Strategic Plan of Tallinn University of Technology : Academic Quality

Transcription

1 Adopted by Resolution No. 16 of TUT Council of Amended by Resolution No. 132 of TUT Council of Strategic Plan of Tallinn University of Technology : Academic Quality Tallinn University of Technology (hereinafter: TUT, the University), the only university of technology in Estonia, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in TUT is known for creditable and efficient contribution to the development of modern society in Estonia. In response to global and local challenges of societal development, whereas preserving the country s identity and enhancing its competitiveness, TUT has strengthened its capacity on the road to technologically advanced and knowledge-based Estonia. The Strategic Plan links the mission of Tallinn University of Technology as a legal person in public law engaged in research, education, development and cultural development with its shortterm and long-term vision, self-determination, role in the society, strategic goals and basic directions for TUT Strategic Plan is a base document that provides an integral picture of options, priorities and resources. This Strategic Plan builds on the status attained under TUT Strategic Plan for and maintains positions and goals set in the relevant national strategies. Tallinn University of Technology acts within the EU higher education and research space. In terms of basic activities, infrastructure and values, TUT is among the fast advancing European universities of technology. TUT is committed to the idea of an international criteria-based research university that assures the quality of scientific research, research-based teaching and transfer of global science and technology achievements to Estonian society. Tallinn University of Technology and University of Tartu are centres of influence of research-based university education in Estonia. The responsibility for the vitality and quality of Estonian engineering and technological culture rests with TUT. Mission: Tallinn University of Technology creates and mediates values that ensure Estonia s development in the globalizing world. Committed to its mission, the University fosters research, academic and applied higher education and technical culture. TUT creates synergy between engineering, technology, exact, natural, health and social sciences that promotes societal development. Vision 2015: Tallinn University of Technology will be globally recognized as a research university and a motor of economic development and innovation in Tallinn and nationwide. Vision 2020: Tallinn University of Technology will be a leading university of technology in the Baltic Sea region and an active partner of cooperation networks of entrepreneurship clusters and public institutions. The Strategic Plan is based on a balanced development of academic quality and work organization in pursuit of enhanced efficiency. Through setting and implementation of priorities and internal distribution of financial resources a new quality of research, study and support activities is to be achieved. TUT s activity is based on joint actions of research areas, better compatibility of research, study and support activities. A demanding academic management culture is essential for high quality assurance: balanced rights and responsibilities, freedom and accountability. TUT participates actively in international joint research programmes with foreign universities and enterprises. The University, a technology transfer centre, cooperates with Estonian enterprises, public institutions and local governments. University education rests on research activities. Efficiency of creation/mediation of knowledge and technology is a proof of a university s academic standard. High scientific level is also revealed in the quality of study and development activities. The University is composed of a multicultural student body and a motivated and professional academic staff. TUT s quality aspirations pursue those of leading universities of technology while equivalent standards will be

