Development of the Evaluation Indicator System for the Educational Quality of Application-Oriented Undergraduate Colleges in Guangxi

This study aimed to (1) examine the current status of education quality evaluation in Guangxi's application-oriented undergraduate universities, (2) develop an evaluation indicator system for the educational quality of application-oriented undergraduate colleges in Guangxi, and (3) examine the feasibility and adaptability of the evaluation indicator system for the educational quality of application-oriented undergraduate colleges in Guangxi. A mixed-method approach combined qualitative research (field studies, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and Delphi Technique) with quantitative research (surveys). The research was conducted in three stages: (1) Analysis of the current state using document review, in-depth interviews, and surveys with 641 participants. Data were analyzed qualitatively (content analysis) and quantitatively (M and SD). (2) Development of the evaluation indicator system through focus group discussions with 15 experts and the Delphi technique with 17 participants, including experts, administrators, and professionals. The findings from Stage 1 helped refine the system, which was analyzed using averages and medians. (3) Evaluation of the system's feasibility and adaptability with five experts using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed to assess feasibility and adaptability. The results revealed (1) education quality in Guangxi’s applied undergraduate colleges is moderate, with the input dimension performing best, followed by background/environment, process, and output; (2) the developed evaluation system includes six first-level, 17 second-level, and 50 third-level indicators, addressing resources, processes, and outcomes, and (3) the system's feasibility and adaptability were high level, confirming its practical use for improving education quality.