Institutional Research and Quality Assurance Department

Institutional Research and Quality Assurance (IRQA)

The Department of Institutional Research and Quality Assurance (IRQA)

Purpose

The Department of Institutional Research and Quality Assurance (IRQA) at the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) was established to uphold the institution’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of academic and operational quality. Serving as both a foundation for continuous improvement and a catalyst for strategic insights, IRQA ensures that MCBS remains fully compliant with national and international quality standards, enhancing its global reputation and academic credibility.

At the heart of IRQA’s mission is a robust institutional research function, which provides rigorous data analysis and evidence-based insights to inform strategic decision-making across all levels of the institution. This research capability not only supports the continuous improvement of academic and operational processes but also drives institutional growth by identifying trends, optimizing resource allocation, and guiding program development to align with MCBS’s strategic goals.

Through its dual focus on institutional research and quality assurance, IRQA plays a vital role in strengthening MCBS’s global competitiveness. By establishing accountability frameworks, promoting innovation, and supporting sustainable development initiatives, the department embeds a culture of quality, transparency, and forward-thinking innovation throughout the institution. This comprehensive approach fortifies MCBS’s academic integrity and operational effectiveness while advancing its mission to deliver impactful, future-ready education within the Sultanate of Oman.

Goals

IRQA is dedicated to advancing institutional quality through a series of targeted goals that support academic and operational excellence. The following goals collectively aim to establish a comprehensive quality assurance framework that promotes continuous improvement, ensures adherence to accreditation standards, and leverages data-driven insights to inform strategic planning:

Implement and maintain a quality assurance framework that fosters ongoing enhancement of academic and operational processes.
Ensure adherence to national and international accreditation standards and drive successful accreditation and compliance outcomes.
Provide critical data insights and analysis to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and program development.
Support the processes of performance analysis, strategic planning, and alignment with global benchmarks critical to the achievement of institutional goals.
Promote clear reporting and accountability and track performance to ensure all units adhere to quality standards.
Benchmark academic programs and administrative processes against international standards to enhance global competitiveness and facilitate international partnerships.
Continuously adapt and innovate quality assurance practices by incorporating new technologies and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

National Accreditation

The Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA) holds responsibility for the accreditation and quality assurance of educational institutions and programs within the Sultanate of Oman. In 2018, the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) received institutional accreditation, distinguishing it as one of the first higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman to complete this rigorous process. Following initial accreditation, HEIs are required to undergo a re-accreditation process every five years, ensuring sustained quality and continuous improvement. Additionally, OAAAQA has expanded its scope to include program-specific accreditations, reinforcing standards within specialized academic fields.

At MCBS, the Institutional Research and Quality Assurance (IRQA) department is tasked with maintaining compliance with national standards across all institutional and programmatic offerings. This ensures that MCBS consistently meets OAAAQA requirements and remains fully prepared for both institutional and program accreditation processes, underscoring a commitment to excellence and quality in higher education.

International Accreditation

MCBS is strategically pursuing accreditation from two prestigious international accrediting bodies, AACSB and ABET, to solidify its global standing and competitive edge. This endeavor demonstrates MCBS’s commitment to meeting rigorous international standards and enhancing the quality and recognition of its programs.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a globally respected accrediting body that symbolizes excellence in business education. Achieving AACSB accreditation reflects a business school’s dedication to high standards in strategic management, learner success, thought leadership, and positive societal impact. By aligning with AACSB standards, MCBS seeks to elevate its business programs to a level recognized worldwide, underscoring its commitment to producing graduates who are well-prepared to lead and innovate in a dynamic global business environment.

Similarly, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a prestigious accreditor for programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. ABET accreditation assures the quality and rigor of programs and emphasizes creating a world that is safe, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. For MCBS, ABET accreditation of its computer science and mathematics programs would affirm its commitment to delivering a curriculum that meets global industry standards, fostering graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive technological advancement in Oman and beyond.

By striving for both AACSB and ABET accreditation, MCBS is committed to aligning with international benchmarks, enhancing the value of its business and STEM programs, and providing impactful, globally competitive education to students in the Sultanate of Oman.

Department Contact

For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact us at the following:
Email: quality.assurance@mcbs.edu.om
Phone Call: (+968) 24583544

Manuals

These are internal documents

Manual for Assessing Graduate Attributes Manual for Assessing Program and Course Learning Outcomes Quality Assurance Manual