2 2 attained by TUT will proceed from society s needs for advancement and will be acting as an advocate of research, education and innovation policy. Values Transparency and spirit of renewal TUT is continuously open to organizational changes, renewal of academic staff and leaders is continual; the University is open to new international academic staff and students. The University membership is open to new knowledge, skills and innovative ideas and engaged in setting and implementation of goals and priorities. Collaboration competencies in different areas and structures create synergy, supported by mutually enriching free discussions, horizontal collaboration of structural units, congenial and supportive environment, active networking with partner universities and enterprises. Professionalism the University staff is motivated, committed and ambitious, engaged in consistent development of their knowledge and skills to enhance their qualification standards; high professionalism is a determining factor in staff recruitment and promotion, activities focus on increase of academic quality and effective performance of the University. Goals 2015: 1. In terms of research, development and study levels and results of research in key areas, TUT is congruent with strong universities of technology in the Baltic Sea region. Teaching and learning is based on internationally recognized research work and the graduates are highly rated on the labour market. 2. TUT focuses primarily on Master s and Doctoral studies, increasing the ratio of doctoral graduates to other graduates; the University values high quality education that stimulates creative thinking, is demanding and student-centred. Each student at the Bachelor s and applied higher education level will be provided the opportunity to acquire a competitive firstlevel education. [entered into force ] 3. Strong faculties, research institutions and colleges consolidate TUT s performance. Their skilled management ensure high academic quality and performance, effective work organization and steady, balanced development. A faculty is composed of an effective infrastructure of departments, centres and laboratories with well-qualified staff engaged in research and teaching. 4. The University ensures quality and sustainability in academic and research work and continuing education in technology areas crucial for Estonia s advancement. TUT will carry out analysis of employer demands and graduate employability and prepare internationally competitive specialists according to the needs of the society. 5. TUT, an active initiator of innovative advancement of Estonia s key economic areas, is an efficient participant in policy formulation in higher education, research and innovation. 6. TUT as an employer is attractive on a global scale; the University offers equal opportunities and acknowledges outstanding results gained in the study and research activities. 7. Competition to academic positions and the number of high-standard research groups has increased. 8. TUT has actively participated in the establishment and implementation of measures for funding of applied research for higher educational and research institutions in Estonia. 9. The importance of information and communication technology (ICT) is growing in all spheres of life. The University supports this tendency by developing its ICT competencies and integrating them in a field-specific manner with all education and research areas in order to improve the relevant skills of all specialists. [entered into force ] Decisions of principle 1. The University will pass the institutional accreditation.

3 3 2. TUT continues the development of a management system that accounts for the needs and expectations of both internal and external interested parties and ensures the quality of all basic activities. [entered into force ] 3. TUT seeks the adoption of the Tallinn University of Technology Act, revises the basis of formation of the Board of Governors and increases its role in solving the strategic issues facing the University. In the management of its academic activities, the University preserves the established autonomy and management principles and forms an international advisory board to achieve the goals of an international research university. [entered into force ] 4. The faculties and/or colleges are responsible for the preparation, implementation, development, administration and quality level of the curricula in compliance with the strategic goals of the University. Curricula are subject to approval by the TUT Council. [entered into force ] 5. The structure, general composition and presentation, lists and recommended volumes of common University-wide disciplines as well as structural units responsible for teaching quality will be decided on the University level, taking into consideration the specificities in curriculum groups. Efficient horizontal cooperation between faculties, research institutions and colleges enhances both interdisciplinary benefits and use of resources. 6. The role, obligations and liability of faculties and colleges in the management of the University will be increased. The faculties and colleges are responsible for the quality and efficiency of research and teaching, renewal of research and teaching staff, efficient work organization and financial management in order to ensure sustainable activity and enhanced academic quality. 7. The strategic plans of faculties, research institutions and colleges and one- or two-year action plans drafted in cooperation with the Rector s Office and the steering committee to be formed for monitoring the fulfilment of the TUT Strategic Plan are central among the management instruments of TUT Management in pursuit of goals set in the Strategic Plan. The strategic plans of structural units are intended to complement and specify the TUT Strategic Plan, their fulfilment being subject to monitoring on a regular basis. 8. If necessary, academic units will be restructured to ensure adequate financing and skilled academic staff. Restructuring of inefficient and fragmented areas in order to attain sustainability of the area and acceptable research and applied potential is fostered. Restructuring shall be initiated by the Rector, the decision shall be made by the TUT Council, whereas the Rector s proposal shall be supplemented by the position of the council of the respective faculty, research institution or college. 9. The strategic recruitment of academic staff, including young and internationally recognized scientists with substantial potential, first and foremost to form research groups in the priority areas provided with a start-up capital, is intensified. [entered into force ] 10. Management decisions are targeted at an increase in the amount and quality of international research projects, applied research and publications and at promotion of research-based studies using modern teaching methods and content. 11. Awarding of the title of Emeritus to elderly professors and associated professors will be fostered, thus the average age of academic staff will decrease. 12. The University of Tartu is TUT s strategic partner in Estonia in study and research. A Research and development (R&D) In order to improve the results and quality of R&D activities, the University will: 1. fill leading academic positions with promising staff based on an open international competition; create an area-centred University support and motivation system for top scientists; the composition and evaluation criteria of expert committees will be similar to those applied in leading Nordic universities (of technology);

