UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA
“BROADNESS OF VIEW AND HIGH STANDING”
Contents
1. ACADEMIC STRUCTURE... 3 2. LONG-STANDING CONCERN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNISATION AND DEVELOPMENT... 13 3. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND PROMOTION OF
EXCELLENCE RESEARCH... 14 4. EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES PROFILE.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S/DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES ... 20 5. LEARNER-CENTRED APPROACH AND GROWTH
ORIENTATION. THE STUDENT – A PARTNER ON THE
PATHWAY TO KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND TRANSFER ... 24 6. MEETING SOCIETAL NEEDS AS AN INSTITUTION WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND
TRANSFER ... 26 7. STRUCTURES AND TOOLKITS FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA ... 27 ANNEX 1. INCESA programme
(Research Infrastructure for Applied Sciences)... 31 ANNEX 2. University IT Technological Park ... 37
UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA
“BROADNESS OF VIEW AND HIGH STANDING”
For the last five years, the University of Craiova has been submitted to consecutive internal evaluation and national evaluation processes, which enhanced the design and implementation of the institutional development strategy, with the support of the entire academic community.
2009 Institutional evaluation of the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS), completed with a “High Degree of Confidence”
The evaluation clearly identified the major characteristics branding the University of Craiova within the Romanian higher education system.
1. ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
Starting from 1st October 2011, University of Craiova underwent a reshaping process in compliance with the National Education Law 1/2011. The current structure comprises the following faculties:
FACULTY OF EXACT SCIENCES
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields: Mathematics, specialisations:
Mathematics and Mathematics – Mathematical Informatics;
Informatics, specialisation: Informatics; Chemistry, specialisations:
Chemistry and Technological Biochemistry; Environmental Science, specialisations: Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Physics;
Physics, specialisations: Physics, Physical Informatics, Occupational Physics
Master’s programmes: Applied Mathematics; Methods and Models in Artificial Intelligence; Applied Chemistry; Chemistry of Active Biological Compounds; Environmental Conservation; Materials Physics; Theoretical Physics.
Doctoral Studies: Fields: Mathematics, Informatics, Chemistry, Physics..
D
Deeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr DuDummiittrruu BBUUSSNNEEAAGG,, PPhhDD C
Coonnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS Bachelor’s programmes: Physical Education and Sports; Occupational Therapy and Special Motor Skills;
Master’s programmes: Curricular and Extracurricular Motor Skills;
High Performance in sports;
Occupational Theraphy in Neuro-motor Development.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr MMaarriiaann DDRRAAGGOOMMIIRR,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields: Philosophy, Sociology, Journalism, Political Sciences, Social Work.
Master’s programmes: Contemporary Philosophy; European Development and Integration; Society, Communication and Mass- media; National and Euro-Atlantic Security.
Doctoral Studies: Field: Sociology.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr MMiihhaaii CCOOSSTTEESSCCUU,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields: Electrical Engineering; Energy Engineering; Aerospace Engineering; Engineering and Management; Environmental Engineering; Applied Engineering.
Master’s programmes: Fields:
Electrical Engineering; Energy Engineering; Aerospace Engineering.
Doctoral Studies: Fields: Electrical Engineering; Energy Engineering.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr MMaarriiaann CCIIOONNTTUU,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields:
Vehicle Engineering; Transport Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Civil Engineering;
Engineering and Management;
Materials Engineering;
Environmental Engineering; Maritime and Navigation Engineering.
Master’s programmes: Fields: Vehicle Engineering; Transport Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Industrial Engineering;
Engineering and Management; Materials Engineering.
Doctoral Studies: Fields: Mechanical Engineering; Materials Engineering.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr NiNiccoollaaee DDUUMMIITTRRUU,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE Bachelor’s programmes: Fields:
Agronomy (specialisations:
Agriculture and Mountain Science);
Biology (specialisation: Biology);
Horticultură (cu specialisations:
Horticulture and Landscape Design);
Environmental Engineering
(specialisations: Environmental Engineering and Conservation in Agriculture); Food Engineering (specialisations: Food Control and Expertise and Agricultural Products Processing Technology);
Geodetic Engineering (specialisation: Land measurements and cadastre); Forestry (specialisation: Forestry).
