Rezekne Higher Education Institution
Academic study programme “Master of Social Sciences in Management”
Academic study programme “Bachelor of Social Sciences in Management”
Academic study programme “Bachelor in History”
Academic study programme “Master in Pedagogics” and
2nd level Higher education Study Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher
of Social Sciences
Final Evaluation Report of the Joint Commission
May 28, 2002
This is the report of the joint commission consisting of prof. Virginijus Kundrotas,
team leader, prof. Jean-David Avenel, prof. Viive Ruus, prof. Vulfs Kozlinskis, prof.
Gunnar Bergendal and prof. Enn Tarvel.
Each member of the commission will also submit a more detailed report on the study
programmes related to their area of expertise. This report is based on a visit to
Rezekne Higher Education Institution on 2 and 3 of May, 2002 and on written
materials presented to commission members by the Higher education Institution
Institution
The Rezekne Higher Education Institution is a public Higher educational
institution. It was founded in 1993 and has 4 Faculties. After almost 10 years of
operations the Institution has about 4000 students in various programmes at the
moment.
In addition to the permanent faculty body the teachers are also coming from
other institutions of Higher education in Latvia.
Curriculum
Rezekne Higher Education Institution has a number of study programmes. The 5 of
them currently under evaluation are academic study programme “Master of Social
Sciences in Management”, academic study programme “Bachelor of Social Sciences
in Management”, academic study programme “Bachelor in History”, academic study
programme “Master in Pedagogics” and 2nd level Higher education professional Study
Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher of Social Sciences
The members of the commission evaluated academic study programme “Master of
Social Sciences in Management” and academic study programme “Bachelor of Social
Sciences in Management” state that both programmes generally correspond to the
official requirements settled by the Ministry of Education of Latvia and are meeting
the demand from the local market. At the same time the commission members note
the lack of clear focus in the curriculum of the Academic Master study programme in
management. It is difficult to observe a clear direction of proficiency that is sought in
this program. Such important subjects as Strategic management, International
commercial and European law are lacking in the curriculum. This will require a re-
evaluation of the course selection. The members of the commission are also noted that
the research methods part in Master theses should be strengthen.
The quality of Bachelor in Management theses also should be strengthen.
The members of the commission evaluated the academic study programme “Bachelor
in History” admitted the good scientific and pedagogical level of the programme. The
strongest side of this programme is the remarkable use of research, expressed in the
theses demonstrated. The more detailed comments will be presented in their
individual reports.
The members of the commission evaluated the academic study programme “Master in
Pedagogics” note the following. The “Master in Pedagogics” seems to be apar with
other similar programmes in Latvia. Its strength is broad aims related to the needs of
the region and the country. This Master's programme prepares not only for future
research in an academic context but also - and perhaps essentially for work in key
positions in society, where meeting new challenges and seeing the vital points of a
situation are important aspects of the work.
The members of the commission got the impression that the programme would be
well served by a further emphasis on qualitative methods of research, and also that the
quantitative methods could be more sophisticated. However, the important thing is
that the research should not be determined by the current methods, but that suitable
methods be developed for each issue at hand.
The library is for this programme not sufficient in itself and should be consolidated
continuously. However, the cooperation with other libraries, nationally and
internationally, compensates to a large extent for such shortcomings.
The 2nd level Higher education professional Study Program in History, History of
Culture and Teacher of Social Sciences reflects changes in the comprehensive school
curriculum. The programme is a supplementary programme for students already
having completed their first level studies. It may be considered a transitory
programme for remedying the lack of teachers in the new social science subject of
school. The members of the commission see that in a longer perspective of time a
comprehensive programme of teachers of History and the Social Sciences should be
developed.
In the present context of evaluation the commission noted that the subject "social
sciences" at school is not defined in the self-evaluation report. From the discussions it
was learned that ethics and health care are included in this subject at school. In
contrast, at universities the social sciences make up an internationally defined domain
of disciplines, with certain traditions of thinking.
Another problem was that the self-evaluation report did not provide a comprehensive
view of the contents of the first level higher education of the teachers involved - a first
level that has (in many cases) been of 4 years' duration, but will, in the future, be a 3
1/2-year study.