4 4 2. promote formation and increase of internationally recognised research groups; encourage and stimulate international cooperation; participate in national and international centres of excellence; 3. drive activities for drafting and establishment of national area-related quality criteria for evaluation of R&D and adoption of funding decisions that take into account society s expectations in relation to R&D; 4. create a well-functioning information system for seeking resources for R&D from the European Union framework programmes as well as from other international and national programmes; 5. continue activities for internationalization of doctoral studies and participate actively in doctoral schools; involve more doctoral students in TUT R&D activities; employ doctoral students at TUT or in areas directly related to their doctoral thesis; in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Research and other universities, design an efficient plan for systematic and competitive funding of Doctoral study and ensuring high esteem of a Doctoral degree in the society; the requirements set for the Doctoral theses are equivalent to those in the leading European universities wherefrom opponents will be invited on a regular basis; seek an increase in state-commissioned doctoral student places; 6. implement a system of post-doc programmes, recruiting successful domestic and foreign university graduates; 7. in elected positions requiring a Doctoral degree, give preference to candidates who have completed post-doc abroad or have acquired relevant experience in an enterprise; 8. support continued training of academic staff in recognized universities abroad; 9. promote an environment for organising international scientific conferences and support their organisation; 10. strengthen cooperation with hospitals, in particular with the North-Estonian Regional Hospital to involve more doctors in research work and development of joint research projects. B Teaching and learning activities In order to foster learner-centred study activities and assure the quality of teaching and learning the University will: 1. ensure a competitive basic and special and basic professional skills for students in Bachelor's and Master s study and professional competences in professional higher education; 2. contribute to teacher education, supervising (mentoring) young lecturers and the development of education technology in order to provide a modern learning environment, teaching methods and education technology, with the goal of increasing the quality of teaching and learning. [entered into force ] 3. amend regulations that set out curriculum management, development and administration, their coordination and organization of studies on the faculty/college level; faculties and colleges will ensure efficient organization of studies and bear responsibility for the content and quality of studies; on the same level, estimate and plan resources for studies and opportunities for reduction/optimization in curricula and specializations; 4. direct the development of legal and financing environment in order to ensure the availability of resources and support for the faculties intended for continual analysis of the content and development of curricula and the development of new subjects and modules; 5. consider it necessary to introduce an entrepreneurship module into all Master s programmes with active learning methods employed in teaching the subjects and development of social skills;

5 5 6. provide opportunities for talented students to acquire in-depth education, if necessary, by forming special study groups; engage talented master s and doctoral students in teaching and research and motivate them to start an academic career; 7. introduce international Master s curricula in all faculties; continue the development of joint curricula in collaboration with other Estonian and foreign universities; be prepared to provide instruction in English (in a foreign language) in each Master s curriculum. On the other hand, each Estonian lecturer must be able to provide instruction in sophisticated mother tongue and develop professional terminology in his or her area of speciality; 8. increase considerably the number of international students in Master s and Doctoral programmes, apply a talent search system for master s, doctoral and post-doctoral students of high potential; 9. invite on a regular basis top specialists-practitioners and/or visiting professors from Nordic, West-European and other foreign countries; 10. provide broader opportunities for students to take up studies at other recognized universities; 11. foster flexible learning opportunities training in the Open University, distance study and continuous specialist training; prepare students and teaching staff for lifelong learning so they can improve their knowledge, skills and competence according to their needs; 12. award a primary qualification to all graduates whose curricula are related to an occupational standard approved by the Estonian Qualifications Authority. [entered into force ] C Society, strategic policies, entrepreneurship On the societal level TUT will: 1. participate actively in the formation of the national development policies, primarily in the areas of education, research and innovation, as well as in TUT areas of competence and responsibility (policies of information and communication technology, power engineering, transport, industry, and civil engineering) and in directing economic and administration policy; 2. support society s regional development through educational and R&D institutions of the University outside Tallinn; a critical mass in colleges will be achieved by funding from the state and the University; recognize participation of the academic staff in regional institutions and elaborate a relevant motivation system; 3. promote the goals set in Estonian higher education strategy and Estonian research and development and innovation strategy Knowledge-based Estonia and apply for relevant state allocations; 4. initiate a business analysis and a marketing programme to ensure implementation of prospective inventions in business activities; 5. collaborate with partners to develop Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol: integrate study and R&D potential and develop a programme for staff and student practice and work opportunities in cooperation with technology parks and enterprises of the Baltic Sea countries; 6. initiate development of innovative cooperation networks and forms based on university education and research; participate in the development of Estonian Information Technology Academy and EU IT Agency; contribute to Centres of Excellence and as a research partner to Centres of Competence; 7. provide expertise and consultancy services in TUT areas of competence; 8. promote TUT s trademark and its services in the main target groups and countries; develop TUT s image in compliance with its (core) values; establish representations in Asia and North America in cooperation with the European partner universities;