Master’s programmes: Ecosystems Biodiversity and Conservation;
Plant Cultivation and Ecological Impact; Horticulture Management
and Consultancy and Rural Development; Viticulture – Oenology;
Ecological and Natural Resources Management; Food Control and Expertise; Agrotourism Management and Food Quality;
Environmental Conservation in Agriculture; Management and Consultancy in Agriculture.
Doctoral Studies: Fields: Agronomy and Horticulture.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr MMaarriiaann SSOOAARREE,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields/specialisations: Economics, specialisation: General Economics and Business Communication;
Economics and Foreign Affairs, specialisation: Economics and Foreign Affairs; Management, specialisation: Management;
Marketing, specialisation: Marketing; Business Administration, specialisations: Trade, Tourism and Services Economy and Business Administration; Accountancy, specialisation: Accountancy and Finance Informatics, specialisation: Finance and Banking;
Cybernetics, Economic Statistics and Informatics, specialisations:
Economic Statistics and Informatics, and Economic Forecasting.
Master’s programmes: Fields/specialisations: Economics and
Foreign Affairs, Economics and European Affairs, Economics and Foreign Affairs Administration (English-taught programme), Regional Development and European Projects; Management:
Business Management, Entrepeneurship and Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Organisations Management, Corporate Management; Marketing:
Marketing and Marketing Communication; Business Administration:
Business Administration in Commerce, Tourism and Services;
Accountancy: Auditing and Accounting, and Finance Management, Accountancy and International Standards-regulated Financial Reports, Accounting Management, Accounting Expertise and Auditing, Real Estate Economics, Finance: Finance and Business Administration, Finance and Banking Management, Corporate Analysis and Evaluation, Public Finance and Social Security;
Economic Cybernetics, Statistics and Informatics: E-Business Administration (Romanian-taught programme)., E-Business Administration (English-taught programme).
Doctoral Studies: Fields: Economics, Economics and Foreign Affairs, Management, Accountancy, Finance, Cybernetics and Statistics.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr MMaarriiaann SSIIMMIINNIICCĂĂ,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF THEOLOGY, HISTORY AND EDUCATION SCIENCES
Bachelor’s programmes:
Fields: Theology,
specialisation: Theology;; History, specialisation:
History;; International Relations and European Studies, specialisation: International Relations and European Studies; Education Sciences, specialisations:
Primary and Pre-School Pedagogy, Primary and Pre-School Pedagogy (Centre of Drobeta-Turnu-Severin), Pedagogy.
Master’s programmes: Theology, specialisations: Mission and Pastorship, Church Social Communication; History, specialisations:
History of the Idea of Europe, Romanians in European History.
Doctoral Studies: Fields: History, Theology.
D
Deeaann:: HHiiss HoHolliinneessss PPrrooffeessssoorr IrIriinneeuu IIoonn POPOPPAA,, PhPhDD C
Coonnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF LETTERS
Bachelor’s programmes: Fields: Languages and Literatures (Romanian, French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin), Applied Modern Languages, Communication Sciences, Theatrical Performance Arts, Canto and Musical Performance.
Master’s programmes: English and French Languages. European Legal Translation and Terminology; French Language, French Teaching Methodology and French-speaking World Literatures;
British and American Studies; Romanian Literature in European Context; Contemporary Models of Romanian Descriptive Linguistics; Romance Languages – Synchrony and Diachrony;
Paradigms of Corporate Communication; English Language.
Theoretical and Applied Linguistics; Perspectives of Literary Stylistics; Acting Art; Contemporary Romanian – structure, dynamics and functional approaches.
Doctoral Studies: Field: Philology DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr NiNiccuu PPAANNEEAA,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
INTERLINGUA CENTRE FOR MODERN LANGUAGES INTERLINGUA Centre for Modern Languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) runs programmes of development of plurilingual and intercultural communicative competence, with reference to language for general purposes and language for special/specific purposes. Learners belong to different socio- professional categories.
FACULTY OF AUTOMATION, COMPUTERS AND
ELECTRONICS
Bachelor’s programmes: Systems Engineering, specialisations:
Automation and Applied Informatics; Multimedia Systems Engineering, Computer Science and IT, specialisations: Computer Science; Computer Science (English-taught programme), Electronical Engineering and Telecommunications, specialisation:
Applied Electronics, Mechatronics and Robotics, specialisation:
Mechatronics; Robotics.