The proposed rather uniform second level program may result in repetitions for most
categories of students - an inefficient use of time. Nevertheless, this programme may
be the simplest way of satisfying the needs for new teacher qualifications according to
the new needs of the school, but there are no arguments in the self-evaluation report
showing that this is the case.
Learning Facilities
The learning facilities of Rezekne Higher Education Institution are located in the
center of Rezekne. The classroom facilities are good enough and supportive of the
learning process. All the classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors.
The Institution also has sufficient computer facilities (65 PCs) complete with
INTERNET access, modest library, and sport facilities for the students and faculty.
Because Rezekne Higher Education Institution is a young Institution, the library also
lacks a wider selection of international books, journals and magazines in the fields of
economics and business. Especially it should be addressed to the basic textbooks for
the Master of Management studies. The Faculty’s expansion plans, however, include
expanding in this area.
As a whole, the premises are good and appear to provide a satisfactory space for
current needs and realistic development of institution. Classroom space is enough
and adequate for the learning process.
Students and Faculty
The commission had a chance to have discussion with various groups of students,
representing various study years and programmes, they are studying in. They were
open and generous in conversation. Despite the modesty in their English knowledge,
they were able to express clearly their position concerning the various issues in study
process and Institution’s life in general.
The students were very satisfied with their studies at the Rezekne Higher Education
Institution, good and friendly atmosphere here, and the professional emphasis. The
computer resources were considered sufficient. However, some students mentioned
that the library could be developed better.
The commission had a chance to talk with a number of employers, business partners
and graduates of the Institution. The employers were satisfied by the good knowledge
of graduates from the programmes under the evaluation process and also noted the
intelligence, quick orientation, creativity and responsibility of their, which appeared
during the work practice. The graduates expressed their satisfaction concerning the
programmes they graduated from.
The commission also expresses gratitude to the staff and faculty of Rezekne Higher
Education Institution. They were extremely hospitable, friendly and helpful.
The faculty comprises full time and part time lecturers. This is a combination of
young eager teachers, many of whom are doctoral students, and of the mature and
experienced teachers. The commission pays the attention that the middle generation of
experienced faculty should be expanded in addition to the mature and the very young
ones in order to serve as teachers for the young colleagues. At the same time, the
young generation of faculty has a lot of potential to grow and it makes possible to
believe in successful further development of the Institution.
The Rezekne Higher Education Institution has agreements of academic cooperation with
institutions in foreign counties, like Greece, Norway, France, Belgium, Lithuania and
others. The faculty of the Institution also are involved in writing teaching notes and
textbooks.
Final Recommendations
Here we make five recommendations:
First, the commission recommends unconditional (six years) accreditation of the
“Bachelor of Social Sciences in Management” academic programme as a programmes
meeting the market demand and generally meeting the quality standards of the
undergraduate academic programmes. However, the suggestions mentioned in the
report above should be taken into consideration.
Second, the commission recommends conditional (two year) accreditation of the
academic study programme “Master of Social Sciences in Management”. The
commission believes that this time period will be sufficient enough to make the
changes suggested, such as curricullum corrections, library (first of all-English texts)
development and faculty development.
Third, the commission recommends unconditional (6 year) accreditation of the
academic study programme “Bachelor in History” and academic study programme
“Master in Pedagogics”, taking into consideration that remarkable progress in
development of those programmes took place during the recent years.
Fourth, the commission recommends 6 year accreditation of the 2nd level Higher
education professional Study Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher of
Social Sciences with the restrictions, which will be underlined on a later stage in joint
report as well as in individual reports of members of the commission. Only after the
implementation of those suggestions this recommendation will apply.
Fifth, the commission is considering Rezekne Higher Education Institution as a very
important educational institution in Latgala region having a good potential to develop
further and serve as a positive example of institution taking care of regional
challenges. After the implementation of changes in the Master of Management
programme, all the programmes mentioned would may also serve as examples of
good quality programmes nationally and internationally.
