JIHEE Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation

About these Principles

A system for professional graduate schools for practical education and research which links theory and practice, specialized in fostering professionals with advanced skills, was established in accordance with the revision of the School Education Law in fiscal 2003. For the purpose of improving the quality and raising the standards of education and research, each professional graduate school has been required, under Article 109-3 of the School Education Law and Article 40 of the Enforcement Ordinance for the School Education Law, to undergo evaluations by the organizations certified by the Minister of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) (hereinafter referred to as “Certified Evaluation and Accrediting Agencies”) at a certain period specified by Cabinet Order (less than 5 years).

These principles are intended to describe the basic content of comprehensive evaluations of education and research activities of fashion business professional graduate schools conducted by the Japan Institution for Higher Education Evaluation (hereinafter referred to as “JIHEE”).

JIHEE conducts evaluations for the purpose of contributing to the development of Japanese professional graduate schools, by supporting the autonomous improvement of quality and overall enhancement of the educational and research activities of fashion business professional graduate schools.

These principles contain information regarding the fundamental policies and content of certified evaluation and accreditation of fashion business professional graduate schools. JIHEE evaluations are implemented on the basis of the “Evaluation Standards(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Evaluation Standards”). stipulated based on these guidelines. Furthermore, JIHEE also publishes the “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)”for fashion business professional graduate schools preparing to create “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” for submission to JIHEE, and the “Handbook for Evaluators(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” for JIHEE Evaluators conducting external evaluations, as detailed procedures of the evaluation.

JIHEE endeavors to develop the most appropriate evaluation system by conducting reviews of the evaluation methods and Evaluation Standards, etc., based upon the opinions received from the parties related to the professional graduate school evaluated, evaluators involved in evaluation-related activities, and other related parties.

The evaluations conducted by JIHEE at the request of professional graduate schools are implemented in accordance with the following objectives for the purpose of contributing to the further development of the professional graduate schools of Japan.

(1) To evaluate the overall situation of professional graduate schools, including educational and research activities, on the basis of the “Evaluation Standards” developed by JIHEE taking into consideration the analysis of results of Self-Inspection and Evaluation, to verify the Self-Inspection and Evaluation, and to support the professional graduate schools’ efforts to strengthen quality assurance on their own initiative.

(2) To provide support that enables professional graduate schools to attain the backing of the general public through appropriate disclosure of their educational and research activities.

(3) To assist and promote the autonomous development of educational and research activities on the strength of each professional graduate schools’s unique character and distinctive quality through evaluation that considers the professional graduate schools’s individuality and different features.

Fashion business professional graduate schools are subject to evaluation, except those in their first fiscal year in which they were inaugurated.
The academic field of fashion business is defined comprehensively, including the fields of planning, producing, manufacturing and distribution of clothing.

JIHEE conducts evaluations on the basis of the following fundamental policies.

(1)Evaluation on the basis of “Evaluation Standards” provided for by JIHEE
In this evaluation, on the basis of analysis results of the Self-Inspection and Evaluation conducted by each professional graduate school, JIHEE evaluates the overall situation of educational and research activities according to the “Evaluation Standards,” as well as verifies the Self-Inspection and Evaluation, and determines whether or not the “Evaluation Standards” are satisfied.

(2) Evaluation based on consideration of the individuality and different features of each professional graduate school
The “Evaluation Standards” are provided by JIHEE in order to conduct the evaluation considering the individuality and different features of professional graduate schools in addition to basic matters required of professional graduate schools, and with which an evaluation that emphasizes the mission, goal and educational objectives of each professional graduate school is conducted.

(3) Evaluation that contributes to the improvement and enhancement of each professional graduate school
JIHEE considers evaluation of professional graduate schools to be indispensable to the improvement of the educational and research activities of professional graduate schools and vital to managerial reform, and places great importance on the evaluation process and results, and their interaction and connection with independent reform and improvement.

