labour force both at home and abroad.

The success of the MQF will be measured through comprehensive mechanisms for quality assurance and clearly defined responsibilities of those involved at each stage of the learner’s journey.

- Concept MQF ENG.pdf

30-03-2010

MQF Working Group meeting – seminar in Pobori

Members of the MQF Working Group escaped from their busy offices for three days on 22 - 24 March 2010, to focus on the development of the component methodologies required to implement the MQF.

The venue for the event was the isolated Hotel Zamak in Pobore, where the excellent conference and business centre provided the perfect venue for such an intensive work schedule.

The Working Group, supported by the Project team and building on their recent training, tackled and completed the ambitious task of producing working methodologies in 6 component areas of the MQF, namely, classifying qualifications, specifying qualifications, writing learning outcomes, levelling qualifications, credit rating of qualifications and the recognition of non – formal and informal learning.

The group approached their task by breaking it into manageable objectives and assigning each team member to sub-groups for each activity. On day three, the groups exchanged and reviewed each others' work to produce versions of the methodologies to be proposed for consultation with wider stakeholders.

30-03-2010

IPA project team in Mojkovac

The members of the IPA project team visited Mojkovac on the 19th March to talk to school directors and representatives of the Employment bureaus in the Northern municipalities of Montenegro about the Montenegrin Qualification Framework. Secondary school ‘Vuksan Đukić’ in Mojkovac hosted the event which was attended by 18 representatives of the various institutions. A lively discussion and practical work followed a presentation about the concept and the proposed levels for the MQF.

Participants welcomed the session and asked that more be arranged about this important topic. This is the final session in the first phase of awareness-raising about the MQF - a second phase will begin after Easter. This next phase will be targeted at those in the Ministry of Education and Science, the VET Centre, the Bureau for Education Services, the Examination Centre and the Universities who will implement the MQF.

30-03-2010

Working Group in strategic planning for quality holds its second meeting at Hotel Residence, Milocer

A second meeting of the group took place on 25 and 26 February 2010 in Milocer. The two-fold purpose of the meeting was to: (a) outline a university policy statement regarding quality and quality assurance, based on previous meeting’s discussions; (b) agree on priorities for the university quality assurance and devise a set of quality targets to be achieved in the future.

The meeting was conceptually structured around the idea to develop a coherent institutional approach to quality and quality assurance, instead of simply jumping into designing tools and procedures. From the very beginning, therefore, the attention was focused on what the aspirations of the University are, how from these aspirations one can define the institution’s purpose, values and principles, so that they would guide the construction of a robust and effective quality assurance system in the future. Members of the Working Group shared the idea that self-reflection on the university work is needed before deciding how to get to a quality system that would assist university in achieving its vision and purpose. In setting up an internal framework for quality assurance as a key feature of the quality strategy, the University is guided by the concept of quality as continuous improvement. Such a concept underlines the need for taking deliberate steps to bring about improvement in the effectiveness of the learning experiences of students. In order to be able to take such deliberate steps, the University, its faculties, departments, units need to ask itself:

where are we now?
where do we want to be in the future?
how are we going to get there?
how will we know when we get there?

It was within such a framework that the group discussions took place during the meeting and it was considered a useful approach that can provide for committing the university to a cultural shift, from compliance-based self-evaluation towards improvement-oriented quality assurance.

The meeting venue provided an excellent opportunity to discuss and agree on the university policy regarding quality and its assurance and devise an outline of the draft strategy. Like the previous meetings of the group, this one was designed as an interactive event, where each and every participant could provide an input to the discussion, facilitated by short presentations and background papers for each session (see the attached Agenda for the Meeting).

The first day small group sessions helped in clarifying the University vision, purpose and values in relation to quality and define goals and specific objectives for internal quality assurance system. Practical session started by talking about what the university aims to achieve with its quality assurance system, and what kind of approach it might need in order to achieve these aims and purposes. Then participants went on discussing in some fair detail about characteristics of such system and possible mechanisms. These were then communicated to the rest of the group and revised at a plenary discussion. On the following day the group worked in a similar open and participative manner and developed and agreed on a set of priorities for their university quality system to be achieved in the next 3-5 years.

The results achieved at this meeting of the Working Group form an important input to the work of the four sub-groups, which are expected to develop further important aspects of the University quality assurance Strategy and design major elements of the quality system itself.

Patricia Georgieva,
IPA Consultant

- Agenda.pdf

12-03-2010

Montenegrin Qualification Framework – sessions for representatives from educational institutions and employment offices

On 25th February, representatives from the higher education faculties in the southern region, together with some faculties from Podgorica, met to learn more about the Montenegrin Qualification Framework and the implications of this development for higher education. The session combined the presentation of information about the MQF with an opportunity for participants to examine and work with the proposed level descriptors. These descriptors will form the main backbone of the MQF. The proposal is that there will be 8 main levels within the MQF with sub-levels at levels 6, 4 and 1. It is envisaged that this approach will enable all types of existing qualifications to be classified within the Framework as well as providing significant potential for the development and recognition of new ones. A formal consultation process about the levels and the level descriptors will be launched soon. This will enable members of interest groups to provide feedback on the proposals prior to their finalisation.

A further series of awareness raising session about the Montenegrin Qualification Framework has been organised for March. The first of these took place on 11th March and was targeted at representatives from the Employment Service. Representatives from the local labour offices in Podgorica, Cetinje, Niksic and Danilograd participated together with representatives from the National Employment Agency of Montenegro. A similar session for school directors and representatives of the labour offices in the northern region is planned for the 19th March in Mojkovac.

18-02-2010

Development of the Strategy and Action plan for Quality Assurance in Higher Education

A further meeting of the University of Montenegro Quality Assurance Strategy and Action Plan Working group was held on the 5th February. This was a training event focusing on the European Standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance.

