1. University of Tirana in Re@WBC, Year One
1st Quality Assurance Committee meeting at the University of Montenegro, 23 – 24 March 2017
University of Tirana in Year One
Prepared by: PhD Elvana SHTEPANI

2. WP1. Preparation for the HR research management reform
1.1. Research potential at WBC universities mapped
January A working group was established and all questions of the questionnaire were answered in detail so as to provide a complete overview of all issues that related to research.
All data collected by this questionnaire served as an input for drafting a synthesis report which was later developed by University of Niš.
The working group kept in contact with the mapping coordinator, Mr. Milan Zdravkovic for any clarification needed. The University completed the questionnaire, thus the first phase of the preparation of HR research management reform in due time.

3. 1.2. Review of HR strategies at EU partners
opportunity to researchers from Albania to participate in meetings organized by EU Universities.
The main objective of these meetings has been to inform and discuss about HR strategies that EU Universities apply themselves. All meetings have discussed issues that related to Ethics and professional responsibility, terms of Recruitment, working conditions and education and training.
Turin
Liege
Coventry

4. 1.3. Comparative analysis
a. Desk research  involved a review of the different legal documents,
 reports, procedures and manuals and also data collection, which has been performed with the collaboration of the various departments and faculties.
b.  the outputs of the desk research were complemented with the data, collected by implementing a “Survey for mapping the research human potential and issues in WBC universities”. The survey has been developed by the
149  researchers  have  participated in  the  survey,  out  of which  31.2% were  PhD  students.  All  scientific areas were represented among the respondents, with major participation of the researchers from social 
sciences (40.5%), humanities (27.7%) and natural sciences (22.3%). The remaining 9.5% of respondents were from the area of engineering and
 technology.

5. 1.4. Action plans for HE management reform
The working group to compile the action plan was established at the University of Tirana. The working group is considering all issues raised during the first phases of the preparation of the HR management reform and after making suggestions for improvement the document will be sent to the European Commission as soon as there is a call for submission.

6. 1.5. HR offices and centers equipped
University of Tirana and University of Vlora agreed on a mutual tendering procedure for purchasing equipment.
Tendering procedure finally completed on March 16, 2017.

7. WP2. Excellent university for the researchers
2.1. University centers and HR offices reinforced
Research strategy with common minimal principles
Developing of all documents and bylaws regulating research on the University using existing good practice
Regulating role of research centers and institutes by using also good existing practices
After a thorough review of existing bylaws and an improvement of them in full compliance with EU standards will result in the creation and adaptation of relevant bylaws. This will provide the University with an enhanced legislative aspect of its HR services.

8. 2.2 Administrative staff competences improved
4 members of administrative staff from University of Tirana participated in a two day training organized by the University of Novi Sad. Main topics covered issues related to EU practice on implementation of the Charter& Code, the structure of data bases and an overview of the procedures and services for PHD students. .
The main objective is to improve administrative staff competences in the field of Charter &Code and provide them with necessary skills and knowledge to deal with researchers’ career development issues
Members of the administrative staff trained will apply gained knowledge in their everyday works and will also educate researchers on different issues related to the implementation of Charter and Code.

9. 2.3. University managements educated on the C&C implementation
It is of great importance to make the university an excellent environment for the researcher. This creates a need for informing and updating top management on the significance of improving the position of human research potential.
Two representatives from the University were trained on the implementation of the Charter and Code through the “HR Excellence in Research” by HR expert from the University of Nis.

10. 2.4 HRS4R strategy created and adopted at partner universities
After completing the first phases of preparing for HRS4R , University of Tirana is going through the process of designing the action plan to be later submitted to the respective office.
Internal analysis already completed.

