Quality Management at Murdoch University

Introduction

Welcome to Murdoch University’s academic quality assurance web site.

Constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of what we do is an integral part of the University’s activities. We have many ways to regularly look at our activities and their outcomes and ways that we might improve these outcomes. For example, each academic School is reviewed on a five-yearly cycle approved by Academic Council. External panels examine a portfolio of evidence, evaluate outcomes and recommend actions, which are then monitored through Academic Council. In line with this practice, Murdoch conducted its second whole-of-institution audit at the end of 2005. The University underwent its first AUQA review in 2006, with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) charged with responsibility for preparation of the University’s Performance Portfolio, supported by the Academic Quality Audit Committee (AQAC).

The way we think about this quality cycle at Murdoch University is represented by the terminology “Plan / Act / Evaluate / Review”, as illustrated.

The various components of the University’s quality management system are elaborated throughout this site. However the quality cycle at Murdoch is more than the formal system, as important as that might be! In all your various roles (e.g. as a university teacher) and functions (e.g. as a member of a committee or team), I encourage you to think about what you are doing in this cyclical way. I hope you find it helpful in improving your practice.

Professor Jan Thomas
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic)