2022: Mid-term evaluation of the funding line Excellence Universities of the Excellence Strategy

In order to determine whether the University of Konstanz is on the right track with regard to achieving its goals in the funding line Excellence Universities, the Rectorate suggested an mid-term evaluation of this funding line. The staff unit Quality Management was commissioned to coordinate the process. The QM department is in close contact with the coordination team for the Excellence Strategy.

Contents and goals

The aim is to find out how well the implementation of the overall strategy is working towards the goals set. For this purpose, the implementation status of the individual measures will be assessed as well as the effect of the measures on the set application goals. In addition, optimization potentials or adjustments are to be identified in order to be better prepared for the next funding round.

Procedure

The evaluation is carried out in a multi-stage procedure with:

  • data-based self-evaluation on the basis of central key figures, survey data and focus group interviews
  • external evaluation by external experts and discussion of evaluation report in the excellence advisory board
  • creation of catalogue of measures and follow-up (executed by coordination team)

Results

The results have been discussed in October 2022 by the excellence advisory board.

Procedure and schedule

Conception and information stage

  • Preparation of the concept for the mid-term evaluation, coordination with the coordination team and presentation to the Prorectors' Committee
  • Presentation of the concept for the mid-term evaluation at the kick-off of the Excellence Advisory Board (EAB)
  • Information event for heads of measures and project managers on the goals and procedure of the mid-term evaluation
  • Selection of the evaluators
  • Determination of the on-site visit date

May 2021 - October 2021

Survey stage

  • Design of the questionnaires
  • Conducting a customer survey on funded services and achievements within the funding lines Excellence University among scientists and department representatives (see also Evaluation ZWUE)
  • Focus group interviews with rectorate, project managers and status groups
  • Collection of key figures (e.g. Kerndatensatz Forschung)

September 2021 - April 2022

Self-evaluation

  • Discussion of results (key figures, surveys, focus groups) in the prorectors' committee
  • Coordination of self-report with the prorectors' committee and, if necessary, other stakeholders

March 2022 - July 2022

External evaluation

  • Two-day visit to the University of Konstanz: Discussions with the rectorate, project managers and status groups
  • Discussion of the expert report in the Excellence Advisory Board (EAB) and derivation of recommendations for the strategic further development of the Excellence Strategy of the University of Konstanz

July 2022

Discussion of reviewers' report and consequences

  • Discussion of the reviewer's report in the prorectors' Circle
  • Derivation of possible consequences in a catalogue of measures
  • Implementation of the consequences in the project management of the funding line Excellence Universities and follow-up

September 2022 - December 2022