The quality assurance policy of the distance learning Master’s Program “Economic and Legal Aspects of the Green Transition” is fully aligned with the Quality Assurance Policy of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), (as published at: https://www.aueb.gr/en/content/modip-en and https://www.aueb.gr/sites/default/files/Πολιτική%20Ποιότητας%20στην%20Εξ%20Αποστάσεως%20Εκπαίδευση.pdf) and is implemented within the framework of the Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS) of the Institution. The Program is organized by the Department of International and European Economic Studies (DEOS) of AUEB, whose quality assurance framework is publicly available (https://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/deos). The Program is further developed in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen (UoA), whose quality assurance principles and academic standards inform the Program’s international orientation and contribute to the exchange of good practices and academic expertise.

The quality assurance policy of the Program is publicly available and disseminated to all stakeholders, academic staff, administrative staff, and students, ensuring shared responsibility for quality assurance in accordance with their roles. The Program is committed to the implementation of a systematic quality policy that supports its academic character, promotes its objectives, and ensures the continuous improvement of its educational, research, and administrative functions. The policy is further specialized to address the specific characteristics of distance education and the interdisciplinary nature of the green transition.

The implementation of the quality assurance policy presupposes the application of structured procedures which ensure:

• The appropriateness of the structure and organization of the Program.
• The development and continuous improvement of the curriculum in alignment with the Institution’s strategy.
• The definition and achievement of learning outcomes in accordance with the European and National Qualifications Frameworks (Level 7).
• The coherence between learning outcomes, teaching methods, and assessment methods.
• The quality and effectiveness of teaching in a distance learning environment.
• The scientific adequacy and pedagogical competence of the teaching staff.
• The integration of digital tools and contemporary distance learning methodologies.
• The connection of teaching with research and the needs of the labour market.
• The enhancement of graduate employability.
• The provision of high quality digital and administrative services to students.
• The protection of personal data and the security of information systems in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.

The establishment of the Program’s annual quality objectives is based on the strategic planning of the Institution for postgraduate studies, the OPESP–HAHE quality indicators for the relevant academic years, and the specific academic profile of the Program. The objectives are defined through consultation between the Program Director and the Internal Evaluation Group (OMEA) and are accompanied by specific actions and a clear implementation timeline. Their progress is systematically monitored and evaluated.

The Quality Assurance policy of the AUEB is available in English at: https://www.aueb.gr/en/content/modip-en The quality assurance framework of the Department of International and European Economic Studies (DEOS) is publicly available at: https://www.dept.aueb.gr/en/deos. The Program also takes into account the quality assurance principles and academic standards of the UoA, which contribute to the Program’s international orientation and the exchange of good practices. This process includes the systematic collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, the monitoring of quality indicators, the evaluation of teaching effectiveness, the assessment of student satisfaction, the review of learning outcomes and curriculum relevance, and the identification of improvement actions. The results of the evaluation inform decision making and contribute to the continuous enhancement of the Program.

The quality assurance policy is communicated through publication on the Program’s and Department’s websites and through electronic communication to academic and administrative staff and students, ensuring transparency, shared understanding, and active engagement of all stakeholders in quality assurance processes.

1. Quality Policy and Strategic Orientation

AUEB provides the overarching framework for distance learning quality assurance through its Internal Quality Assurance System (IQAS), the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP), and the Center for Teaching and Learning Support (KEDIMA). These bodies establish University wide standards for pedagogical development, digital teaching, technical support, and staff training. The MSc “Economic and Legal Aspects of the Green Transition” has established a dedicated policy for supporting and developing all personnel involved in distance learning activities. This policy is aligned with institutional standards but tailored to the Program’s academic profile, digital delivery model, and student needs. The policy applies to teaching staff, academic advisors, administrative personnel, and technical/support staff. Its purpose is to ensure the quality and consistency of the distance learning educational process, enhance digital and pedagogical competencies, support adaptation to technological developments, ensure compliance with regulatory and accessibility requirements, and embed continuous improvement practices at the Program level.

2. Scope of Application

The institutional policy (AUEB) covers all forms of distance learning across the University, including synchronous and asynchronous teaching, digital material development, remote communication, and electronic administrative services. The Program applies this policy to all academic and administrative functions related to synchronous online teaching, asynchronous learning support, development and updating of digital learning materials, structured remote communication with students, electronic administrative workflows, and use of Program specific digital infrastructures and tools.

