From its inspection, HANDS Institute of Development Studies (HANDS–IDS) had the commitment to provide a high-quality education and enhancing the quality of all of its activities. To support the mission HANDS – IDS has established the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) which aims at developing and implementing an efficient quality management system that systematically develops the standards of higher education.

Vision

To achieve the goal, the institute will strive for academic excellence, research, creative learning, capacity building, and meeting the criteria set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) through quality assessment methods and practices. This will allow the institute to successfully compete with other universities across the country.

Mission

The mission of HANDS – IDS Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) is to develop the community of learners by ensuring that the quality of academic programs is continuously enhanced. This will be accomplished through accountability, the review of design and policies, systematic documentation, and the analysis of curriculum by locating and supporting the most effective practices in the field of education.

Aim & Objectives

The Aims and Objectives of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of HANDS – IDS are as follows:
•Implementation of a quality assurance (QA) framework at the institutional level. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has defined standards of performance at the institutional level. Both the text and the spirit of these standards will be implemented.
• Implementation of the QA framework at the program level. Compliance with standards and criteria specified by relevant accreditation bodies is ensured. Accreditation of all HANDS – IDS program will obtain from the respective councils that are approved or established by HEC.
• Mechanisms for both internal and external assessment will be put in place so that performance can be evaluated and monitored in accordance with the standards defined by the HEC and the accreditation bodies. The conclusions and recommendations contained within the performance evaluation reports are a part of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts at HANDS – IDS.
• Implementation of policies and criteria defined by HEC (QA), such as faculty appointment criteria, admission criteria for students, a plagiarism policy, etc.
• Implementation of program monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as faculty and student perceptions.
• Efforts to be deployed in enhancing the participation of students, teachers, and staff of the institution in implementing the Quality Assurance mechanism.