MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
VINH UNIVERSITY

VO VAN TUAN

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TRAINING OF
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN HO CHI
MINH CITY UNDER AUN-QA
Major: Education management
Code: 9140114

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS IN EDUCATIONAL
SCIENCE

NGHE AN - 2020


1
The thesis has been completed at Vinh University

Scientific instructors:
1. Dr. PHAN QUOC LAM
2. Assoc. Prof., Dr. PHAM VAN SON

Opponent 1:

Opponent 2:

Opponent 3:

The thesis is defended at the Council of Doctoral Thesis Examiners at Vinh

In spite of only 20 years old, the private universities have held an important role
in the tertiary education system, contributing to satisfying the learning needs of the
society and making a significant contribution to training the highly qualified human
resources for the country. Besides these basic achievements, the private universities
have still existed some weaknesses and shortcomings in the management in general
and the management of training activities in particular. One of the basic reasons is that
the quality assurance in training at the private universities has not been properly taken
into consideration, not proposed and implemented the solutions that are scientifically
based and practical to the quality assurance in training.


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Ho Chi Minh City is the largest, dynamic and most developed economic center
in the country. This local has also had the highest number of private universities among
63 provinces/cities. However, like private universities across the country, the training
quality of private universities Ho Chi Minh City has still existed many inadequacies,
not meeting the requirements of the society. That obstructs the development of large
number of universities, even threatened to not exist. To improve the training quality of
private universities in Ho Chi Minh City, it is necessary to have a system of
comprehensive solutions. In which, the work of quality assurance in training with the
scientifically sound and practical solutions is one of the first important duty. That is
also the rationale for me to choose the “Quality assurance in training of private
universities in Ho Chi Minh City under AUN-QA” as my thesis theme.
2. Purposes of research
Based on the theoretical and practical research, the thesis proposes the solutions of
quality assurance in training under AUN-QA, thereby contributing to improve the training
quality of the private universities in Ho Chi Minh City, meeting the needs of developing
high quality human resources in Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeastern Vietnam.
3. Subject and object of research
3.1. Subject of research: Management of training quality of private universities.

training of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City. The quality assurance in
training according to AUN-QA includes 3 levels: strategic quality assurance;
systematic quality assurance; training program quality assurance with 3 versions.
At all 3 levels there is external quality assurance and internal quality assurance.
The thesis focuses on the quality assurance in training according to AUN-QA at
the internal systematic quality assurance with version 3 including 12 standards.
- In relation to the training quality and quality assurance in training, there
are 2 groups of customers: Internal group of customers (managerial staff, lecturers)
and external group of customers (students, parents, human resource users). In the
research scope of the thesis, the author focuses on researching the internal group
of customers. The external group of customers (the group of parents are not
researched) was collected additional information for the research data from the
internal group of customers.
- Survey the actual conditions of training quality and quality assurance in
training of 381 subjects at 06 universities, including: Van Lang University; Van


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Hien University; University of Economic and Finance; Nguyen Tat Thanh
University; Hong Bang International University; Ho Chi Minh City University of
Technology (HUTECH)
- Survey the necessity and feasibility of proposed solutions for the subjects
of Van Lang University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Test 02
proposed solutions at Van Lang University.
6. Approach and method of research
6.1. Approach:
T Systematic approach; Change management approach; Approach to AUN-QA
(ASEAN University Network) quality assurance model; Market approach.
6.2. Methods of research
During the research, we have used the following groups of research methods:

universities in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA with 11 elements.
- Objectively evaluate the actual conditions of quality assurance in training of
private universities in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA with 12 standards.
- Propose the solutions of thequality assurance in training of private universities
in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA.
9. Structure of the thesis
In addition to the Preamble, Conclusions and Recommendations, References and
Annexes, the thesis includes 3 chapters:
Chapter 1: Theoretical basis of quality assurance in training of private
universities according to AUN-QA
Chapter 2: Actual conditions of quality assurance in training of private
universities in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA
Chapter 3: Solutions of quality assurance in training of private universities in Ho
Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA


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Chapter 1
THEORETICAL BASIS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE
IN TRAINING OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
ACCORDING TO AUN-QA
1.1. Overview
1.1.1. Inherited theoretical points
- The quality assurance in training of universities is a meaning full work that has
a decisive meaning to the existence and development of the tertiary education
institutions in our country in general and of private colleges in particular. Therefore,
the implementation of quality assurance in training in private universities is an
necessary work.
- The quality assurance in training is an important component of the quality
control in training, therefore, the implementation of quality assurance in training must