On behalf of the commission:
Prof. Virginijus Kundrotas, Lithuania
May 28, 2002
The commission:
Prof. Virginijus Kundrotas, Lithuania
Prof. Jean-David Avenel, France
Prof. Viive Ruus, Estonia
Prof. Vulfs Kozlinskis, Latvia
Prof. Gunnar Bergendal, Sweden
Prof. Enn Tarvel, Estonia
Individual Evaluation Report
on the
Academic study programme “Master of Social Sciences in Management”
Academic study programme “Bachelor of Social Sciences in Management”
Academic study programme “Bachelor in History”
Academic study programme “Master in Pedagogics” and
2nd level Higher education Study Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher
of Social Sciences
at
the Rezekne Higher Education Institution
May 28, 2002
This is the report of dr. Virginijus Kundrotas. This report is based on a visit to the
Rezekne Higher Education Institution on May 2 and 3 of 2002 and on written material
presented to the expert by Rezekne’s Higher Education Institution
Curriculum
Rezekne Higher Education Institution has a number of study programmes. The 5 of
them currently under evaluation are academic study programme “Master of Social
Sciences in Management”, academic study programme “Bachelor of Social Sciences
in Management”, academic study programme “Bachelor in History”, academic study
programme “Master in Pedagogics” and 2nd level Higher education professional Study
Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher of Social Sciences
After the evaluation of the curriculum of both Management programmes I agree with
the opinion of joint commission that academic study programme “Master of Social
Sciences in Management” and academic study programme “Bachelor of Social
Sciences in Management” generally correspond to the official requirements settled by
the Ministry of Education of Latvia and are meeting the demand from the local
market. At the same time the lack of clear focus in the curriculum of the Academic
Master study programme in management was noticed. It is difficult to observe a clear
direction of proficiency that is sought in this program. Such important subjects as
Strategic management, International commercial and European law are lacking in the
curriculum. This will require a re-evaluation of the course selection. The research
methods part in Master theses should be strengthen as well as the quality of Bachelor
in Management theses also should be strengthen.
It is also clear weakness in the quality control system. It was observed that in a
substantial part of courses students are evaluated by oral exams, rather than written
exams, which are known to allow for greater quality control. The reasons provided
cannot serve as ssubstantial explanation.
For the evaluation of academic study programme “Bachelor in History”, academic
study programme “Master in Pedagogics” and 2nd level Higher education Study
Program in History, History of Culture and Teacher of Social Sciences are fully relay
on the opinion of the relevant experts of those programmes.
Learning Facilities
The learning facilities of Rezekne Higher Education Institution are located in the
center of Rezekne. The classroom facilities are good enough and supportive of the
learning process. All the classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors.
The Institution also has sufficient computer facilities (65 PCs) complete with
INTERNET access, modest library, and sport facilities for the students and faculty.
Because Rezekne Higher Education Institution is a young Institution, the library also
lacks a wider selection of international books, journals and magazines in the fields of
economics and business. Especially it should be addressed to the basic textbooks for
the Master of Management studies. The Faculty’s expansion plans, however, include
expanding in this area.
As a whole, the premises are good and appear to provide a satisfactory space for
current needs and realistic development of institution. Classroom space is enough
and adequate for the learning process.
Personnel
After the discussion with various groups of students, representing various study years
and programmes, they are studying in, I may do the following statements.
The students are very satisfied with their studies at the Rezekne Higher Education
Institution, good and friendly atmosphere here, and the professional emphasis. The
computer resources were considered sufficient. However, some students mentioned
that the library could be developed better.
The students were open and generous in conversation. Despite the modesty in their
English knowledge, they were able to express clearly their position concerning the
various issues in study process and Institution’s life in general.
After the meeting with a number of employers, business partners and graduates of the
Institution I can make a conclusion that the employers are satisfied by the good
knowledge of graduates from the programmes under the evaluation process and also
noted the intelligence, quick orientation, creativity and responsibility of their, which
appeared during the work practice. The graduates expressed their satisfaction
concerning the programmes they graduated from.
The faculty at Rezekne Higher education Institution comprises full time and part time
lecturers. This is a combination of young eager teachers, many of whom are doctoral
students, and of the mature and experienced teachers. The attention should be paid
that the middle generation of experienced faculty should be expanded in addition to
the mature and the very young ones in order to serve as teachers for the young
colleagues. At the same time, the young generation of faculty has a lot of potential to
grow and it makes possible to believe in successful further development of the
Institution.
The Rezekne Higher Education Institution has agreements of academic cooperation with
institutions in foreign counties, like Greece, Norway, France, Belgium, Lithuania and
others. The faculty of the Institution also are involved in writing teaching notes and
textbooks.