11. 2.5. Training trainers
December 2016, Coventry. The two –day training proved to be successful and effective. Being related to research development, the criteria we should meet, the training helped the participants reflect on their research development and how to present their work in order to get their ideas across.
organize a seminar at our university based on the issues being dealt with at the training for trainers at Coventry University
- try to apply the presentation skills we discussed not only when presenting our research but also in teaching or delivering lectures

12. 2.6. Promotion procedures improved
A thorough analysis related to the promotion procedures shows that University of Tirana has a well-established routine in the academic development of its own staff. The candidate aspiring for promotion must demonstrate sustained performance. Generally, it is not possible to demonstrate sustained performance in research or teaching within a year of appointment or promotion.
Broadly speaking there is a strong emphasis on research aspects or research combined with teaching at the University of Tirana nowadays.
It is important to mention that the University in Albania is committed to the full range of academic responsibilities: research, teaching, and service. Faculties at the University of Tirana, in the ordinary course of their development, are working on determining the weight of these various commitments, and adjust them from time to time during their careers, in response to their individual, professional development. Such adaptability and flexibility are hallmarks of respected institutions of higher education in our country because they are contributing to establishing and maintaining the excellence of university and to fulfilling the educational and social role of the institution.
Alongside with the objectives of the project, The University will adapt and improve any procedures in full compliance with EU regulations and also with the requirements of the researchers.

13. 2.7. Plagiarism monitoring tools implemented
University of Tirana has not yet started the procedure to purchase plagiarism monitoring tools.
The University will implement the plagiarism monitoring tool as soon as it is being purchased and make it available to the academic staff.

14. 2.8. Ethical committee procedures improved
Despite the fact that exist several laws, bylaws, regulations regarding ethics and ethical behavior, there is still a need for a more detailed legal framework that addresses all aspects of ethics in research and of scientific integrity and that is handy to use by the institutions and researchers.
Preparing a common framework of ethics assessment.
Less centralized ethics committee.
Clearly defined ethical principles and issues applying to all types (and each type) of research. Drafting an exhaustive list.
The composition of the ethics committees revisited
Clearly defined procedures for ethical assessment.
Need to draw a clear-cut distinction between the role, scope, tasks and responsibilities of ethics committees and those of scientific integrity boards.
Facilitating the work of the ethics committees through proper legal, institutional and technical instruments.

15. 2.9. Cooperation with scientific diaspora established
Alumni network already established
Started completing databases for researchers
Researchers being continuously informed on different job opportunities and recent developments in technology
form an alumni network at the University of Tirana with representatives from the scientific Diaspora which could lead to the establishment of a strong scientific group with outreach into various parts of society.
create a program to connect scientific diaspora Alumni from everywhere around the globe in order to strengthen the links between the Albanian scientists living and working abroad with the scientists living and working in Albania and create a network.
set up the scientific diaspora alumni database by the University of Tirana and an alumni contact point who might be the main point for the spreading of information to the rest of the members.

16. WP3. Excellent researchers for the community
3.1. Researchers trained on C&C and HRS4R
The two trainings of WBC researchers concerning the role and significance of C&C and HRS4R had as their main objective to inform participants (young researchers, interested academic staff) and raise awareness on the role and significance of C&C and HRS4R and the opportunities that Higher education Institutions are offered nowadays.
There were 107 participants from different Faculties of the University of Tirana. The training aimed at informing a larger audience and master students were also invited to participate. All participants expressed their interest about trainings of this kind and were eager to learn and share their own thoughts and perspectives.
A large number of researchers are now aware of the principles of Charter & Code and its implementation in HEI and also of the opportunities offered to them through Euraxess and HRS4R.

17. 3.2. Webpages offer opportunity links
The website of the University of Tirana, is undergoing changes and as soon as it is made available it will define new functionalities and offer links to create a useful and appropriate environment for researchers from Albania and the region as well to be timely informed on the opportunities.

18. 3.8 Guide book published
University of Tirana has been asked to give its contribution for the guidebook. The work group will gather soon and start working on writing Chapter 6.
This guidebook will provide lots of necessary information to all young researchers.

19. WP4. Quality at
Quality Assurance Committee was established in the first kick off meeting and University of Tirana has its own representative.
Better organization and continuation of the project.

20. 4.3. WP reports
University of Tirana prepared a report on Establishing links with scientific Diaspora by creating and updating databases under work package 2. After having collected most reports from other Universities a final and detailed report was prepared and submitted to the coordinator
The analysis of the report has recommended necessary changes and steps that can be undertaken.

