2021 ICT Development: ACC’s System of Assessment and Accreditation (ACC-SAA)
Project Background: The "ACC’s System of Assessment and Accreditation (ACC-SAA)" is a pivotal component of the Higher Education Improvement Project for Cambodia, aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education in STEM and agriculture. Funded with an allocation of approximately US$7.5 million, the project is specifically designed to strengthen sectoral governance and improve higher education management through the development and implementation of robust quality assurance mechanisms. These initiatives include institutional accreditation, internal quality assurance guidelines, expansion of the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS), and the development of essential policy documents. These efforts are intended to support the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) in establishing a more autonomous and accountable higher education system.
Features of the Project: The ACC-SAA system will play a critical role in advancing Cambodia's higher education sector by enabling effective assessments and accreditations. This comprehensive system includes the development of web and desktop databases to manage a wide array of functions including accreditation applications, licensing, and compliance. The project features advanced user and group management capabilities, allowing for the creation of working groups or teams. Each team can be assigned specific tasks related to different assessment tools, streamlining the process from data collection to the final generation of Accreditation Certificates. Furthermore, the system will integrate sophisticated digital data collection tools that operate both online and offline, ensuring robust data capture regardless of connectivity issues.
To enhance security and validity, the system will implement an advanced authorization mechanism for certificates, which will include QR codes to verify completion and authenticity. This approach not only secures the process but also facilitates easy verification of credentials by employers and other educational institutions. Additionally, the ACC-SAA will feature a dynamic tracking system for monitoring educational standards, a customizable dashboard for impactful data visualization, and automated reporting tools to support informed decision-making and policy development within the sector.
Technology and System Integration: Technologically, the ACC-SAA will leverage a robust framework that includes the PHP Lime Survey for backend operations, with native mobile applications developed for both iOS and Android platforms to ensure wide accessibility. The system will be integrated with Kobo Toolbox for advanced digital data collection, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of field data gathering. This integration will allow for a comprehensive approach to managing data flow and analytics, ensuring that data-driven insights are easily accessible through well-designed interfaces and dashboards. Furthermore, the technology stack will support extensive training programs and capacity building initiatives, preparing stakeholders to effectively utilize the system to its full potential, thereby fostering an environment of continuous improvement and adherence to global educational standards.