Integrating Sustainability in the Quality Assessment of EHEA Institutions: A Hybrid FDEMATEL-ANP-FIS Model

Abstract

This paper proposes the design of a conceptual model of quality assessment in European higher education institutions (HEIs) that takes into account some of the critical reflections made by certain authors in the literature regarding standards and guidelines suggested for this purpose by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). In addition, the evaluation of the conceptual model was carried out by means of the reliable hybrid methodology MCDM-FIS (multicriteria decision making approach–fuzzy inference system) using FDEMATEL and FDANP methods (fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory and FDEMATEL-based analytic network process). The choice of these methodologies was justified by the existing interrelationships among the criteria and dimensions of the model and the degree of subjectivity inherent in its evaluation processes. Finally, it is suggested to include sustainability as a determining factor in the university context due to its great relevance in the training of future professionals.