6 6 9. seek government s action to develop and implement a need-based system of social guarantees for students; monitor and support students experiencing difficulties in studies, psychological and material hardships in order to reduce the dropout rate; 10. cooperate with the Ministry of Education and Research and general education schools to improve proficiency of school-leavers, in particular in exact sciences; in the conditions of reduction in the numbers of school-leavers, coordinate activities to ensure the required admission rate; 11. diversify opportunities for lifelong learning, ensuring continuous training in all areas offered at TUT; involve specialists from enterprises and professional associations in tailoring suitable training curricula for self development, retraining or acquisition of an additional speciality; 12. popularise scientific, engineering and technological knowledge to arouse public interest in these areas and in the profession of an engineer and a scientist, in particular among school students; prepare teachers of technology based on engineering education; recognize the role of technical intelligentsia in modern society, contribute to investigations of the history of Estonian science, engineering and technology and development of professional language; 13. develop TUT Library into a centre of scientific and engineering information, create high international standard for the library, information, advisory and training services; 14. establish TUT Museum as a culture centre introducing alma mater, science and engineering to school students, to the university community, to other visitors from Estonia and abroad; publish required study literature and important sources of engineering culture through TUT Press House and implement the innovative print-on-demand technology. D University management and economic activities In order to achieve the goals set TUT will: 1. generate and establish the values and organizational culture of TUT; the academic leaders are visionaries and opinion leaders both in engineering culture and in the areas of educational, research and innovation policy; 2. develop staff policy that supports implementation of this Strategic Plan; target activities to ensure competitive and attractive remuneration for the academic staff; develop a motivation system at the university, faculty and institution level; 3. support the Student Body, incl. the Student Union, cherish a feeling of unity and new initiatives promoting the so-called Tipikad identity and image; create complementary opportunities for furtherance of professional societies and student research clubs; support the new Student House administration; involve international students in building up TUT s image; 4. intensify institutional collaboration with the University of Tartu, Baltic Sea region and other world s leading universities (of technology) through joint curricula and/or doctoral schools, common requirements for academic staff, vacancy announcements, staff and student exchange; to achieve the above, involve representatives from those institutions in TUT leading bodies (Board of Governors, International Advisory Board); 5. create management and monetary instruments intended for stable development of research groups and young scientists with high scientific potential as well as key areas of TUT study and research activities; 6. map and reconcile operations of the administrative and support units and an IT-supported information system with operations of academic units (incl. their service staff); simplify document management, prevent practices of unreasonable duplication and over-regulation; 7. develop, if necessary, in collaboration with other universities, an integral IT strategy and as a result design an IT infrastructure, information systems and services in compliance with the

