Postgraduate management for continuous improvement of the quality of master's programs.
Keywords:
Keywords: academic management, postgraduate, continuous improvement, qualityAbstract
Introduction. In the higher education system, academic postgraduate studies are oriented toward the continuing education of professionals. At the University of El Salvador, master's programs face significant challenges, especially in their alignment with international quality standards. This research addresses this issue, posing the following problem for its second stage: What is the initial state that characterizes the academic management of postgraduate studies for the continuous improvement of the quality of the master's programs in the Faculty of Medicine?
Objective. To characterize the initial state of the academic management of postgraduate studies for the continuous improvement of the quality of the master's programs in the Faculty of Medicine.
Methods. The research was conducted using a primarily qualitative approach. The main variable was defined through parametrization with its dimensions and indicators. Data collection included documentary analysis, a survey of professors, master's students, and graduates from the last three cohorts, and in-depth interviews with administrators and coordinators of the master's programs.
Results. Strengths were identified, such as curricular relevance and the commitment of the teaching staff. Weaknesses included low scientific output, limited international visibility, insufficient infrastructure, and the lack of a graduate tracking system.
Discussion. These findings are consistent with similar studies at Latin American universities, mainly regarding scientific degree attainment, publications, and graduate tracking.
Conclusions. The diagnosis shows that the academic management of postgraduate studies is based on social relevance and a committed human capital, which allows for the guidance of continuous improvement plans for the quality of the master's programs.
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