21. 4.4. Annual QA reports
Members from the project have gathered and discussed on all issues that relate to activities carried out in compliance with the project plan and have prepared the annual report.
Complete analysis of the first year of the project
Discussion on the unrealized duties
A list of ideas on how to cope with difficulties encountered and suggestions for further steps

22. 4.6. External monitoring July 14, 2016
The National Erasmus+ office carried out its first monitoring visit at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana, on July 14, 2016, in the framework of the project.
During this first monitoring visit the Albanian Erasmus + office provided a clear overview of the new regulations and guidelines on CBHE project management and also clarified any penalties related to poor project performance. This visit was an opportunity to better understand the objectives and expected outcomes of the project and to have a wider and clearer view of the activities realized so far, future activities, as well as to observe if the project has encountered any financial or operational problems that needed further consideration.

23. WP5. Dissemination and exploitation at Re@WBC
5.2. Promotional material distributed
January 2016 – March 2016 Promotional material for the has been distributed to all faculties of the university, so as to raise awareness among the young researchers about the opportunities offered by the project, its main objective and planned outcomes.

24. 5.3. Project results disseminated
Two presentations on the project, its objectives and different activities realized as well as its results so far, were presented to researchers during the trainings on Charter and Code.
Present a project update in two upcoming international conferences.

25. WP6. Management at Re@WBC
6.1. Kick-off and coordinating meetings realised
Researchers from the University of Tirana have participated in all meetings organized in the framework of the project.
Kick off meeting (2 participants).
Meeting in Turin.  
Meeting in Liege.
Meeting in Belgrade..
Meeting in Coventry.  
Meeting in Novi Sad.
Meeting in Kragujevac.  
Meeting in Belgrade.1st Steering Committee of project meeting,
Meeting in Coventry.

26. 6.3. PA signed Partnership agreement was signed in due time.
Benefits to the researchers and University itself.

27. 6.5. Day-to-day coordination
The contact person from the University keeps continuous contacts with the coordinator and other contact persons from WBC Universities.

28. 6.6. Financial management
The University has provided financial documents to the respective office and also has uploaded documents on the project platform. There has been a continuous communication via and also in different meeting to clarify unclear issues.

29. Future actions
1.4 University of Tirana plans on submitting the action plan along with other necessary documents as soon as another date is provided for submission.
1.5 Both Universities plan on completing the procedure and equipping HR offices and centers.
2.1 After a thorough review of existing bylaws and an improvement of them in full compliance with EU standards will result in the creation and adaptation of relevant bylaws. This will provide the University with an enhanced legislative aspect of its HR services.
2.4 HRS4R strategy created and adopted at University of Tirana
2.5 organize a seminar at our university based on the issues being dealt with at the training for trainers at Coventry University
2.6 Alongside with the objectives of the project, The University will adapt and improve any procedures in full compliance with EU regulations and also with the requirements of the researchers.
2.7 The University will implement the plagiarism monitoring tool as soon as it is being purchased and make it available to the academic staff

30. 2.8
Preparing a common framework of ethics assessment.
Less centralized ethics committee.
Clearly defined ethical principles and issues applying to all types (and each type) of research. Drafting an exhaustive list.
The composition of the ethics committees revisited
Clearly defined procedures for ethical assessment.
Need to draw a clear-cut distinction between the role, scope, tasks and responsibilities of ethics committees and those of scientific integrity boards.
Facilitating the work of the ethics committees through proper legal, institutional and technical instruments.

31. 2.9
form an alumni network at the University of Tirana with representatives from the scientific Diaspora which could lead to the establishment of a strong scientific group with outreach into various parts of society.
create a program to connect scientific diaspora Alumni from everywhere around the globe in order to strengthen the links between the Albanian scientists living and working abroad with the scientists living and working in Albania and create a network.
set up the scientific diaspora alumni database by the University of Tirana and an alumni contact point who might be the main point for the spreading of information to the rest of the members.
3.2
The website of the University of Tirana, is undergoing changes and as soon as it is made available it will define new functionalities and offer links to create a useful and appropriate environment for researchers from Albania and the region as well to be timely informed on the opportunities.
5.3
Present a project update in two upcoming international conferences.

32. BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND YEAR
Main objective
BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND YEAR

33. Thank you for your attention
Wishing all of you a bright and beautiful spring!