Final Recommendations
I would like to expresses gratitude to the staff and faculty of Rezekne Higher
Education Institution for their hospitality, professional help and efficiency during the
visit.
I fully support the conclusions of the expert commission and would like to make the
following individual recommendations:
First, I recommend unconditional (six years) accreditation of the “Bachelor of Social
Sciences in Management” academic programme as a programmes meeting the market
demand and generally meeting the quality standards of the undergraduate academic
programmes. However, the suggestions mentioned in the report above should be taken
into consideration.
Second, I support the opinion of the commission to recommend conditional (two year)
accreditation of the academic study programme “Master of Social Sciences in
Management”. The commission believes that this time period will be sufficient
enough to make the changes suggested, such as curricullum corrections, library (first
of all-English texts) development and faculty development.
Third, I agree that unconditional (6 year) accreditation of the academic study
programme “Bachelor in History” and academic study programme “Master in
Pedagogics” should be recommended, taking into consideration that remarkable
progress in development of those programmes took place during the recent years.
.
Fourth, I recommend in a line with the commission recommendation to give 6 year
accreditation of the 2nd level Higher education professional Study Program in
History, History of Culture and Teacher of Social Sciences with the restrictions,
which were underlined in joint report as well as in individual reports of members of
the commission. Only after the implementation of those suggestions this
recommendation will apply.
Dr.Virginijus Kundrotas,
International School of Management,
Kaunas,Lithuania
Individual Report
of the member of Joint Evaluation Commission at Rezekne Higher Educational Institution on
the Academic Study Programme "Bachelor in History" of the Humanities and Law Faculty
and on the "Second level Higher Professional Education History, History of Culture and
Social Sciences Teacher Study Programme" of the Humanities and Law Faculty
Enn Tarvel prof.emer., dr.sc.hist.
Trummi poik 5A-30 Tallinn 12616,
Estonia tel. 372-6726 189 e-mail:
tarvel@hot.ee
I am loyal to the Preliminary Evaluation Report of the Joint Evaluation Commission and
to the common decision to recommend:
two years accreditation of the academic study programme "Master of Social Sciences in
Management",
six years accreditation of the academic study programme "Bachelor of Social Sciences
in Management",
six years accreditation of the academic study programme "Bachelor in History",
six years accreditation of the academic study programme "Master in Pedagogics",
six years accreditation of the Second level Higher professional education history, history
of culture and social sciences teacher study programme.
I have to add as follows.
As an historian I have taken up a position only in the evaluation on the academic study
programme "Bachelor in History" and on the "Second level History, History of Culture
and Social Sciences Teacher Study Programme".
The development of regional higher education is an important matter for state regional
policy. Rezekne Higher Educational Institution is a good case of this development:
regional, local subjects and material is effectively used in student research. In carrying
into effect the Bachelor in History programme the research aspect is distinguished.
Some of the Bachelor theses (about mass deportation, about farm buildings of a parish
a.o.) are on a really high level. It demonstrates the unity of theory and practice
(mentioned p.5 of the Programme). With the presentation of the Bachelor thesis the
student earns 10 credits in A part. The role of the Bachelor thesis seems to be greater,
10 credits (from the sum 1 1 9 - 1 2 5 credits) undervalues this. (Cfr. the 2nd level
qualification paper with the same amount of 10 credits.)
Unfortunately, we have not had the chance to participate in any of the lectures or
seminars. Thus we cannot estimate the share of real independent work by the side of
contact lessons. It is so that the seminars have to be student's independent work not
some minilectures or consultations of the lecturer. Among compulsory selective lecture
courses and elective courses are some of them useful for only general enlargement of
mind (about remote continents a.o.), the students in conversation with them have most
highly estimated lectures upbuilt on principle, with problems (they have highly valued
teaching in politology).
It is commendable that beside English other relevant languages for Latvian and regional
studies (German, Latin, Polish, Lithuanian) are taught. Remarkable that not Russian
(perhaps the practical knowledge of Russian is nowadays yet sufficient in Eastern
Latvia?).
"
The Library gives all in present situation possible support to the programme and
independent student research work. It is in some degree provided even with the latest
international literature.
