INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT UNDER THE AUN-QA FRAMEWORK: A MODEL, TOOLKIT AND A CASE STUDY AT VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

In the context of university autonomy and increasing accountability requirements, internal quality assurance (IQA) management plays a pivotal role in determining the sustainable development of higher education institutions. The article analyzes the fundamental shift in internal quality assurance management. Through qualitative research methods combined with case study analysis, the study clarifies the philosophy of the AUN-QA IQA Framework 2024 and the operational logic of the Management Toolkit 2025. Research findings show that the new model has dismantled the mindset of management based on mere technical processes and replaced it with an integrated governance ecosystem philosophy, in which quality is no longer the result of isolated administrative controls but is created from the organic interaction between strategic and operational factors and a culture of continuous improvement. Based on the research results, the author proposes several solutions to help higher education institutions flexibly adapt to the new context, strengthening the foundation for autonomy and sustainable development.