- Theoretical study of training quality, quality assurance in training of private
universities under AUN-QA.
- Application of the theory of quality assurance in training according to AUNQA to the actual conditions of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Research and propose the solutions of enhancing the efficiency of quality
assurance in training quality of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City under AUN-QA.
1.2. Some basic concepts
1.2.1. Training
Training is “a systematic, methodical process of transferring the experiences,
knowledge, professional skills, while fostering the necessary ethical qualities and
preparing the mind and physical conditions for learners to the independent working life
and contribute to building and defending the country”. Training includes the following
phases: Enrollment, training process and outputs. Customers of training process
include: external customers (learners; students’ parents; managers; employers);
Internal customers (lecturers; staff).
1.2.2. Training activities of private universities
The training activities of private universities is the process of tertiary training
with the basic common points of tertiary training under the specific conditions of
private universities. According to the Law amending and supplementing a number of
articles of the Law on tertiary education (2018), Vietnamese tertiary education


9
institutions are organized in 2 types: Public universities and private universities. These
two types are equal before the law. However, the private universities in Vietnam have
some basic characteristics of training, different from public universities such as: owner;
organization and management; infrastructure; finance; study program; training
sections; job opportunities; entrance level of students.
1.2.3. Training quality of private universities
The quality is the conformity of the product with the set objectives, the
satisfaction of the involved parties, at the most economical cost. The tertiary education

characteristics of the country, the education and each type of education institutions.
1.3.3. Suitability of quality assurance in training of private universities
according to AUN-QA
The selection of proper model of quality assurance in training is extremely
important in the management of universities in general and quality assurance in training
in particular. The suitability of the model of quality assurance in training for a tertiary
education institution is that such model helps the tertiary education institution match
the university’s training characteristics, helping the universities achieve the
universities’ goals in general and training goals in particular.
The selection of AUN-QA in the quality assurance in training of private
universities, especially with the systematic quality assurance in training from within
the university, comes from the following reasons:
- AUN-QA is similar to the quality assurance in training of universities in
Southeast Asia, which is the basis for Vietnam’s private universities to internationalize;
- AUN-QA is similar to the concept of training quality in private universities that
the thesis has determined;
- The quality assurance in training under AUN-QA shall help private universities
achieve the training goal;
- All three levels of quality assurance in training of AUN-QA are both internal
and external audit. However, the internal systematic quality assurance in training of
AUN-QA is similar to the point of view and approach of the thesis author. The private
universities themselves must implement the audit of training quality thereby to perform
the quality assurance in training of the universities before the external audit. From the
viewpoint of approach by the managers of private universities, the selection of
systematic quality assurance by the thesis author will be more suitable than the strategic
quality assurance and and training program quality assurance.


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1.4. Components of training quality of private universities according to


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private universities must perform activities of quality assurance. However, the
activities of quality assurance are only effective when they are based on the scientific
theories of the training quality and the activities of quality assurance. The issue of the
training quality and the quality assurance in training at universities have been studied
by domestic and foreign authors, but the application of theories to the quality of training
and the quality assurance in training at Vietnamese universities in general and private
universities in particular have not been studied much.
In order to ensure the quality, all universities in the world and the regional ones
apply many models such as: quality checking; quality assessment; and quality audit.
Even in the quality assessment model, universities can also apply many different
models. AUN-QA is one of the quality assessment models that many universities in
Southeast Asia have applied to. With characteristics of private universities, especially
in training activities as well as AUN-QA characteristics, AUN-QA is one of the models
of quality assurance in training which is suitable for private universities in Vietnam.
The quality assurance in training in accordance with AUN-QA consists of: strategies;
Quality assurance of the system; quality assurance of training programs. The three
levels all contain internal and external training quality assurances . The issue of quality
assurance in training in term of the school, with the systematic level in accordance with
AUN - QA is the research scope of the thesis.
The training quality of private universities is the school's compliance with the
training objectives. It satisfies the needs of customers with the lowest costs. The
training quality of private universities according to AUN-QA consists of 11 basic
elements: Output standards; Training program; The structure and content of the
training program; Method of Training; Examining and evaluating students' learning
activities; The quality of the teaching staff ; Quality of the support staff; Quality of
students and activities to support students; Infrastructure and equipment; Quality
improvement; Quality of graduates.
The quality assurance in training according to AUN-QA at the system level from

actual conditions of training quality and quality assurance in training of private
universities in Ho Chi Minh City.
2.2.2. Contents of survey
- The actual conditions of training quality of private universities in Ho Chi Minh
City according to AUN-QA (11 standards);


