Electronic Educational Markets from a Total Quality Management perspective

1 Lampros K Stergioulas, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR, [email protected] 2 Bernd Simon, Department of Information Systems, Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien), A-1090 Vienna, Augasse 2-6, [email protected] 3 Hassan Ahmed, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR, [email protected] 4 Costa S Xydeas, Department of Communication Systems, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR, [email protected] Abstract  The concept of an “open” brokerage system for electronic learning resources between institutions of higher education a so-called electronic educational market is introduced and its value and feasibility are demonstrated within the paradigm of the EducaNext portal. “Open” in this context means that the brokerage system can deal with highly heterogeneous learning resources, ranging from asynchronous educational material (e.g. case studies, lecture notes, exercises, online tutorials) to educational activities, such as computer-mediated lectures and courses. The main aim of such an endeavour is to develop and validate a scalable exchange model, which embraces offers, enquires, booking and controlled delivery of learning resources. The key innovation is to create and manage an open electronic educational market with a standard way of describing the pedagogical, administrative and technical characteristics of learning resources. Electronic educational markets enable institutions to enrich their curricula with remotely sourced material. The emphasis here is placed on the quality management of electronic educational markets. New theoretical analysis leads to an integrated evaluation concept, which includes: • A reference model of “on-line” evaluation mechanisms aimed to (a) provide the user with useful, up-to-date information on available learning resources and (b) provide a quality assurance dimension to the brokerage service. Evaluation results are fed back to the brokerage system to improve the transparency of the marketplace. • A reference model of “on-line” evaluation mechanisms for platform performance and quality of service, and the use of such mechanisms to continuously monitor and improve the brokerage service. More specifically, these mechanisms will evaluate the performance/effectiveness of the brokerage system in terms of (a) Technical Assessment, (b) Functionality, (c) User satisfaction, and (d) Usability/Usage for the benefit of consumers, providers and brokerage platform administrators.