Analytic Quality Glossary A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Home
Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004-24, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for additions or amendments.
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Best practice
Best practice refers to effective, ideal or paradigmatic practice within an organisation that others would benefit from adopting or adapting.
Best practice may refer to activities within institutions, such as learning and teaching or research activities, to organisational structures within higher education institutions or to the appropriate practices of evaluation agencies.
The UNESCO definiton (2004) of best practice was:
A superior method or an innovative process involving an actual accepted range of safe and reasonable practices resulting in the improved performance of a higher education institution or programme, usually recognized as “best” by other peer organizations. A best practice does not necessarily represent an absolute, ultimate example or pattern, the application of which assures the improved performance of a higher education institution or programme; rather, it has to do with identifying the best approach to a specific situation, as institutions and programmes vary greatly in constituencies and scope. (Vlãsceanu, et al., 2004, p. 30)
The modified UNESCO(2007) definiton is:
A method or an innovative process involving a range of safe and reasonable practices resulting in the improved performance of a higher education institution or programme, usually recognized as “best” by other peer organizations. A best practice does not necessarily represent an absolute, ultimate example or pattern, its application assures the improved performance of a higher education institution or programme; rather, it identifies the best approach to a specific situation, as institutions and programmes vary greatly in constituencies and scope. (Vlãsceanu, et al., 2007, p. 41)
A different approach emphasises sharing and mutual support. In developing and promoting collaboration between higher education institutions and Training and Enterprise Councils, HEFCE defined best practice as follows:
Best practice is defined as a relationship based on long-term commitment, shared goals and mutual aims, which can be called a 'strategic partnership'. (HEFCE/DFEE, 1997)
Higher Education Funding Council for
Vlãsceanu, L., Grünberg, L., and Pârlea, D., 2004, Quality Assurance and Accreditation: A Glossary of Basic Terms and Definitions (Bucharest, UNESCO-CEPES) Papers on Higher Education, ISBN 92-9069-178-6
Vlãsceanu, L., Grünberg, L., and Pârlea, D., 2007, Quality Assurance and Accreditation: A Glossary of Basic Terms and Definitions (