Mitar Misovic PhD, director of the Quality Studies and Control Centre of the University, presented the current national quality assurance framework in Montenegro. Patricia Georgieva PhD, Quality Assurance expert on the IPA-funded NQF and Quality Assurance in Education project, gave a presentation and answered questions about this important topic. Members of the working group had the opportunity to form some initial ideas about how the Guidelines should influence their work.

Proposals for a series of meetings, training and small group consultations in support of the development of the Strategy were explained by the Rector, Predrag Miranović, PhD.

The group will meet again on the 25th and 26th February for a two-day residential session to continue with their work on the development of the University's Quality Assurance Strategy and Action plan. The session, which will be held at the Hotel Residence, Miločer, will be supported by two members of the NQF and Quality Assurance in Education project team.

09-02-2010

Montenegrin Qualifications Framework awareness raising event

A further series of awareness raising events about the Montenegrin Qualifications Framework (MQF) started on Wednesday, 3rd February when representatives from the higher education faculties in Podgorica attended a half-day session in the Ministry of Education and Science. Participants were introduced to the concept of the developing Montenegrin Qualification Framework and had an opportunity to discuss the concept and its implications. The session was led by Janet Swainger and Slavica Raičević from the EU-funded IPA "NQF and Quality Assurance in Education" Project.

Four more sessions will take place during February:

8th February - for representatives of international donor organizations
10th February in the Ministry of Education and Science, Podgorica - for Directors from schools in the Central region of Montenegro;
17th February at the Hotel Residence, Miločer - for Directors from schools and representatives from Employment offices in the Southern region of MOntenegro
25th February in the Ministry of Education and Science, Podgorica - for representatives of higher education faculties in the central and southern regions

A broader Communication strategy aimed at wider awareness raising about this important governmental initiative is being prepared for implementation from April 2010 onwards.

Further information about the events or about the MQF developments can be obtained from the project team - email info@montqual.eu, telephone 020 414 251.

03-02-2010

Montenegro Qualification Framework Working Group addressed areas in need of development

The Working Group of the Montenegro Qualification Framework recently addressed areas in need of development that were identified by a recent Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted on the Group. Workshops were delivered in the latter part of January 2010 by the qualification experts on the IPA Project. Attendance at the workshops were good and averaged about half of the Group participating in any one workshop. Topics addressed included:

Leveling of qualifications on a national framework;
Specifying a qualification;
Transforming aims and standards into learning outcomes;
Credit rating a qualification;
Recognizing non- and informal learning; and
Classifying qualifications and occupations.

The next stage in the Group's work is to develop methodologies for these areas so that the deliberations of the group can become reality. To that end, an intensive workshop will be arranged in March so that Group members can produce these methodologies. Subsequently, the Group will identify and train colleagues to put these methodologies into practice in at least two pilot areas of Tourism and Construction.

11-12-2009

The first meeting of a working group for the development of a Quality Assurance Strategy for the University of Montenegro will take place on Tuesday, 15th December 2009 in the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro. The event will be attended by representatives of the University staff and management, employers, students, professional associations and unions. the event will be facilitated by Mrs Patricia Georgieva, the quality assurance consultant on the IPA-funded NQF and Quality Assurance in Education project, funded by the European Union.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

National Qualifications Framework and Quality in Higher Education

A new project commenced on 15th September 2009 and will run for 20 months until May 2011. The project is being implemented by a consortium comprising WYG International and the University Strathclyde (Scotland) in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Science and the University of Montenegro. The project is financed through the IPA (Instrument for Pre-Accession) Fund managed by the Delegation of the European Commission in Montenegro.

Purpose of the project

The project has two main purposes:

to develop institutional arrangements and undertake capacity building in order to create a National Qualification Framework;
to enhance the University's efforts to establish a quality assurance system in higher education.

Main project activities

a variety of activities linked to capacity building of staff in key institutions concerned with the establishment and administration of a national qualifications framework
information and awareness raising activities targeted at both the HRD sector and the wider public, aimed at increasing public awareness about the NQF developments;
Further work on classifying occupations and qualifications in support of an NQF;
an overhaul of qualifications for the tourism and construction sectors as a starting point for further development;
support to address the regulatory requirements for a national qualification framework;
capacity building and other measures to promote recognition of non-formal and informal learning, including arrangements for certification;
cooperation and exchange on qualifications’ development with EU partners including support for the introduction of a credit-transfer system for vocational qualifications
institutional capacity building of the higher education sector, including development of a national quality assurance strategy and consideration of financing perspectives;
training of university staff responsible for quality assurance;
development of an improved information management system to support quality assurance in the University of Montenegro.

Impact

As a result of the project’s activities, it is anticipated that progress will have been made towards the establishment of a high quality system of nationally-recognised qualifications. Information about the quality of higher education should also have been improved and the quality of higher education itself should have increased as a result of a more comprehensive quality assurance system.

Attachment: About the project.pdf

PROJECT TEAM

Team Leader	Janet Swainger
National Qualifications Framework	Tom Kelly
Quality Assurance in Higher Education	Patricia Georgieva
Information Management Systems	Zoran Nikolovski
Education	Slavica Raicevic
Office Manager	Irena Lakovic
Interpreter	Vesna Popov
Project Director	Sally Kelly

CONTACT US

Project offices

Ministry of Education and Science
Room 17, second floor
Vaka Djurovica bb
Podgorica

Telephone: 020 410 170

University of Montenegro
Rectorate building, second floor
Cetinjska 2
Telephone: 020 414 251

Email: Office manager - office.manager@montqual.eu
Team leader – janet.swainger@montqual.eu