(4) Evaluation on the basis of “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” and focusing on evidence
Evaluations by JIHEE are conducted on the basis of the content of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” prepared by each professional graduate school in accordance with the “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)”, and focusing on evidence (including materials and data submitted in support of the content of “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports”).

(5)Evaluation based on peer reviews
For evaluating advanced educational and research activities of professional graduate schools appropriately, peer reviews mainly conducted by academic staffs of universities are primarily used for the evaluation. On the other hand, outside experts and persons concerned from relevant industries and academic associations, who have an insight into educational and research activities of professional graduate schools, are appointed as members of the Committee for Evaluation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)(hereinafter referred to as “Committee for Evaluation”) for assuring objectivity and social appropriateness of the evaluation.

(6)Qualitative assessment-oriented evaluation
From the perspective of the educational and research quality improvement orientation of each professional graduate school, JIHEE conducts evaluations that place importance not only on quantitative indices, but also on qualitative assessment of the content of educational and research activities.

(7)Communication-oriented evaluation
The evaluation places great importance on the communication between each professional graduate school and JIHEE. JIHEE endeavors to avoid making and publishing unidirectional judgments. In particular, JIHEE holds two explanatory meetings and provides two opportunities for Liaison Officer in the professional graduate schools requesting evaluation to appeal.

(8)Developing a highly transparent and reliable evaluation system
JIHEE conducts highly transparent and open evaluations through the establishment of a system in which professional graduate schools can appeal, and through broad disclosure of the process, methods and results of evaluations. Furthermore, JIHEE seeks to constantly improve the evaluation system through the establishment of a structure that incorporates opinions regarding the evaluations conducted by JIHEE collected from professional graduate schools and society at large through questionnaires in which each professional graduate school participates, and by incorporating opinions regarding the evaluation system presented by those who have undergone external or other evaluation.

(1) System of Implementation of Evaluation

For conducting the evaluation, an Evaluation Team consisting of Evaluators is formed to conduct specific evaluations under the Committee for Evaluation consisting of persons concerned of national, public and private universities and experts in social, economic, and cultural sectors. Evaluators are registered, and are selected from a wide range of concerned persons in universities. Considering the diverse situation of each professional graduate school concerning academic fields of education and research and regional characteristics, the Evaluation Team comprises Evaluators who can evaluate the professional graduate school appropriately among those concerned in national, public and private universities and relevant industries, experts belonging to academic associations, and those who have practical skills in the field regarding the course of the professional graduate school. The number of Evaluators, which varies depending on the scale of the professional graduate school to be evaluated and the structure of its research divisions, is approximately 5 in principle.
The Committee for Evaluation is composed of a maximum of 10 members. The members are finally selected by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of affiliate organizations of national, public and private universities, relevant academic associations and industries, and economic organizations.
Approximately 7 members of the Committee for Evaluation are selected from concerned persons of national, public and private universities, and approximately 3 members are from relevant academic associations and industries, and economic organizations.
However, Evaluators and members of the Committee for Evaluation who are directly involved in the activities of the professional graduate school to be evaluated, classified as follows, are not permitted to participate in the evaluation of the professional graduate school to be evaluated.

1. Graduates of the professional graduate school to be evaluated
2. Evaluators currently (or planning to be) employed full-time or concurrently by, or who were formerly employed within the past 5 years by the professional graduate school to be evaluated
3. Evaluators who are currently (or planning to be) executives, or who were within the past 5 years, formerly executives of the professional graduate school to be evaluated
4. Evaluators currently (or planning to be) affiliated, or who were within the past 5 years, formerly affiliated with an organization examining important matters related to the education, research activities or management of the professional graduate school to be evaluated
5. Any other individual deemed inappropriate by JIHEE

(2) Evaluator Training

To ensure that the evaluations conducted by JIHEE are as effective as possible, it is necessary to implement highly reliable evaluations based on objective perspectives and professional judgments. To this end, JIHEE provides sufficient training regarding the objectives, content and methods of evaluation of professional graduate schools to ensure that Evaluators all operate from a common base of understanding and that the evaluation process is fair, appropriate and efficient.
JIHEE conducts the evaluation with Evaluators who are sufficiently trained in this way.

