Continuous improvement model for the management of the academic-administrative processes of the civil construction department of IUTAG.

Abstract

The management of academic functions—teaching, research, administration, and outreach—in higher education institutions such as the Alonso Gamero University Institute (IUTAG) is a constant subject of analysis and reflection by leading figures in the educational landscape. This feasible project, supported by a non-experimental, descriptive, and ex post facto field study, scientifically addressed the academic and administrative management of the Civil Construction Department at IUTAG. The study resulted in the design of a continuous improvement model for the management of this academic unit. The target population consisted of 34 faculty members who completed a questionnaire with 57 items using a five-point Likert scale, ranging from Strongly Agree (5) to Strongly Disagree (1). Among the main findings, it is highlighted that faculty members consider the quality of teaching, outreach, administration, and research to be average, and that the department under study lacks organization of its academic and administrative functions, which has hindered the implementation of continuous improvement programs. Recommendations include familiarizing faculty with the department's philosophical framework and reorienting all academic and administrative work accordingly, as well as implementing the Continuous Improvement Plan presented in this research to optimize planning, administration, staffing, and oversight of faculty responsibilities. This plan considers the philosophical framework, physical spaces, technology, faculty, organizational communication, motivation, inter-institutional relations, and evaluation as central aspects.