Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy (RTTEMA)
Professional Bachelor study programme “ Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences” and “Professional Bachelor study programme Entrepreneurship and Business management”
Final Evaluation Report of the Joint Commission
November 15, 2003
This is the report of the joint commission consisting of Dr. Virginijus Kundrotas, team leader, Prof. Vulfs Kozlinskis, Dr. Roswitha King and Prof. Antanas Valantinas.
Each member of the commission also submitted a more detailed report on the study programmes related to their area of expertise. This report is based on a visit to RTTEMA on 13, 14 and15 of November and on written material presented to commission members by RTTEMA.
Aims and Objectives of the programmes
The aims and objectives of each programme evaluated are clearly expressed, are understandable and are realistic. They make a clear guidance for the curriculum of each programme.
The aim to support the regional developments in Latvia is not included among the goals of any the programs analysed, but it should be, because operating in 9 branches RTTEMA actually supports that development.
The commission members also paid attention that the name of the “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences” shall be revised based on the aims and content of the program and may be better called “Teacher of Social Sciences Majoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship ”
The content and organisation of studies
Both professional Bachelor programmes evaluated (Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship” and “Entrepreneurship and Business management”) are of 4year duration for full time students and 4.3 year duration for part time students, with practice requirements in the first, second and fourth year of studies.
Both of the evaluated study programs are designed based on the existing educational and professional standards. One is “Teacher of Social sciences”, another - “An administrator of enterprises and establishments”.
The members of the commission evaluated both programmes note that a lot of positive changes have been done in the curriculum of the programmes since the last accreditation in 2001. The amount of such core subjects as macro and microeconomic, provided was increased and looks sufficient now. The amount of credit points dedicated to the final qualification work increased from 5 credit points to 12 credit points (8 credit points for “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship”). The amount of credit points devoted to the internships from 18 credit points increased to 26 (22 for “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship “).
Still there are some core subjects necessary especially in the Professional Bachelor study programme “ Entrepreneurship and Business management” for education of manager are lacking. Like Human resource management. The amount dedicated for Marketing subjects could also be increased (now –only 4 credit points are dedicated to it). That would let to form more solid managerial background for the students.
Some of the courses shall be revised. For example, Business ethics content as well as literature list shall be redefined. The amount of credit points for this subject is not sufficient enough too (2 credits in Professional Bachelor study programme “ Entrepreneurship and Business management” and 1 credit for Professional Bachelor study programme “ Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences”).
However, the commission after analysing qualification works of 2003, concluded that they are at the sufficient level. The issues analysed in those works in most cases are actual and important for the society. The problem noticed was a lack of international literature used as information sources in the final works. After analysing about 40 works from the various branches only very few had English literature included, also only few used Russian literature. That refers to narrow focus in learning. One work had only 5 resources mentioned, where 2 out of it were Internet local resources.
The commission noted that requirement to make comparison with at least 2 study programmes from EU countries was only partly met.
Qualification of the academic staff
The qualification and professionalism of faculty members generally meet the official requirements.
33% of academic staff, teaching in Professional Bachelor study programme “ Entrepreneurship and Business management”, holds the academic degree of doctor. This is in compliance with the minimum requirement of 30%. A substantial proportion of the lecturers holding a masters degree are enrolled in PhD studies. 67% of academic staff holds a masters degree. 25% of academic staff (9 persons) is PhD students at LU or RTU.
37% of the faculty teaching in Professional Bachelor study programme “ Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences” hold the doctor degree. 63% of the faculty works full-time at RTTEMA. Ten people, who hold a masters degree are currently enrolled in doctoral studies at the University of Latvia. This indicates a good development for the future.
The recommendation is that English language proficiency of the faculty shall be increased and the international scientific activity shall be enhanced.
Teaching, learning and quality assurance
Teaching methodology, use of computers, Internet, audiovisual equipment is satisfactory.
