AI-DRIVEN QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: ANALYTICAL SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE IT BUSINESS PROCESSES AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##
Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of the study is to develop an integrated analytical framework for embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) into quality management systems (QMS) of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), ensuring analytical support for sustainable IT business processes and enabling the transition toward circular economy models. Methodology. The study is based on a multi-stage research design that combines system analysis, structural-functional and comparative analysis, abstraction, and modeling. A risk-oriented approach is applied to identify and assess challenges related to AI implementation, while content analysis is used to systematize existing scientific contributions. HEIs are conceptualized as complex socio-economic systems, allowing for the integration of AI technologies, QMS elements, and IT business processes within a unified analytical framework. Results. The results confirm that AI acts as a key driver in transforming QMS from static, compliance-based models into adaptive, data-driven, and predictive systems. AI technologies are systematically embedded across core QMS elements, including quality planning, assurance, control, improvement, risk management, and internal audit. This integration enhances decision-making accuracy, enables real-time monitoring, strengthens internal control mechanisms, and supports proactive risk management. Additionally, AI-driven IT business processes contribute to the implementation of circular economy principles through resource optimization, digitalization, and waste reduction. Practical implications. The proposed framework provides HEIs with a structured and applicable model for implementing AI-driven QMS, incorporating internal audit and risk management mechanisms. It supports improved governance, operational efficiency, compliance with international standards, and alignment with sustainability objectives. Value / originality. The study offers a novel, integrated approach that links AI, quality management systems, and IT business processes with circular economy principles. Unlike fragmented existing research, it provides a comprehensive, system-based perspective on the transformation of higher education management.
How to Cite
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
AI, Quality Management Systems, HEIs, IT, Business Processes, Circular Economy, Risk-oriented Management, Sustainability
Alotaibi, N. S. (2024). The Impact of AI and LMS Integration on the Future of Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Transformation. Sustainability, 16(23), 10357. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310357
Boustani, N. M., Sidani, D., & Boustany, Z. (2024). Leveraging ICT and Generative AI in Higher Education for Sustainable Development: The Case of a Lebanese Private University. Administrative Sciences, 14(10), 251. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14100251
Claro, G. T. N., & Bayona, J. A. (2025). The Impact of AI on Quality and Sustainable Development: a Bibliometric Analysis. Quality Innovation Prosperity, 29(1), 81. https://doi.org/10.12776/qip.v29i1.2151
Deming, W. E. (1986). Out of the crisis. MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262541154/out-of-the-crisis/
European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. (2015). Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). https://www.enqa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ESG_2015.pdf
European Foundation for Quality Management. (2020). The EFQM model. https://www.efqm.org/the-efqm-model/
European Higher Education Area. (2020). Rome Ministerial Communiqué. http://www.ehea.info/Upload/Rome_Ministerial_Communique.pdf
Hoyle, D. (2009). ISO 9000 quality systems handbook (6th ed.). Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/ISO-9000-Quality-Systems-Handbook/Hoyle/p/book/9780750684516
Humboldt, W. von. (1970). On the spirit and the organizational framework of intellectual institutions in Berlin. Minerva, 8(2), 242–267. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01097709
International Organization for Standardization. (2015). ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems – Requirements. https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html
International Organization for Standardization. (2018). ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines. https://www.iso.org/standard/65694.html
International Organization for Standardization. (2019). ISO 31010:2019 Risk management – Risk assessment techniques. https://www.iso.org/standard/72140.html
Ishikawa, K. (1985). What is total quality control? The Japanese way. Prentice Hall. https://archive.org/details/whatisqualitycon00ishi
Juran, J. M. (1988). Juran on planning for quality. Free Press. https://www.juran.com/resources/books/juran-on-planning-for-quality/
Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1996). The balanced scorecard: Translating strategy into action. Harvard Business School Press. https://hbr.org/product/the-balanced-scorecard-translating-strategy-into-action/
Katsamakas, E., Pavlov, O. V., & Saklad, R. (2024a). AI and the transformation of higher education institutions. arXiv (Cornell University). https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2402.08143
Katsamakas, E., Pavlov, O. V., & Saklad, R. (2024b). AI and the Transformation of HEIs: A Systems Approach. Sustainability, 16(14), 6118. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146118
Khan, S., Mazhar, T., Shahzad, T., Khan, M. A., Rehman, A. U., Saeed, M. M., & Hamam, H. (2025). Harnessing AI for sustainable higher education: ethical considerations, operational efficiency, and future directions. Discover Sustainability, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-00809-6
Kucheriava, M. V., & Bychykhin, Ye. V. (2024). Implementation of circular and green economy in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the economic security of the state: a review of modern concepts. Finansy Ukrainy, (10), 86–106. https://doi.org/10.33763/finukr2024.10.086
Kucheriava, M. V., & Lisovyi, S. M. (2024). Accounting and analytical support for the management of IT enterprises in the context of sustainable development: modern approaches and prospects. Finansy Ukrainy, (12), 114–128. https://doi.org/10.33763/finukr2024.12.114
Newman, J. H. (1996). The idea of a university. Yale University Press. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300060005/the-idea-of-a-university/
Oliinyk, Y., Kucheriava, M., Zinchenko, A., Tyshchenko, V., & Vorobei, S. (2026). Integration of circular economy and resilience principles into state anti-crisis policy and corporate strategies. Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Economics, 1(228), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2667.2026/228-1/8
Özşen, T., Uslu, B., & Aypay, A. (2022). Strategy adaptation for sustainable quality management in universities: a systematic literature review. Tertiary Education and Management, 29(4), 447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-022-09098-4
Siemens, G. (2013). Learning analytics: The emergence of a discipline. American Behavioral Scientist, 57(10), 1380–1400. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764213498851
Sir, V. M. V., Reátegui, J. A., Guevara, R. C., Revilla, A. C., & Valqui, C. V. (2025). AI and Educational Quality in Higher Education: A Systematic Review. TEM Journal, 3794. https://doi.org/10.18421/tem144-82
The Institute of Internal Auditors. (2024). Global Internal Audit Standards. https://www.theiia.org/en/standards/global-internal-audit-standards/
Warren, S., Vogt, E., Tincher, B. E., & Yang, J. (2025). Enhancing quality assurance through strategic AI integration: a framework for higher education digital transformation. Quality Assurance in Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/qae-09-2024-0183
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.