The General Learning Outcome Assessment Process adopted at Qatar University is based on the Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology. The DMAIC methodology includes five phases: Define; Measure; Analyze; Improve; and Control. The university assessment process adapted the DMAIC Methodology to the university needs. The "Define" phase was renamed as the "Defining and Planning" phase while the "Measure" phase was further refined into two phases namely the "Measuring" Phase and "The Data Collection and Reporting" Phase. The "Control" Phase was renamed "Control and Feedback" and is defined as a loop rather than a phase. In the adopted process, control and feedback is a continuous activity that covers all phases. A brief description of the process and its phases is shown in the figure below.
The Assessment process at Qatar University is a continuous process that occurs throughout the academic year and across multiple years. The process was designed to help build a culture of quality assurance through self-evaluation, further engage faculty and staff in the continuous evaluation and improvement of programs, promote informed change, develop and implement effective continuous improvement plans, and evaluate the impact of implemented changes. The main focus of the assessment process is on assessing student attainment of well-defined learning outcomes that capture the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behavior students are expected to acquire through their matriculation in the program rather than assessing outputs such as grades, graduation rates, and employment statistics. The assessment process relies on both Direct and Indirect assessment methods. The process phases and steps that are briefly described in the following sections represent the minimum process requirements.