However the provision of computers, other equipment as well as modern literature resources is weaker in the branches than in Riga headquarters.
Counselling and guidance for students, academic supervision and consultations of the teaching staff according to the information received by the academic staff, as well as from the reports of students, is working very well. Students report that it is easy to get in touch with their lecturers.
The method of assessing students’ knowledge and skills is good. Both staff and students report that a core element of assessment is a written examination.
Management and support of studies
The clear definitions of the roles and relations of administrative staff, academic staff and students are provided by the organizational structure of RTTEMA. The central institution in Riga appears to play a strongly dominant role with regard to relations with branches.
Learning facilities of RTTEMA include classroom facilities, computer facilities, and library facilities.
The Academy's Riga premises are at Imanta and at Brivibas Street in the centre of the city. The premises at the branches in Aluksne, Cesis, Jekabpils, Kuldiga, Liepaja, Madona, Tukums and Venspils are situated in various parts of those towns and vary in the quality.
As a whole, the premises are satisfactory and appear to provide a satisfactory space for current needs and realistic development of institution. Classroom space is enough and adequate for the learning process. Some of the visited classrooms had overhead projectors, were equipped with wait boards or blackboards.
The commission noticed the significant differences between the central institution in Riga and the branches with regard to library and electronic equipment.
The commission notes considerable attention must be devoted to the development of the appropriate library sources. Special attention shall be paid to the modern English language economics and business management books.
The amount of co-operation and exchange with other institutions of higher education, domestic and international, in research and teaching, is rather modest and offers much room for development. More opportunities for both students and faculty members have to be created for spending time learning at foreign universities - in Western Europe and the U.S., first of all.
Visiting professors and lecturers from foreign universities have to be invited systematically.
Students
The members of the commission had a chance to meet with the group of students (40 people), representing mainly Professional Bachelor study programme “ Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences”. Only 3 people were representing Professional Bachelor study programme “ Entrepreneurship and Business management”.
The students were very open and generous in conversation. On the whole, the students were satisfied with their studies and the Academy, strong democracy within the institution, good school practice, and the professional emphasis. The students reported on regular evaluation of the teaching. Both library and, computer resources were considered sufficient.
Among graduates and employers equally positive judgments of the Academy prevailed. Employers were satisfied by the good knowledge of graduates and by their intelligence and responsibility.
Final Recommendations
The members of the commission recommend 6 (six) year accreditation of the Professional Bachelor study programme “ Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences” and Professional Bachelor study programme “ Entrepreneurship and Business management”
The members of the commission note and strongly recommend a focus on developing library resources, especially in the area of business and management. The obtaining more English and other foreign language literature as well as periodicals should take place. Even more attention towards the development of the library sources shall be paid in the Branches.
The members of the commission recommend to re-name study programme “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship Majoring in Social Sciences”. The possible name could be “Teacher of Social Sciences Majoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship”.
On behalf of the team:
Dr. V.Kundrotas, Lithuania
To: Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre of Latvia
Date: 5. December, 2003
Individual Assessment Report
Assessor: Dr. Roswitha King
Assessed Institution: Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy
(RTTEMA)
Assessed programs:
·Professional Bachelor Program “Entrepreneurship and Business Management”
·Professional Bachelor Program “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship with
Specialization in Social Science”
Date of visit of the evaluation commission: November 13-15, 2003.
Information base of the evaluation: Site visit, inspection of facilities, interviews with academic staff, administrators, students and employers, as well as submitted written materials, in particular the self-evaluation report.
Accreditation Recommendations: 6-year accreditation for both programs.
This report addresses issues that are relevant for the evaluation of the above programs.
I thank the staff and faculty of RTTEMA for being freely available for interviews and conversations, for providing all materials and interviews that the commission requested, and for providing an excellent translator.
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I. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
·Professional Bachelor Program “Entrepreneurship and Business Management”
The objective of this study program is to provide professional education for current and future business managers, administrators of enterprises and establishments. There is emphasis on management skills for small and medium sized enterprises. These is a self-explanatory and reachable goal.