In the evaluation of the "2nd level higher professional education history, history of culture
and social sciences teacher study programme" I have been an outsider by the side of
professional educationalists because the programme is educational, didactical one, both in
theoretical and practical part. In so far as the Programme has points of contact with
historical sciences (in preparation of teachers in history or history of culture), I have no
expostulations. I have seen qualification theses and had a chance to talk with the students.
The content and balance of social sciences and their relation to the Programme as a whole is
not clear for me.
Tallinn, May 19th 2002
Individuālais ziņojums par Rēzeknes augstskolas
sociālo zinātņu bakalaura un maģistra studiju programmām
Vadības zinātnē
Individuālais ziņojums sagatavots balstoties uz akreditācijai iesniegto
materiālu studijām un Rēzeknes augstskolas apmeklējuma (03.-04.maijs, 2002)
rezultātiem.
Rēzeknes augstskolas vizītes programmas svarīgākie punkti bija: lekciju un
semināru apmeklējums; sarunas ar studentiem; tikšanās ar darba devējiem; tikšanās ar
Rēzeknes augstskolas administrāciju; diskusijas ar pasniedzējiem; iepazīšanās ar
programmu realizācijas materiāli tehnisko bāzi.
Studiju programmas
Sociālo zinātņu bakalauru studiju programma “Vadības zinātnē”. Tās struktūra
visumā atbilst kā Latvijas Republikā realizējamām programmām, tā arī ārzemju
analogiem. To apliecina attiecīgās programmas salīdzinājums ar Latvijas universitātes
un Tehniskās universitātes attiecīgām studiju programmām, kā arī salīdzinājums ar
dažām ārzemēs realizētām programmām. Tomēr jāatzīmē šādi diskutabli momenti:
programmas obligātajā A daļā iekļauts priekšmets “Sports”; izvēles daļā tādi
priekšmeti kā “Fizika” un “Elektrotehnika” u.c. Atsevišķo studiju priekšmetu
programmu izstrādes līmenis arī ir pietiekami atšķirīgs.
Kā bakalauru, tā maģistru studiju priekšmetu programmās būtu vēlams ietvert
studentu zināšanu vērtēšanas kritērijus un pilnveidot ieteicamos literatūras sarakstus.
Maģistru studiju programmā iztrūkst būtiski svarīgs priekšmets - “Stratēģiskais
menedžments”.
Svarīgs studiju programmu realizācijas kritērijs – bakalauru un maģistru darbu
kvalitāte. To tematika varētu būt vairāk fokusēta uz vadības zinātni, tomēr kopumā
darbu līmenis apmierinošs.
Studenti
Studenti motivēti savas augstskolas un studiju priekšmeta aizstāvībai. Būtisks
augstskolas izvēles kritērijs – tās atrašanās vieta (tuvu mājām) un tas, ka studentu
kopējās studiju izmaksas Rēzeknē ir samērā zemas. Kā ļoti pozitīvu faktu studenti
atzīmēja pasniedzēju attieksmi pret studentiem, to aizsniedzamību. Kā būtisku
trūkumu studenti atzīmēja nepietiekamu literatūras klāstu bibliotēkā.
Pasniedzēji
Kā pozitīvs fakts jāatzīmē, ka Rēzeknes augstskolā ir liels gados jaunu
pasniedzēju īpatsvars, no kuriem 16 studē doktorantūrā. Vienlaicīgi jāatzīmē, ka
virkne vadošo pasniedzēju ir pensijas vecumā un līdz ar to iespējama zināma krīze
saistīta ar pasniedzēju paaudžu maiņu.
Tā kā akreditētas akadēmiskās programmas, ļoti svarīgs kritērijs ir pasniedzēju
zinātniskais darbs, kuru apliecina publikācijas. Jāatzīmē, ka mazs pasniedzēju
publikāciju skaits ir saistīts ar vadības zinātni. Nepietiekamas ir pasniedzēju angļu
valodas zināšanas un tas ierobežo kā kontaktus ar ārzemju kolēģiem, tā jaunākās
literatūras izmantošanu.