【Methods of Evaluator Training】

At the outset of Evaluator training, JIHEE explains its evaluation system, including the purpose of third-party evaluation, “General Principles of Institutional Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)”, “Evaluation Standards”, precautions for document screening and On-site Inspection, and important points regarding how to write the Inspection Report. This is followed by presentations from those who have experienced the process of evaluation and a question & answer session. Evaluators are divided into groups for implementation of workshops on document screening, On-site Inspection, and writing the Inspection Report intended to make the Evaluator pool homogeneous.

(1) Details of “Evaluation Standards”

1. The “Evaluation Standards” are composed of six “standards” to evaluate educational and research activities of professional graduate schools comprehensively. The “Evaluation Standards” include basic matters for professional graduate schools, and prescribe conditions for each “standard” which is required to be satisfied by each professional graduate school.

2. Each “standard” is established with “perspectives of evaluation” that take into account the state of observance of the School Education Law and the Professional Graduate School Establishment Standards.

(2) Evaluation Process

The evaluation process can be generally described as follows.

1. Holding explanatory meetings concerning Self-Inspection and Evaluation conducted when undergoing certified evaluation and accreditation

JIHEE holds explanatory meetings for Liaison Officer of the professional graduate school to be evaluated that submitted application for evaluation by JIHEE in order to explain the system and methods of the institutional certified evaluation and accreditation by JIHEE, and how to prepare the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report.”

2. Self-Inspection and Evaluation conducted when undergoing certified evaluation and accreditation

The professional graduate school to be evaluated implements Self-Inspection and Evaluation, and prepares the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” according to the “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” provided separately by JIHEE.
When the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” is prepared, on the basis of the content of School Education Law and Professional Graduate School Establishment Standards, the educational and research activities classified by major as necessary are analyzed for each “standard” in line with the “perspectives of evaluation,” and “self-judgment” is made based on the results of the analysis, as to whether each “standard” is “satisfied” or “unsatisfied.” As the self-judgment, “reasons for self-judgment (explanation of facts and self-evaluation)” and “measures for improvement and enhancement (future plan)” are described briefly, along with the evidence for them. Original perspectives for description, which correspond to each “standard,” may be set up in addition to the “perspectives of evaluation” provided by JIHEE, when these are needed according to the situation and objectives of the professional graduate school. Next, the results of the judgment for “standards” are considered comprehensively, and “self-evaluation” for each “standard” is described briefly. “Self-judgment” for each “standard” is not required.

The “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” is prepared according to the “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools).”

3. JIHEE Evaluation

(i)  JIHEE conducts the following evaluations and judgments based on the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” submitted by the professional graduate school to be evaluated, in accordance with the judgment standards prescribed separately.

・   Evaluation is made based on the content of “perspectives of evaluation,” for determining whether each “standard” is “satisfied” or “unsatisfied.”

・   Evaluation is made based on the evaluation of “standards,” for determining whether each “standard” is “satisfied,” “almost satisfied” or “unsatisfied.”

・   The professional graduate school is judged to be “suitable for accreditation,” “deferral” or “not suitable for accreditation” based on the determination as to whether “Evaluation Standards” are comprehensively satisfied or not.
The professional graduate school which satisfies all of the six “standards” is judged to be “suitable for accreditation.”
The professional graduate school with one or more unsatisfied “standard” out of the six “standards” is, in accordance with the standards for judgment prescribed separately, judged to be “not suitable for accreditation” or “deferral.”

・   The professional graduate school is judged to be “not suitable for accreditation” when the Committee for Evaluation determined that an intentional act which significantly violates social ethics, such as making false reports or concealing the facts, is conducted in the process of the evaluation conducted by JIHEE, such as the preparation of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Report” and the On-site Inspection.

(ii)  When the “standard” judged to be “not suitable for accreditation” based on which the professional graduate school was judged as “deferral”, is judged to be “suitable for accreditation” as a result of re-evaluation which is prescribed separately, the professional graduate school is judged to be “suitable for accreditation.” If application for the re-evaluation was not filed within the deferral period specified by the Committee for Evaluation, the professional graduate school is determined to be “not suitable for accreditation.”