·Professional Bachelor Program “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship with
Specialization in Social Science”
Although the goals and objectives of this study program are easy to understand, the choice of program name introduces unnecessary confusion. Social Science is not a specialization of economics, rather it is the other way around: economics is a specialization of social science. A future re-naming of this program is advisable, as program names should aim at giving clear signals. For example: “Teacher of Social Science with Specialization in Economics and Entrepreneurship”.
II. CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION OF STUDIES
Both of the evaluated study programs are of 4year duration for full time students and 4.3 year duration for part time students, with practice requirements in the first, second and fourth year of studies. There has been a recent redistribution of credit points. The previously required 18 credit points for practice (22 for “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship “) have been increased to 26 credit points. The previously required 5 credit points for a diploma paper have been transformed into a required 12 credit points for a bachelor paper for “Entrepreneurship and Business Management” (8 credit points for “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship”). This is a move in the right direction.
The curriculum is structured into general professional study courses (A), courses of theoretical fundamentals (B), and optional obligatory courses (C).
Professional Bachelor Program “Entrepreneurship and Business Management”
According to course content, the courses are grouped into:
- economics and entrepreneurship
- theoretical subjects of finances and accountancy
- information technology and mathematics
- humanities and foreign languages
There are some apparent overlaps of the contents of several courses. For examples I see overlaps in the contents of the courses “Entrepreneurship Practice”, “Professionalism”, and “Fundamentals of Successful Career”. While overlaps may typically occur when new lecturers are added to the staff, one should strive to remove overlaps in subsequent semesters.
Also, attention should be paid to bringing course titles and content in line with international common practice. This will facilitate comparing the study program with programs of its kind in other (west) European countries. Some further steps in this direction could be taken, especially in light of Latvia entering the common European educational space.
Overall, however, the content and organization of studies gives a good impression. The recommendations given two years ago by an evaluation commission have been implemented to this evaluator’s satisfaction.
33% of academic staff, teaching in this program, hold the academic degree of doctor. This is in compliance with the minimum requirement of 30%. A substantial proportion of the lecturers holding a masters degree are enrolled in Ph.D studies. 67% of academic staff hold a masters degree. 25% of academic staff (9 persons) are Ph.d students at LU or RTU. This indicates a good development for the future.
Professional Bachelor Program “Teacher of Economics and Entrepreneurship with
Specialization in Social Science”
This study program includes, as to be expected, a large proportion of courses in pedagogy and psychology. The course descriptions are relatively free of overlapping topics. The comments given above in the section on “Entrepreneurship and Business Management” apply here also.
37% of the faculty teaching in this program hold the doctor degree. This exceeds the requirement of 30%. 63% of the faculty works full-time at RTTEMA. Ten people, who hold a masters degree are currently enrolled in doctoral studies at the University of Latvia.
A Note on Branches
RTTEMA has its central institution in Riga. In addition RTTEMA has branches in Aluksne, Cesis, Kuldiga, Liepaja, Madona, Tukums, and Ventspils. The study program is valid for the central institution as well as for its branches. However its implementation is not uniform. While RTTEMA as a whole has over 30% of its faculty, which is engaged in teaching in the two programs under review, comprised of people with a doctor degree, the teaching plan for the branches does not reflect this proportion. Courses in the Aluksne branch, for example, are taught by people, who hold masters degrees. The branches offer only part-time implementation of the study program. Part-time study requires less contact hours between lecturers and students. It is a logical option for program implementation in the branches, since many of the lecturers have to travel from the central institution in Riga to teach in the branches. One side effect of this part-time implementation in the branches is that students do not have the opportunity to obtain state budget financed places in the branches. So, although tuition is lower in the branches than in the central institution, the non-availability of budget places implies high out-of-own-pocket expenses for the students.