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- The actual conditions of quality assurance in training of private universities in
Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA (12 standards);
- The factors affecting the quality assurance in training of private universities in
Ho Chi Minh City.
2.2.3. Objects of survey
The thesis author selects the subjects of the survey including: managerial staff,
lecturers of 06 private universities ini Ho Chi Minh City, namely Van Lang University;
Van Hien University; University of Economic and Finance; Nguyen Tat Thanh
University; Hong Bang International University; Ho Chi Minh City University of
Technology (HUTECH).
2.2.4. Method of survey
1) Questionnaire in 3 phases
2) In-depth interview: On the basis of the survey results, the research and
development of interview questions include: Evaluation of the actual conditions of
training quality according to AUN-QA and actual conditions of quality assurance in
training according to AUN-QA.
2.2.5. Method of data processing
2.2.5.1. Analysis of quantitative data: The data collected from the questionnaire
method are processed by SPSS software version 22.0. The statistical indicators are used
in the analysis using descriptive statistics: percentage (%); average mark and standard
deviation . The indicators are used in the analysis using inference statistics: T-test,
Cronbach’s Alpha.

1

Output standards of training
program

3.31 0.591 3.27 0.575 3,31 0,594

*

2

Quality of training program

3.42 0.593 3.33 0.630 3,43 0,587

*

3

Structure and contents of
training program

3.35 0.636 3.36 0.508 3,35 0,654

*

4

Training modes


3.31 0.584 3.20 0.601 3,32 0,580

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Infrastructure and equipment

3.19 0.714 3.05 0.720 3,21 0,712 0,04

*

10 Enhancement of quality

3.20 0.646 2.98 0.688 3,23 0,635 0,04

11 Students’ quality after
graduation

3.18 0.670 3.02 0.727 3,20 0,658 0,04

Common

3.28 0.633 3.196 0.621 3,31 0,636
1: Maneger; 2: Lecturer

2.4. Actual conditions of quality assurance in training of private universities
in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA
Regarding the actual conditions of quality assurance in training of private
universities in Ho Chi Minh City according to AUN-QA, the thesis author has surveyed
the actual awareness of the concept and purpose of quality assurance in training
according to AUN-QA. At the same time, the actual conditions of quality assurance


*

3

Periodical review of core
activities

3.38 0.349 3.29 0.467 3,40 0,353

*

4

Assessment of students’
learning activities

3.18 0.412 2.98 0.450 3,21 0,456 0,04

5

Quality Assurance of staff

3.18 0.298 3.17 0.316 3,19 0,422

6

Quality Assurance of
learning documents



3.21 0.419 3.10 0.386 3,22 0,356

*

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Information disclosure

3.22 0.374 3.11 0.382 3,24 0,351

*

12

Formation of quality
assurance manual

3.25 0.421 3.04 0.368 3,28 0,403 0,03

Common

Mean

SD Mean

SD

ĐTB ĐLC


The quality assurance in training of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City has
still existed some limitations as follows:
- The policies of quality assurance in training have still not clearly reflected the
role of stakeholders.
- The activities of connecting with the former students to get their feedback on
the universities’ quality assurance in training have been ineffective.
- The information supply for the students has not been timely and complete. The
publication of complaint procedures has not been given due attention.
- The work of training and retraining, and fostering the capacity of the staff,
officials and employees has not been carried out regularly and effectively.
- The computer systems serving the universities’ teaching activities have not
been promptly checked.
2.6.3. Reasons of shortcomings
2.6.3.1. Objective reasons
- The science of management quality in general, quality assurance in training


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in particular has not been studied by many experts and managers.
- The tertiary education in Vietnam is in the process of deep integration with
the world’s education, facilitating the universities’ access to the advanced training
technologies in general, and the model of quality assurance in training in particular.
However, the quality assurance in training has still been a relatively new activity for
Vietnamese universities in general and private universities in particular. The model of
quality assurance in training according to AUN-QA has not been applied and tested by
the universities in Vietnam.
2.6.3.2. Subjective reasons
- The common awareness of training quality and quality assurance in training
by the managers, lecturers and staff has been positively changed; however, the
awareness of training quality and quality assurance in training according to AUN-QA

