QUALITY ASSURANCE POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Department of Economics and Sustainable Development (DESD) of Harokopio University is committed to implementing a quality policy that promotes academic excellence and the orientation of its postgraduate programs. It aims to fulfill its purpose and objectives, define the means and ways to achieve them, and apply appropriate quality procedures, with the ultimate goal of continuous improvement.

In this direction, DESD is committed to ensuring quality in the following areas:

Organization of Postgraduate Programs

DESD is committed to regularly reviewing the organization and programs of its postgraduate studies to ensure they remain scientifically updated, relevant to their goals, and aligned with science standards and the job market. An inflexible curriculum risks becoming outdated and may not effectively prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in their chosen field.

DESD commits to regularly reviewing learning objectives for all its postgraduate programs to ensure they remain demanding and aligned with the needs of its students and their evolving professional requirements. A fundamental principle of DESD is that clear and well-defined learning outcomes are essential for effective teaching and learning, and thus it is committed to ensuring its programs are designed to help students achieve them.

The review is conducted by the Coordinating Committees of the postgraduate programs, which identify areas for improvement, formulate new targeted learning outcomes regarding knowledge, skills, and abilities at level 7 according to the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, monitor their implementation, and evaluate them.

Faculty Members

DESD is committed to providing its students with the highest possible academic experience. This commitment extends to the faculty members of its postgraduate programs, who play a crucial role in shaping the learning and professional development of students. The key quality principles embraced by faculty members include:

Expertise: Faculty members in the context of the postgraduate programs of the Department are specialists in their respective scientific fields, with strong theoretical knowledge and practical training.
Teaching Ability: Faculty members of postgraduate programs are profound experts in their subject matter and share their knowledge with students using student-centered teaching methods in a pleasant, creative, and constructive learning environment.

Communication Skills: Faculty members of the postgraduate programs of the Department are effective communicators, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly and concisely. They should be able to adapt their teaching style to different learning methods and educational needs.

Creativity and Innovation: Faculty members ensure they are creative and innovative in their approach to teaching. They are willing to experiment with new methods and tools to engage students and enhance their learning experience.

Supportive Mentors: Faculty members act as supportive mentors, guiding and advising students throughout their academic journey. They should be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and help students achieve their goals.

Continuous Professional Development: Faculty members are committed to continuous professional development, staying informed about the latest developments in their fields. They actively participate in conferences and publish in reputable international scientific journals.

Quality Assurance of Teaching Practices: To ensure compliance with the above principles, the Department implements the following:

Qualifications Assessment: Faculty members are selected members of the Department’s Teaching and Research Staff (DEP or EEDIP) or contract employees hired through a call for expressions of interest. They are evaluated rigorously before their appointment by committees appointed by the Department.
Student Evaluations: The Department conducts evaluations of the faculty members of its postgraduate programs to assess their performance in teaching, effectiveness, and adherence to quality principles.
Creating a Collaborative Environment: Encouragement is given to promoting a collaborative environment where faculty members can share best practices, exchange ideas, and support each other in their professional development.

Support Services: The Department is committed to providing high-quality support services to its postgraduate students. Recognizing the crucial role these services play in academic success and goal achievement, the Department offers equipped laboratories, a library, a network center, counseling services, a career office, and more to help students improve their academic skills and knowledge.

The Department expresses dedication to ensuring that support services are accessible, collaborate with students, and effectively support them.

Accessibility of Support Services: The Department ensures that its support services are easily accessible to all students. It employs multiple communication and support methods, including face-to-face, online, and telephone support. The Department takes care to align support services with the needs of postgraduate students, regularly evaluating them through surveys and suggestions for improvement from students, staff, and other stakeholders.

Outward Orientation: The Department aims to distinguish itself through a clear vision of outward orientation, maintaining and enhancing the high-quality standards of its academic services. This includes collaborations, organization of international, national, and local conferences, seminars, etc., and the participation of faculty and students. The Department also encourages faculty and students to engage with Greek and international scientific and professional organizations, fostering networks with scientists, researchers, and professionals. It invests continuously in technology by creating websites for postgraduate programs and funding relevant initiatives.

Funding: The Department is committed to ensuring that student tuition fees are used efficiently and effectively to support the quality of educational programs and services. It believes that students deserve to receive services commensurate with the funds they contribute to their education. The Department aims to minimize unnecessary expenses, and budgets are transparent and comply with legal requirements. Additionally, funds are allocated for rewarding initiatives and scholarships for students.

Planning-Goal Setting-Evaluation: The Department follows the principles of the Strategic Planning of Harokopio University, involving the formulation, implementation, and review of specific annual quality goals for the improvement of postgraduate programs. It actively participates in the annual internal assessment and review of the quality assurance system for postgraduate programs, collaborating with the Department’s Quality Assurance Unit and the University’s Internal Quality Assurance Unit.

Quality Assurance Policy for the MSc Program “Sustainable Tourism Development: Heritage, Environment, Society”

In addition to the general quality assurance policies, principles, and procedures applied by the Department, specific policies and processes are focusing on the needs and challenges of the MSc program “Sustainable Tourism Development: Heritage, Environment, Society.”

Special Emphasis on Research: The program provides students with the opportunity to undertake their Master’s Thesis on topics related to the scientific fields of Tourism and Culture through the lens of sustainable development. Research is a significant part of the program, aiding students in developing research skills and gaining a better understanding of their scientific field.

Collaboration with Tourism and Cultural Entities: The program collaborates with tourism and cultural entities to offer students opportunities for internships and professional development. Internships assist students in acquiring specialized knowledge and work experience, cultivating professional skills related to tourism management and sustainable tourism development, in connection with cultural heritage, the environment, and society, within a controlled but real working environment.

Training Events for Students: The program organizes training events for students, such as seminars, conferences, and lectures. These events provide students with the opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in the fields covered by the MSc program and to develop their professional skills.

Overall Approach: The MSc program “Sustainable Tourism Development: Heritage, Environment, Society” offers high-quality education and professional training. The program adopts a series of policies and procedures to ensure that students receive the best possible experience. The focus on research, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and training events contribute to a comprehensive educational experience for students in the program.