Quality Policy of the Department of Economics of the University of Piraeus for the development and enhancement of the Master’s Programme “Corporate Governance and Risk Management”

Introduction

The following text briefly outlines the quality policy that guides and shapes the design and implementation of the Master’s Programme in “Corporate Governance and Risk Management” offered by the Department of Economics of the University of Piraeus. The Department’s quality policy for the Master’s Programme is always aligned with the legal and regulatory framework of the State. At the same time, as it constitutes a complementary text to the quality policies adopted and implemented by both the University ([https://www.unipi.gr/eswteriko-susthma-diasfalishs-poiothtas/](https://www.unipi.gr/eswteriko-susthma-diasfalishs-poiothtas/)) and the Department, at both undergraduate and postgraduate programme level ([https://www.unipi.gr/tmima-oikonomikis-](https://www.unipi.gr/tmima-oikonomikis-) epistimis/diasfalisi-poiotitas/), the quality policy of the Master’s Programme is harmonised with, further specifies, redesigns, and continuously redefines its objectives on the basis of the quality strategy of the University and the Department.

Quality Statement of the Department of Economics

The Department of Economics is committed to ensuring Quality across all its academic, educational, and research activities by offering modern, reliable, and competitive postgraduate programmes, with a focus on innovation, the specialisation of academic fields within Economics, and the effective use of applied research. In conclusion, the Department recognises the decisive role of Quality as a means of strengthening equal access to knowledge, outward orientation, international recognition, and cooperation with the productive sectors of society.

More specifically, for the implementation of this policy, the academic unit is committed to applying quality procedures that will demonstrate:

a) the suitability of the structure and organisation of the postgraduate programmes of study

b) the pursuit of learning outcomes and qualifications in accordance with the European and National Qualifications Frameworks for Higher Education at Level 7

c) the promotion of the quality and effectiveness of teaching in the Master’s Programme d) the suitability of the qualifications of the teaching staff for the Master’s Programmes

e) the formulation, implementation, and review of specific annual quality objectives for the improvement of the Master’s Programmes

f) the level of demand in the labour market for the qualifications acquired by graduates

g) the quality of support services, such as administrative services, libraries, and student welfare services for the Master’s Programmes

h) the efficient use of the financial resources of the Master’s Programmes, which may derive from tuition fees

i) the conduct of the annual internal evaluation and review of the system

quality assurance system for the Master’s Programmes, in cooperation with the OMEA and the MODIP of the University

The quality policy of the Master’s Programme also takes into account the Quality Policy of the University of Piraeus for distance learning and blended learning Master’s Programmes, which further specifies the principles of quality assurance in distance education in accordance with the guidelines of the European Higher Education Area (ESG 2015) and the specific Accreditation Standard of the HQA for distance learning Master’s Programmes. Within this framework, the Master’s Programme ensures the academic equivalence of distance learning with face-to-face education, the use of modern pedagogical and technological practices, and the continuous enhancement of the student learning experience.

Principles and Quality Objectives

The primary objective of the Department for the Master’s Programme “Corporate Governance and Risk Management” is to apply the concepts of risk management theory, microeconomic theory, industrial organisation, empirical methodologies of economic theory, and their applications to the understanding of significant issues observed in the world of business, organisations, and public interest entities. In addition, a key aim of the Master’s Programme is for students to understand the practical challenges involved in applying empirical analyses of economic theory. To achieve this, the Department follows the quality policy of the University of Piraeus, committing itself to implementing the processes, procedures, and work instructions provided for and analysed in the Manual of the Institution’s Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) ([https://www.unipi.gr/wp-](https://www.unipi.gr/wp-)content/uploads/2023/09/Εγχειρίδιο_Ποιότητας_ΕΣΔΠ_τελικό.pdf) in cooperation with the Internal Evaluation Group.

Evaluation Group (OMEA) of the Department and the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) of the University. At the same time, the quality policy is aligned with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (European_Standards_and_Guidelines_for_Quality_Assurance_in_the_EHEA_2015_MC_613 727.pdf) and also complies with the relevant specific standard of the HQA, with the ultimate aim of the continuous improvement of the programme.

Within the framework of implementing the Master’s Programme through distance learning or blended learning methods, the Department places particular emphasis on ensuring the quality of the digital educational process. In particular, the Master’s Programme seeks to:

• the clear definition of learning outcomes and their systematic alignment with teaching and assessment methods,
• the development and continuous updating of pedagogically appropriate digital educational material,
• the enhancement of interaction between instructors and students through synchronous and asynchronous digital tools,
• the safeguarding of academic integrity and the reliability of assessment procedures,
• the provision of adequate academic, administrative, and technical support to students,
• the continuous upgrading of the digital infrastructure and technological services that support distance learning.

In line with the quality objectives of the University of Piraeus, as well as the Institution’s strategic development plan, the quality policy of the Department of Economics for the development and enhancement of the Master’s Programme “Corporate Governance and Risk Management” focuses on the following main objectives:

Production, dissemination, and application of cutting-edge knowledge, and continuous adaptation of the curriculum to scientific developments. The Department is committed to the production, dissemination, and application of cutting-edge knowledge, alongside the continuous adaptation of the curriculum to scientific developments. Achieving this objective requires the engagement of highly specialised teaching staff, including both members of the Department and authorised external personnel, who are experts in their respective fields and devoted to teaching, research, and the academic support of students. At the same time, the Department makes full use of both the University’s annual internal evaluation procedures and the direct engagement of the Programme Coordinating Committee members with the labour market in order to ensure that the curriculum is consistently upgraded to meet the needs of society. Within this framework, the Master’s Programme in “Corporate Governance and Risk Management” aims to attract high-level and internationally recognised academic staff who combine theoretical knowledge with organisational experience. The educational process of the Master’s Programme seeks to produce graduates with values who will be able to respond effectively to the contemporary challenges faced by both the private and public sectors.

Provision of high-level university education and training, guided by the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. The provision of high-level university education and training, in line with the European and National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, is of essential importance. Students’ analytical, synthetic, critical, and creative thinking is continuously fostered through the use of modern methods, techniques, and tools, with particular emphasis on ICT. This approach aims at the continuous enhancement of the quality and effectiveness of teaching, maintaining close interaction with students and setting clear and measurable objectives. The structure and organisation of the programme have been designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the various fields of public economics and policy, including theory, methodology, and practical applications.