Materiāli tehniskā bāze
Materiāli tehniskā bāze Rēzeknes augstskolā strauji attīstās, tomēr studentu
skaita pieaugums apsteidz materiāli tehniskās bāzes izaugsmi. Tā, bibliotēka ne telpu,
ne grāmatu klāsta ziņā neatbilst studentu skaitam. Tāpat kā daudzās citās augstskolās
nepietiekams maģistra līmeņa mācību literatūras klāsts, dažās auditorijās jau
nepieciešams remonts, sevišķi ventilācijas ierīkošana.
Secinājumi
1.
Sociālo zinātņu bakalaura akadēmisko programmu Vadības zinātnē
var ieteikt akreditācijai 6 gadu periodam.
2.
Sociālo zinātņu maģistru akadēmisko programmu Vadības zinātnē
var ieteikt akreditācijai 2 gadu periodam.
3.
Akreditējamo programmu sekmīga realizācija var kļūt par nozīmīgu
Rēzeknes reģiona attīstības faktoru.
Eksperts Prof.Dr.hab.oec.V.Kozlinskis
Report on the Rezekne Higher Education Institution:
-
Academic study programme: Bachelor of Social sciences in Management;
Academic study programme: Master of Social Sciences in Management.
This report is based on written materials given to us by the Rezekne Higher
Education Institution and on a two-day visit to the institution (May 2-3, 2002).
The Rezekne Higher Education Institution was founded in 1993 and allows
about 4000 students to study in four faculties. Its importance for the Latgale economic
and social development is great. The faculty of Economics has 1750 students, among
them 116 are students for master degree. It counts with three chairs: Enterpreneurial
Economics Chair, Finance and Accounting Management Chair, Tourism and Hotel
management Chair.
General environment of the Faculty
Students
The number of students in the Faculty grew from 319 (in 1993) to 1750 (April
2002). Among them, are, in 2002, 572 full time students, 1062 part-time students and
116 students for master degree. 31 students graduated in 1994 and 106 in 2001.
The members of the commission had discussions with two different groups of
Bachelor and Master students. They were very talkative and were able to explain
clearly and freely, in Russian and in English, their appreciation on the studies and the
Institution. Their motivation for studying in Rezekne is clear: they want to study
where they live and work and they need a low-cost study. In general, the students felt
satisfied with the Institution and the Academic staff.
Academic staff
The academic staff comprises 45 teachers in 2002. Among them, are 25
lecturers, 12 assistant professors, 3 associate professors and 5 professors. They are
mainly female. The staff is made of an interesting combination of young doctoral
students and mature and experienced teachers. Most of them are living in Latgale,
other come every week from Riga.
Learning facilities
The buildings of the Institution are located downtown. Classroom facilities
seem very good and supportive of the learning process. There are one L.C.D.
projector, two photocopies and fifteen overhead projectors. The Institution also counts
with 65 internet-access computers (from which 53 for students’ needs).
From my point of view, the main problem related with the learning facilities is
the library. It lacks a true selection of international books, magazines and journal in
English or in French in the fields of management, marketing and finance.
Consequently, it seems difficult for students to acquire the culture in these fields,
necessary to students at a master level.
Recommendations for the Management programmes
Bachelor of Social Sciences in Management
The members of the commission had access to the pedagogical material and
spoke with students and with the staff. The curriculum fits with other curriculi in
Latvia and abroad. The bachelor’s papers prove that students wrote them and that they
acquired a minimum level in methodology. Generally, the content of the programme
seems to fit with the objectives the director of the programme pointed out.
Consequently, I recommend an unconditional (six years) accreditation of the Bachelor
of Social Sciences in Management academic programme.
Master of Social Sciences in Management
Commission pointed out some weaknesses in this programme. First, the
content of the curriculum is not consistent with such a program in other Latvian or
west European countries. It lacks some very important subjects such as Strategic
Management, Stock Exchanges and their mechanisms, Commercial Law and
European Law.
Second, the quality of the papers written by the students does not seem to fit
with the tasks of the study programme: to steady theoretical and methodological
knowledge in management, finance or management and to provide background for
doctor-degree studies.
Third, the library, as I already wrote, does not allow students to be able to
study at a Master level.
However, the Institution has the pedagogical and financial means to settle
quickly these problems. Consequently, I propose a conditional (two years)
accreditation of the academic study programme Master of Social Sciences in
Management.
Riga, May 5, 2002
Jean David Avenel,
professor des universities
Evry-Val d ‘Essonne, France