MODEL OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS UNDER DIGITALIZATION: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The article addresses current issues related to developing and implementing an effective model of quality assurance systems in higher education institutions (HEIs) under the conditions of digitalization. Key challenges faced by the modern system of educational quality assurance in the digital learning environment are identified, including the transformation of educational processes, integration of digital technologies, the need to adapt internal quality assurance mechanisms, and the requirement to ensure transparency of learning outcomes. The study aims to develop a conceptual model of quality management in HEIs that meets the demands of digital transformation, with a particular focus on ensuring continuous improvement of educational processes, digital openness, and dynamic interaction among all stakeholders in the educational ecosystem. The methodological basis of the research includes systemic, structural-functional, comparative, and modeling approaches. The study employs methods such as analysis of regulatory frameworks, content analysis of EU strategic documents in digital education, expert surveys, and structural-logical modeling. As a result, the conceptual foundations for the functioning of the quality management system in the context of digitalization are substantiated. The proposed model's structural components are defined as the target, functional, organizational, instrumental, and evaluation components and their interrelations are established. The practical application of the model is demonstrated through its piloting in selected HEIs, which revealed its effectiveness in monitoring the quality of educational programs, digitalizing self-assessment processes, and engaging stakeholders in decision-making procedures. The conclusions emphasize that the developed quality management model under digitalization ensures a high level of systemic organization, transparency, and adaptability of managerial processes. The application of the model facilitates the development of a comprehensive approach to digital quality monitoring of educational services. It creates prerequisites for implementing sustainable development strategies in higher education institutions amid the digital transformation of the educational environment.