3. Program Specific Governance Framework

The MSc operates within the institutional framework of AUEB and is academically co organized with the University of Aberdeen. This collaboration enables the exchange of good practices in digital pedagogy, student support, and quality assurance, always within the legal and administrative framework governing AUEB as a public entity and in full compliance with its internal regulations. The Program’s governance structure includes:

o Program Director: responsible for strategic oversight, alignment with institutional policies, and coordination of staff development priorities.

o Program Coordinating Committee: approves the annual staff development plan, monitors implementation, and ensures consistency across courses.

o Academic Liaison with the University of Aberdeen: facilitates the transfer of international good practices and supports their adaptation to the Program’s context.

o Program Secretariat: manages administrative workflows, supports staff in the implementation of Program level procedures, and maintains documentation.

This structure ensures coordinated planning, implementation, and monitoring of staff development activities.

4. Professional Development for Teaching Staff

AUEB offers structured training through KEDIMA in digital pedagogy, LMS use, online assessment, multimedia content creation, and tele education tools. The Program builds upon these institutional offerings and implements an annual staff development cycle that includes:

o Needs Assessment: based on student evaluations, staff feedback, and digital teaching challenges.

o Planning: identification of Program specific training priorities aligned with curriculum needs and relevant international good practices.

o Implementation: program level workshops, onboarding for new instructors, and targeted support for teaching staff.

o Monitoring: tracking participation in training and reviewing indicators related to digital teaching quality.

o Evaluation: analysis of outcomes and integration into the Program’s annual quality report.

o Improvement: updating Program level guidelines and adjusting training priorities.

The Program maintains guidelines for digital teaching that ensure consistency and quality across courses, including: (a) structure of weekly modules, (b) expectations for instructor presence, (c) use of interactive tools in synchronous sessions, (d) organization of asynchronous content, and (e) alignment of digital assessments with learning outcomes.

Selected good practices from the University of Aberdeen are incorporated where compatible with AUEB’s institutional and legal framework.

5. Support and Development for Administrative and Technical Staff

AUEB provides training in digital administration, information systems, document management, communication tools, and data protection compliance. The Program ensures that administrative and support staff receive targeted development opportunities directly linked to Program operations. These include: (a) training on Program specific workflows for admissions, student support, and academic records, (b) use of standardized templates and communication protocols, (c) guidelines for handling online student requests, (d) response time standards and escalation procedures, (e) adherence to data protection requirements and (f) documentation of student interactions.

6. Infrastructure and Support Mechanisms
AUEB provides LMS platforms, helpdesk services, digital repositories, secure digital environments, and virtual classrooms. The Program ensures effective integration of these infrastructures by providing guidance on pedagogical use of digital tools, coordinating with KEDIMA and IT services for tailored support, maintaining internal documentation on best practices, and ensuring alignment of digital tools with the Program’s assessment strategy and learning outcomes.

7. Monitoring Indicators and Evaluation of Effectiveness

MODIP collects University wide data on training participation, satisfaction, digital tool usage, and internal evaluation results. The Program applies a monitoring framework that includes annual review of staff participation in training, analysis of student evaluations related to digital teaching quality, monitoring of administrative response times and service quality, internal feedback loops between instructors and the Program Director, and integration of findings into the Program’s annual quality report.

8. Roles and Responsibilities

MODIP oversees quality assurance; KEDIMA provides pedagogical and technological training. The Program specific responsibility roles are: Program Director, Program Coordinating Committee, Academic Liaison with the University of Aberdeen, Program Secretariat, and Teaching and Administrative Staff. Each role contributes to the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of staff development activities.

9. Policy Review

The institutional policy is periodically reviewed to reflect regulatory and technological developments. The Program conducts a biennial review of this policy, incorporating internal evaluation findings, staff and student feedback, institutional updates, and selected international good practices.

