• Auditing the UoD Administration processes

The Institutional Research Centre (IRC) launched the Plan Towards the University Administration Improvement (PUAI) project to gather comprehensive data on the administrative structure at the University of Duhok. This project includes reviewing current departmental and staff job descriptions, mapping inter-departmental relationships, and cataloguing records maintained in paper or electronic formats. A key element of the project involved distributing a questionnaire to administrative staff, yielding 37 responses. Participants were instructed to report on current practices, not ideal ones. The variation in response completeness indicated differing levels of engagement or knowledge across directorates. While additional measures are necessary for a full assessment, the data from the questionnaire confirm that the university's administration is progressing in addressing these challenges. 

• Strategic Planning Management 2023-2038

The Institutional Research Centre (IRC) developed the Strategic Planning Management 2023-2038 guidebook to define the University of Duhok’s strategic roadmap for the next 15 years. This document builds on the foundational work of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SCSP), which established the university's vision, mission, and values. It details the methodology for deriving goals and objectives, along with the procedures, policies, and guidelines to support the strategic process. The guidebook aims to prepare university leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools needed to manage strategic initiatives effectively, fostering the university’s mission to excel in higher education, research, and innovation for societal impact. 

• Enhancement of Digital Infrastructure Project (EDIP)

The Enhancement of Digital Infrastructure Project (EDIP) was proposed by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) as a strategic initiative of the UoD’s strategic plan to lay the groundwork for the University of Duhok’s digital transformation. This project focuses on strengthening IT infrastructure and adopting effective management practices to integrate technology seamlessly across university operations. Key objectives include conducting a thorough IT equipment survey, implementing a coding system for asset tracking, establishing comprehensive IT governance procedures, optimising IT distribution, and creating a strategic IT roadmap and upgrade plan. These steps are designed to enhance digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and foster interactive learning environments. Achieving these initial objectives will position UoD to advance its strategic goals, supporting innovation, collaboration, and efficient operations that benefit the entire university community. 

• Implementation of the Bologna Process Project (IBPP)

The Implementation of the Bologna Process Project (IBPP) was launched by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC) to enhance the quality assurance framework at the University of Duhok. The project aims to align academic programs and services with international standards by integrating the principles of the Bologna Process and the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). This initiative supports strategic goals 7, 8, and 9 of the university’s strategic plan by facilitating international accreditation and recognition, improving academic programs, and establishing a robust quality assurance system. The IBPP seeks to bolster the university’s global reputation, foster collaborative partnerships, and promote student success through comprehensive program reviews and continuous feedback. By adopting the Bologna Process, UoD strengthens its commitment to high academic standards and positions itself as an internationally recognised institution dedicated to quality education.

• University Administration Improvement Project (UAIP)

The University Administration Improvement Project (UAIP), led by the Institutional Research Centre (IRC), is a key initiative aimed at modernising and enhancing the administrative framework at the University of Duhok. This project focuses on establishing standardised procedures, policies, and well-defined administrative structures to promote operational efficiency and clarity. UAIP seeks to provide clear job titles and comprehensive job descriptions for staff, improving role transparency and productivity. It also emphasises data ownership within administrative units to foster accountability and secure information management. Additionally, UAIP introduces a robust self-assessment process to ensure continuous evaluation and improvement of administrative functions. The project aims to formalise bilateral relations among university units, reinforcing interconnected processes for seamless coordination. By implementing these reforms, UAIP aspires to elevate the university’s administrative capabilities, benefiting students, faculty, and the wider community.

• Green, Walkable Campus Development Project (GWCD)

The Green, Walkable Campus Development Project (GWCD) aims to fulfil the University of Duhok’s mission to build a sustainable, accessible campus that fosters interactive learning. This project, derived from the fourth mission statement, seeks to achieve three strategic goals: promoting sustainable campus development (Goal 10), enhancing campus walkability and accessibility (Goal 11), and cultivating an engaging learning environment (Goal 12). The project addresses the lack of comprehensive policies and infrastructure that currently hinder environmental stewardship and campus accessibility. By implementing sustainable practices, building pedestrian pathways, improving accessibility features, and integrating renewable energy, GWCD will bridge the gap between strategic goals and the current campus status. Additionally, initiatives will promote waste reduction, outdoor learning spaces, and digital enhancements, creating a cohesive strategy to empower the university community and move towards a greener, innovative campus environment.

• Framework for UoD’s Internal Quality Assurance System

This study addresses the challenges faced by the University of Duhok (UoD) in establishing an effective Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) system, focusing on misconceptions between internal and external QA processes, stakeholder roles, and the alignment with government regulations. By identifying these challenges, the study proposes a strategic solution for implementing an IQA system that adheres to both national standards and international benchmarks like the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG). The proposed solution is crucial for UoD’s long-term educational quality improvement, enhancing its academic credibility, and fostering greater engagement with stakeholders. Ultimately, the study aims to strengthen UoD’s internal quality assurance framework, ensuring compliance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

• Institutional Research and Planning (DIRP)

This study highlights the necessity of transitioning the University of Duhok’s Institutional Research Centre (IRC) into the Directorate of Institutional Research and Planning (DIRPE). The primary purpose is to bolster strategic decision-making through enhanced planning and coordination. By renaming and restructuring, the DIRPE aims to address current challenges such as limited collaboration, outdated processes, and incomplete reporting. It would provide comprehensive data analysis and foster evidence-based decision-making, improving overall efficiency and productivity. This transition supports the university’s strategic planning and strengthens its capacity to meet accreditation standards by offering more thorough reporting and aligning institutional practices with regulatory expectations. 

• Feasibility Study for Steering Committee of Research Centers at UoD

This proposal examines the feasibility of establishing a steering committee for the research centres at the University of Duhok (UOD). Over the past decades, UOD has developed 13 centres aimed at advancing research, teaching, service, and outreach. To enhance governance, it is proposed that these centres be categorised into service and research centres, with a steering committee overseeing the latter. The proposal outlines the identification process for these centres and the steps for forming the committee. This division and governance structure would align the centres with UOD’s mission and strategic plan, ensuring they are effectively managed to meet their objectives and contribute meaningfully to the university’s development.

• Master's Program Proposal in Institutional Effectiveness

The proposed Master's degree in "Educational Institution Effectiveness" aims to fill a significant gap in the workforce and align with the strategic vision of the Kurdistan Region's government. This program is designed to develop highly skilled leaders who specialise in quality assurance, strategic planning, and accreditation, equipping them with the ability to lead improvement projects within educational institutions. By fostering data-driven decision-making, the program prepares graduates to collect and analyse institutional data to inform strategies and enhance educational outcomes. Additionally, it incorporates the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to promote sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that educational institutions can thrive while making a positive societal impact. This initiative addresses the region's need for trained professionals who can drive reform and elevate the quality of higher education. 

• University Building Management System (UBMS) Project Proposal

The Development of the University Building Management System (UBMS) project is designed to modernise the management of university buildings and facilities. This initiative addresses the inefficiencies of current manual processes by implementing a centralised system that uses advanced technologies to streamline facility management, maintenance, and security operations. The UBMS will facilitate real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance scheduling, and optimised space utilisation, alongside integrated security measures and energy-efficient practices. Expected outcomes include enhanced operational efficiency, significant cost savings through proactive maintenance and energy optimisation, and an improved campus experience for faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, the system will support data-driven decision-making by providing real-time data insights and will contribute to sustainability efforts, promoting an environmentally responsible university infrastructure. This project underscores a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure management, enhancing the university’s capacity for learning, research, and collaboration.