7 7 University s developmental tasks concerning main and support activities; continue design of operational and management processes based on modern ICT solutions; 8. develop its own support staff and outsource high-level staff; the focus is on the provision of high-quality service for international staff and students; integrated effective management of administrative and support units; 9. continue the realization of the construction programme started in (Annex 1); concentrate all TUT structural units located in Tallinn (except for Tallinn College) to the Mustamäe campus; update the R&D infrastructure, draw up an activity plan for updating teaching laboratories and supplying auditoriums with IT equipment; and analyse the possibilities of implementing smart grid technology in the University s power distribution network; [entered into force ] 10. increase University s loan balance up to 30 million euro s by 2015 in order to realize the planned investments; as a rule, use loans for implementation of the construction programme; 11. develop an efficient network-based (e.g. based on former student group representatives) alumni movement, with active support from the faculties and institutions; promote a feeling of alumni community, involve alumni, incl. alumni from abroad, in TUT activities and formation of national policies; 12. support cultural activities of university members in TUT and when representing the University; promote physical education and student sports culture so as to establish them as an integral part of student culture; support student and staff sports programmes and competitive sports. Implementation of the Strategic Plan 1. TUT Strategic Plan shall be adopted (approved) by the TUT Council. Five-year development plans of the faculties, research institutions and colleges shall be adopted by the councils concerned and they shall be approved by the Rector. Fulfilment of the objectives set in the development plans shall be ensured by a step-by-step implementation of one- or twoyear activity plans. 2. In order to ensure implementation of the Strategic Plan, the Rector will establish a steering committee for drafting of one- and two-year activity plans for all subjects included in the Strategic Plan, who will evaluate the fulfilment of the plans and report to the Rector during the whole five-year period. 3. The annual activity plans of TUT (Management) shall be prepared by the Vice-Rectors, the Finance and the Administration Director and approved by the Rector. Activity plans of faculties, research institutions and colleges shall be prepared by the dean/director, coordinated by the council concerned and approved by the Rector. 4. For the implementation of the Strategic Plan, amendments and additions to the activity area strategies will be introduced. 5. The Rector will report on the performance results of the Strategic Plan to the TUT Council annually. The results will be subject to evaluation and approval by the TUT Council. The text of the Strategic Plan is available for all TUT members in printed and/or electronic form. The Strategic Plan will be implemented in close collaboration between the managers at all levels, each member of staff and each student, and the public and private sector. Performance indicators Performance indicator Research and development activities 1. Number of pre-reviewed research publications based on the classification used in ETIS* per one full-time academic position [entered into force

8 ] 2. Proportion of foreign academic staff in overall academic staff 5.4% 10% 3. Contest to professors positions Proportion of R&D budget in the overall study and R&D budget** 41.6% over 50% Enterprise contract volume*** [entered into force ] 2.7 million euros 5.2 million euros 5. Number of doctoral theses defended **** Teaching and learning activity 1. Proportion of TUT students (excl. continuing education) in Estonian student body 19.9% 25% 2. Proportion of student dropouts in total student body 13.6% 11% 3. Proportion of joint curricula (incl. research universities abroad) [repealed ] 5.6%/0 16%/4% 4. Proportion of international students by cycle (Master s and Doctoral study) 3.6%/4.5% 8%/10% 5. Monetary volume of continuing education (incl. open education) [entered into force ] 1.8 million euros 2.6 million euros * according to the classifier (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1) in the Estonian Research Information System adopted by the Directive of the Minister of Education and Research No. 704 of ; **data for 2009; *** data for 2009, contracts with enterprises, service and consultancy, contracts with enterprises abroad; **** number of graduates in the 1st and 2nd level of higher education remains roughly the same (data for 2010: 1129/716).

9 Annex 1 Investments required for construction and real estate programmes in [entered into force ] I Construction Total, mil EUR incl. selffinancing, mil EUR 1. Reconstruction of study buildings 5 and Reconstruction of study building 2B Partial reconstruction of old library and study building Construction of the Competence Centre for Oil Shale Research in Kohtla-Järve 5. Reconstruction of TUT Kuressaare College to establish a competence centre 6. Design and construction of Särghaua Field Station (incl furnishing and equipment) 7. Partial reconstruction of the Observatory Construction of the Mektory building Initial task and initial drafts for the construction of a swimming pool 10. Reconstruction of the rooms of the IT Faculty at Akadeemia tee 15A 11. Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tõnismägi , water tower (phase I) 12. Other, total Total II Real estate and other funding 1. Purchase of properties at Puiestee 76, 78, 80, 80a Total