especially the issues such as academic freedom; The learning environment for students
is not good enough, the laboratories and laboratory equipment to enhance their
practical capacity in the training process have not been effectively exploited.
The reality of quality assurance of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City is
analyzed according to 12 standards with 42 criteria. The contents of the quality
assurance in training are rated as "good" and "fair". None of them are rated as "average"
. However, a number of criteria in the standards should be noted more to improve the
effectiveness of quality assurance in schools such as: The content of quality assurance
policies has not clearly shown the role of related parties. ; Activities to connect with
former students to get their feedback on quality assurance of the school have not been
effective yet.; The provision of information to students is not timely and sufficient. The
announcement of complaint procedures has not been given proper attention, so there is
a lack of grounds for managers to correct mistakes if any; The training and improving
of ability for the managers and lecturers have not been implemented regularly and
effectively; the computer systems serving the school's teaching activities have not been
promptly checked.
The quality assurance in training of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City is
affected by many factors. The factors that have the "very influential" level consist of:
awareness of the education and training sector as well as of the entire society; The trend


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of international integration in training high quality human resources; The role of quality
assurance units in private universities…

Chapter 3
SOLUTIONS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TRAINING OF PRIVATE
UNIVERSITIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY ACCORDING TO AUN-QA
3.1. Principles of proposing the solutions:
Guaranteed purpose; systematic and synchronous features; practicality;

3.4.3. Subjects of exploration
The exploration has been conducted on 95 subjects including: Managerial staff (18),
lecturers (77) of Van Lang University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
3.4.4. Processing of tested data
3.4.5. Results of exploration
All 5 solutions proposed by the thesis are assessed by the subjects at the level
“very necessary” (average mark of all 05 solutions are > 3.26).
3/5 solutions proposed by the thesis are assessed by the subjects at the level “very
feasible” (average mark of 3/5 solutions are > 3.26). 2 solutions have received the
assessment equivalent to the rating of “feasible”.
3.5. Experiment of proposed solutions
3.5.1. Purposes of experiments
The purpose of experiments is to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of 02
solutions, including: “Organize to raise the awareness of training quality, ensure the
training quality according to AUN-QA for the managerial staff at all levels, lecturers
and students” and “Develop the human resources in charge of quality assurance in
training according to AUN-QA” included in the proposed solutions as mentioned in
section 3.2. In the solution of development of the human resources to meet the training
quality according to AUN-QA, the thesis only experiments the content related to raise
the teaching capacity of lecturers.
3.5.2. Contents of experiments
1) Basis of selecting the contents of experiments
The thesis author has selected the solutions “Organize to raise the awareness of
training quality, ensure the training quality according to AUN-QA for the
managerial staff at all levels, lecturers and students” and “Develop the human
resources in charge of quality assurance in training according to AUN-QA” to carry


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out the experiments.


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- Average mark in terms of skills of practical application by the lecturers
participating in the training has been significantly increased after the experiment
(before experiment: average mark = 2.72; standard deviation = 0.29; after experiment:
average mark = 3.27; standard deviation = 0.33; p < 0,05).
3.5.6.2. Results of teaching method
- Average mark in terms of knowledge of teaching methods by the lecturers
participating in the training has been significantly increased after the experiment
(before experiment: average mark = 2.91; standard deviation = 0.17; after experiment:
average mark = 3.23; standard deviation = 0.12; p < 0,05).
- Average mark in terms of application skill of teaching methods by the lecturers
participating in the training has been significantly increased after the experiment
(before experiment:¬ average mark = 2.76; standard deviation = 0.24; after experiment:
average mark = 3.16; standard deviation = 0.26; p < 0,05).
Conclusion of Chapter 3
Based on the theoretical research and the actual conditions of training quality
and quality assurance in training of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City, the thesis
proposes 5 solutions of quality assurance in training of private universities in Ho Chi
Minh City according to AUN -QA, including:
(1) Organize to raise the awareness on the training quality, ensure the training
quality under AUN-QA for the managerial staff at all levels, lecturers and students;
(2) Develop the system of policies on the quality assurance in training under
AUN-QA;
(3) Develop the human resources in charge of quality assurance in training under
AUN-QA;
(4) Organize the training activities in the direction of meeting the requirements
of AUN-QA;
(5) Build a learning environment for students under AUN-QA.
Each solution has its own role, meaning, and all constitutes the system of

process of quality assurance in general, and conform to the training characteristics of
such universities.
1.2. It is very important to choose the model of quality assurance in training that
matches the strategic goals and conditions of each university. AUN-QA is the model
of quality assurance in training which has the certain advantages for private universities