10. Publication, Accessibility and Communication of the Policy

AUEB ensures transparency and accessibility of quality related policies through its official website and MODIP documentation. The Program’s policy is publicly available on the Program’s official website (https://greenecolaw.aueb.gr/el/about/diasfalisi-poiotitas/politiki-diasfalisis-poiotitas). Τhe Program communicates this Policy through email notifications to teaching, administrative, and support staff, onboarding material for new staff, internal documentation repositories, and references in the annual quality report. The Policy follows accessibility principles, is available in English to support international collaboration, complies with AUEB’s data protection requirements, and is reviewed biennially. The Program maintains version control including version number, approval date, review date, and summary of changes.

The Athens University of Economics and Business implements a Quality Policy aimed at the continuous improvement of its Study Programs, research activities, and administrative services, as well as the enhancement of its academic and administrative work and overall institutional functioning.

This objective is achieved through the Institution’s commitment to providing high quality services that meet the requirements and expectations of students, graduates, academic, research and administrative staff, University partners, and society at large.

The Quality Assurance System defines the procedures related to the effective organization of academic and non academic services, the rational management of resources, the development and utilization of human capital, and compliance with the specifications set by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education. It also defines the responsibility of the University’s leadership for the effective implementation of the Quality Assurance System and supports the academic principles of ethics and non discrimination.

The implementation of the University’s quality objectives requires:

• Orientation toward fully meeting student needs through the provision of high level study programs across all three cycles of study, covering contemporary topics and integrating research and practical training.
• Suitability of the structure and organization of its study programs.
• Development and improvement of existing study programs and the creation of new ones.
• Achievement of learning outcomes and qualifications aligned with the European and National Qualifications Frameworks for Higher Education.
• Continuous improvement of the quality and effectiveness of its educational services.
• Promotion of the quality and quantity of research conducted by its members.
• Adequacy of teaching staff.
• Integration of teaching and research, and alignment with labor market needs.
• Demand for the qualifications acquired by graduates in the labor market.
• Continuous provision of high quality and digitally enhanced services to students.
• Focus on meeting the needs of human resources through participation in decision making, continuous training, and skills development.
• High performance through systematic improvement actions aligned with the European and National Qualifications Frameworks for Higher Education.
• Continuous improvement of the quality and effectiveness of educational services, promotion of research output, and adequacy of teaching staff.
• Effective management through the establishment of specific objectives based on the Internal Quality Assurance System.
• Strengthening of the University’s international reputation and showcasing its work within the global academic community and society.
• Transparency and compliance with existing operational rules by all parties involved in quality assurance, and operation in accordance with recognized international quality standards.
• Emphasis on excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and extroversion through collaborations with educational institutions, organizations, and public and private sector bodies in Greece and abroad.

The Quality Policy is an integral and inseparable part of the overall strategy of the Athens University of Economics and Business. The Institution’s strategy is based on five fundamental pillars that guide its academic, research, and administrative work:

• Excellence in Research
• Excellence in Education
• Engagement with Society
• Internationalization
• Enhanced University Environment

These pillars form the framework within which the Quality Policy is developed and implemented, ensuring that the University operates with consistency, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Information regarding the Data Protection Policy of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) is available at the following links:

In Greek: https://aueb.gr/el/content/prostasia-prosopikon-dedomenon

In English: https://aueb.gr/en/content/prostasia-prosopikon-dedomenon

A necessary condition for the effective implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System is the clear commitment of the University’s leadership, academic and administrative Departments, staff members, and students, in accordance with the role assigned to each party within the quality assurance framework.

Specifically, the leadership undertakes responsibility to contribute to:

• The alignment of the Quality Policy with the University’s overall strategic objectives at both academic and administrative levels.
• The dissemination of the Quality Policy to academic and administrative staff at all levels of governance, as well as to representatives of the university community, including students and collaborating bodies, through regular meetings and exchanges of views regarding the Internal Quality Assurance System.
• Ensuring the necessary resources for the implementation of the Quality Policy and the smooth operation of the Internal Quality Assurance System.
• Monitoring the implementation of quality objectives, performance indicators, and the overall functioning of the Internal Quality Assurance System through annual reviews.
• Decision making aimed at the continuous improvement of the quality of educational, research, and administrative activities, within the context of revising the Internal Quality Assurance System.
• Creating an appropriate operational environment for the Quality Assurance Unit, with adequate and highly trained personnel, supported by systematic training and evaluation.