Process of institutional governance – strategy and key performance indicators
At the University of Agder, the research strategy is stipulated by the University Board for several years at a time. In addition, the Faculties prepare their own strategic plans, which are then adopted by the faculty boards, also for several years at a time. The annual plan of UiA is adopted by the University Board each year and includes intermediate aims and measures for the current year. The governing plans of each faculty and department comprise goals and measures for the current year. In its strategic work, the University of Agder follows the key performance indicators stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Research for the sector.
Follow-up from academic management
Evaluation and follow-up of the individual researcher and research group take place by the monitoring of progress in projects, by annual appraisal talks and by external and internal peer review. The evaluation should also include current research-ethical problems.
If quality deficiencies are revealed, the Head of Department and the Dean are responsible for necessary follow-up in relation to the involved researcher(s)
The faculties’ annual quality report shall include research. The reports are adopted by the respective faculty board and is meant to provide an assessment of the research activities of the previous year in accordance with the prescribed template of the quality system.
As the basis for their assessments, the faculties will, within prescribed closing dates each year, receive their basic data. The report should be submitted to the Division of Research and Innovation within the specified closing date. It is then processed by the University’s Research Committee and subsequently also by the University Board. The reports are prepared for each calendar year and will be attached with the Education – and Research Report to the University Board.
Quality assurance of research documentation
The Division of Research aand Innovation, in cooperation with the University Library and the faculties, is responsible for preparing procedures for the registration of scientific production and follow-up of these procedures. A separate procedure description approved by the university’s Research Committee is presently under revision.
A committee led by the Vice-Rector for research, dissemination, and innovation is responsible for the quality assurance of what should be registered as counting chapters in scientific anthologies and as scientific monographs at UiA. The University Library functions as secretary to the committee.
The Division of Research and Innovation is, in cooperation with Financial Services, responsible for reporting on the economic indicators of research activity.
Quality assurance of project startup and completion