Internal quality assurance units: empirical evidence from Italy

Abstract This article uses the theoretical framework developed by Elken and Stensaker to examine the characteristics of the quality assurance internal bodies in relation to composition, activities and factors perceived as critical for the success of quality assurance implementation within higher education institutions. The article is based on data collected from a survey sent out to Presidi della Qualità (PQAs), the internal bodies in charge of implementing quality assurance in Italian universities, at the end of the first national accreditation round. Results point out that PQAs’ activities are somewhat homogeneous while organisation solutions are different in relation to the institution’s size and their nature (whether they are state-funded or non-state-funded universities). The results also make it possible to ascertain that the aspect of quality work is central in determining the success of quality assurance.