(iii) JIHEE provides a general comment on the overall situation of the professional graduate school from the viewpoint of the obligation of accountability to society.

(3) Evaluation Method

Evaluations are conducted through a process of document screening and On-site Inspection. Document screening includes an analysis of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” (including the materials and data submitted in support of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports”) created and submitted by professional graduate schools to be evaluated in accordance with the “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate School)” provided separately. On-site Inspections are conducted on the basis of the separate “Handbook for Evaluators(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” and “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” mainly to verify the sincerity of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” and confirm compliance with the School Education Law and the Professional Graduate School Establishment Standards, as well as to conduct investigations focusing on the problems and superior features pointed out in the process of document screening.

(4) Appeals

While evaluation results are expected to be used for the future improvement of the educational activities of professional graduate schools, they are also widely publicized to society at large, making it necessary to ensure transparency of process, as well as accuracy of the evaluation results.

Furthermore, since great importance is placed on communication with the professional graduate schools to be evaluated, JIHEE provides professional graduate schools with two opportunities to appeal regarding the evaluation. The first opportunity gives the schools the chance to respond to the draft of the Inspection Report submitted by the Evaluation Team. The second opportunity is provided prior to the finalization of evaluation results, when a draft of evaluation results of the Committee for Evaluation is provided to the schools. A review is conducted of all appeals submitted.

However, in the case of submission of appeals regarding drafts of the Evaluation Report recommending “deferral” or “unsuitable for accreditation” or other matters, in order to provide even greater objectivity to the process of considering the appeals submitted, the Committee for Evaluation shall establish Subcommittee for Appeals(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)(hereinafter referred to as the “Subcommittee for Appeals”) to examine appeals prior to the finalization of findings by the Committee for Evaluation.

(5) Procedures for Amending Evaluation Standards, etc.

JIHEE endeavors to build an evaluation system that most appropriately assesses the diverse social activities of professional graduate schools by making improvements as necessary to the “Evaluation Standards”, etc., giving due consideration to the opinions of people involved in professional graduate schools evaluated, the Evaluators that have been involved in the evaluation process, and other related parties, as well as the results of professional graduate school evaluation-related surveys and research conducted by JIHEE itself.

When amending the “Evaluation Standards” and methods, the opinions of people concerned and comments from the public are presented beforehand to ensure fairness and transparency of process.

1. Collecting evaluation applications from professional graduate schools.
2. Explanatory meeting for Liaison Officer of the professional graduate school to explain how to create “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” and the external evaluation schedule.
3. Professional graduate schools to be evaluated create and submit “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” to JIHEE in accordance with JIHEE “Handbook for Evaluation and Accreditation(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)”.
4. JIHEE Evaluation Teams consisting of sufficiently trained Evaluators conduct document screening, including review and analysis of the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” submitted by professional graduate schools to be evaluated.
5. Evaluation Teams conduct On-site Inspection based on the results of document screening.
6. Evaluation Teams prepare and submit to JIHEE a “Draft of the Inspection Report” based on the results of document screening and On-site Inspection.
7. JIHEE notifies professional graduate schools to be evaluated of the “Draft of the Inspection Report”. Professional graduate schools to be evaluated are given the opportunity to appeal regarding the “Draft of the Inspection Report”.
8. The Committee for Evaluation considers the content of the “Draft of the Inspection Report” and the appeals submitted by the professional graduate schools to be evaluated, and when necessary, conducts hearings with the Evaluation Team leaders and the responsible person of the professional graduate school to verify facts for the completion of the “Draft of Evaluation Results.”
9. JIHEE submits the “Draft of Evaluation Results” to the professional graduate schools prior to finalization. The professional graduate schools to be evaluated are given a final opportunity to appeal regarding the “Draft of Evaluation Results” notified by JIHEE.
10. The Committee for Evaluation finalizes the evaluation results and creates the “Draft of the Evaluation Report.” If appeals have been submitted with regard to the “Draft of Evaluation Results”, another review is conducted prior to finalization. Also, in the case of appeals regarding recommendations for “deferral” and “unsuitable for accreditation” or other matters, further review by the “Subcommittee for Appeals(Fashion Business Professional Graduate Schools)” established under the Committee for Evaluation is conducted to ensure further objectivity.
11. Approval of evaluation results by the Board of Directors.
12. Evaluation Results are notified to the professional graduate school, reported to the Minister, MEXT and publicly announced.

