QUARTZ
Orqaga

The initial meeting (Kick-Off Meeting) of the QUARTZ project was successfully held on June 18–20, 2024, at Varna University of Management (VUM) in Bul

June 18, 2024, 10:06 a.m.
Varna University of Management (VUM)

 

General Information about the Project

QUARTZ – “Quality Assurance for Reform and Transformation of Higher Education Institutions in Uzbekistan” is an initiative aimed at strengthening the quality assurance system in leading higher education institutions of Uzbekistan, aligning it with international standards, and improving the teaching process.

Project number: 101127171
Programme: Erasmus-EDU-2023-CBHE-STRAND-1
Start date: 2024
Duration: 3 years

Main Objectives of the Meeting

The Kick-Off meeting in Varna focused on the following directions:

  • Introducing project participants and bringing them together for the first time
  • Distributing tasks within each Work Package
  • Discussing management, financial procedures, and reporting
  • Strengthening cooperation among partner universities
  • Developing a plan to address challenges in Uzbekistan’s higher education based on international best practices

Participants and Partners

The meeting was attended by representatives of the following organizations:

Uzbek partners:

  • Kimyo International University in Tashkent (KIUT) – project coordinator
  • Urgench branch of Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (UbTUIT)
  • “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (SRIUT)
  • Central Asian University (CAU)

European partners:

  • University of L’Aquila (UNIVAQ), Italy
  • Varna University of Management (VUM), Bulgaria

Main Presentations within the Work Packages

WP1 – Management and coordination (KIUT):
The project management plan was developed. Groups responsible for components were established: coordination, financial control, decision-making, and reporting.

WP2 – Preparatory stage and needs analysis (CAU):
Challenges and needs of the higher education system in Uzbekistan were studied. Recommendations for improving quality based on European best practices were developed.

WP3 – Training on quality assurance (VUM):
Trainings on quality control and digital skills for academic and administrative staff are being designed.

WP4 – Development of strategic quality processes (UNIVAQ):
Necessary documents and practices are being developed for systematic and strategic quality management in Uzbek universities.

WP5 – Piloting and implementation (UbTUIT):
Based on training results, quality processes will be piloted in universities and then widely implemented.

WP6 – Quality control and monitoring (SRIUT):
Mechanisms for internal and external quality monitoring were developed. Analyses and reports will be prepared.

WP7 – Dissemination and sustainability (CAU):
A strategy was developed to ensure openness, public dissemination of results, and long-term sustainability of the project.

Website and Digital Tools

UbTUIT representatives presented the official website of the project – https://quartzuz.uz – which serves as a unified platform for collecting all news, documents, reports, and materials within the project.

Equipment and Technical Support

At the initial stage, necessary technical equipment will be delivered to partner universities. The procurement process will be carried out centrally by KIUT to ensure efficient use of funds and compliance with regulations.

Evaluation and Feedback

The Silk Road University conducted a survey among participants regarding the effectiveness of the meeting. Most rated the level of organization, agenda, communication environment, and usefulness very highly. Some suggestions for technical improvements in future events were expressed.

Cultural Programmes

In addition to the official meeting, informal social events were organized for the guests. For instance, a dinner at the Varna Culinary Arts School and an excursion to the historic town of Nessebar fostered networking among participants.

Conclusion

At the end of the meeting, the main tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities within the project were agreed upon. Certificates were awarded, and gratitude was expressed to all participants.

The QUARTZ project supports the development of Uzbek higher education institutions in line with global quality standards, strengthens international cooperation, and facilitates knowledge exchange. The project team plans to hold the next meeting on October 9–10, 2024, in Urgench.