(1) JIHEE prepares the ”Evaluation Report” that includes the content of “5-(2)-③” above, and publicizes the report.

(2) The “Evaluation Report” is submitted to the professional graduate school evaluated and the Minister, MEXT. In addition, the evaluation details are made available for public viewing through publications and on JIHEE website. JIHEE will request that the professional graduate schools evaluated post their “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” on their website. By creating links between the professional graduate school evaluated and JIHEE websites, it will be possible to view the “Self-Inspection and Evaluation Reports” of each professional graduate school.

(3) As an organization responsible to the public, JIHEE places great importance on the transparency and objectivity of its organizational structure, and in addition to providing public disclosure of the matters regulated by Article 169-1 of the School Education Law Execution Regulations, JIHEE strives to provide any information in its possession regarding evaluation, to the best of its ability and in the most appropriate manner.

(4) Any requests submitted for disclosure of documents concerning the evaluation under the ownership of JIHEE shall be processed in accordance with JIHEE regulations. As a general rule, however, documents provided by professional graduate schools that are in the possession of JIHEE shall not be disclosed.

JIHEE works regularly to improve its evaluation system. In order to make improvements, JIHEE has developed a system that integrates the opinions of people involved in professional graduate schools evaluated, the Evaluators and other parties involved in the process of evaluation, and the results of survey research activities conducted by JIHEE relating to professional graduate school evaluation and higher education. In addition, with the assistance of affiliated organizations such as the Association of Private Universities in Japan and the Research Institute for Independent Higher Education, JIHEE requests external evaluations of its organization when deemed necessary. Furthermore, at the same time, JIHEE solicits the opinions of the general public regarding its evaluation system for use as a reference in pursuit of further improvement to develop the best system possible.

Professional graduate schools seeking evaluation are required to pay the following evaluation fees in accordance with the scale of the school. The amount of applicable consumption taxes is added to the evaluation fees.

(1) Evaluations are conducted once each fiscal year.

(2) Professional graduate schools seeking JIHEE evaluation shall submit application to JIHEE by the application deadline in accordance with the format provided separately. When requests are received from a professional graduate school, JIHEE shall implement evaluation of the school without delay, unless justifiable grounds for delay apply.

(3) JIHEE conducts evaluations of professional graduate schools to be evaluated at least once every five years.

If a professional graduate school which underwent certified evaluation and accreditation changes the content of important matters specified by JIHEE (such as education course or teacher organization) before undergoing the next certified evaluation and accreditation, the school shall notify the fact to JIHEE so that the quality of the professional graduate schools judged to be “suitable for accreditation” is continuously ensured by JIHEE. In the case that a professional graduate school judged to be “suitable for accreditation” caused a legal or social problem, JIHEE may request the professional graduate school to explain the circumstances.

A professional graduate school judged as “suitable for accreditation” and that received “recommendations for improvement” is required to publicize and submit an “Improvement Report”.

The professional graduate school requested to publicize and submit the “Improvement Report” shall publish the “Improvement Report” on its website within a period specified by JIHEE, and submit the “Improvement Report” to JIHEE.

The Board of Directors may decide to cancel the decision of “suitable for accreditation” after the deliberation of the Committee for Evaluation when it is proved, after the completion of the certified evaluation and accreditation, that an intentional act such as making false reports or concealing facts, which significantly violates social ethics, was committed by a professional graduate school judged to be “suitable for accreditation.”