Master’s programmes: Systems Engineering, specialisations:
Complex Systems Automation; Systems Engineering IT; Computer Science and IT, specialisations: Software Engineering; Systems for e-Business (English-taught programme); Computer Science;
Computer Science (English-taught programme), Electronical Engineering and Telecommunications, specialisation: Advanced Electronical Systems, Mechatronics and Robotics, specialisation:
Control Systems in Robotics.
Doctoral Studies, Fields: Systems Engineering; Computer Science and IT; Mechatronics and Robotics.
DeDeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr EEuuggeenn BBOOBBAAŞŞUU,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
FACULTY OF LAW AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES Bachelor’s programmes, Field:
Law, specialisation: Law. Field:
Administrative Sciences, specialisations: Public Administration, Managerial and Administrative Assistance.
Master’s programmes: Field: Law, specialisations: Private Law;
Human Rights; Criminal Law. Field: Administrative Sciences, specialisations: Administrative Sciences.
Doctoral Studies: Field: Law.
D
Deeaann:: PPrrooffeessssoorr SSeevvaassttiiaann CCEERRCCEELL,, PPhhDD CoConnttaacctt:: [email protected]
2. LONG-STANDING CONCERN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNISATION AND DEVELOPMENT
, with a view to ensuring an optimal environment for learning and teaching, research and development, alongside the wide recognition of the academic community of Craiova via substantial financial disbursement:consolidation and rehabilitation of the university Main Building,
continuation of construction work on the S200 building,
rehabilitation of the greenhouses belonging to the Botanical Garden,
rehabilitation of the “Complex Mecanică” - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering campus, through the construction of the new headquarters of the Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences,
rehabilitation and modernisation of the learning and teaching facilities (belonging to the Faculty of Chemistry and the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports),
takeover of the Vâlcea Research & Development Centre for Fruit Growing as part of the university assets,
modernisation and construction of new student residences, according to international standards.
3. DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND PROMOTION OF EXCELLENCE RESEARCH
3.1. Design and Implementation of Excellence Research Development Strategy. Outline of Priority Axes
With a view to exploiting the diversity of knowledge and skills, as well as to the cost-effective use of the available and potential resources, the University of Craiova successfully completed a
large-scale restructuring process, resulting in the identification and highlighting of the key research areas at the institutional level. The successive internal evaluations, the detail-oriented approach to research priorities and to national and European standards and benchmarks, in conjunction with RDI resources, indicated that the scientific research activities of the teaching staff, students and non-teaching staff of the University of Craiova focus on: theoretical research, applied research, technological research, engineering, expertise, consulting and experimental analyses.
With respect to the priority research fields included in the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation II (PNCDI-II) and the Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (FP7), respectively, the research foci of the University of Craiova in 2010 were:
nanosciences, nanotechnologies, new materials and new production technologies;
information and communications technology;
energy;
environment;
transport;
food, agriculture and biotechnology;
socio-economic sciences and humanities.
The research activity was mainly developed within:
two excellence centres (The Centre for Non-Linear Analysis and Applications, Industrial Robots and Flexible Application Lines),
seven CNCSIS-accredited research centres in the following fields: automation, mechatronics and robotics, bio-mechanics, language sciences.
3.2. Dissemination and Exploitation of Research Outcomes in the National and International Scientific Community and in the Social and Economic Environment
The research outcomes in these fields underpin the researchers’
commitment and enthusiasm over the last years. Thus, in 2010 the University of Craiova was proud to count:
publications: 23 books published in world-leading international publishing houses, 215 books published in CNCSIS-accredited publishing houses, 211 papers published in ISI-indexed journals, 216 papers published in international database-indexed journals, 497 studies published in proceedings of international conferences, 578 articles published in CNCSIS-accredited journals, under categories B and B+;
journals: at the university level, there are 15 B+
journals and 6 B journals (CNCSIS-accredited);
invention patents: 14 patents in agriculture, horticulture, biomechanics, materials science;
national and international scientific events: 62 national and international scientific events organised by faculties;
as a result of contract-based research activity, in 2010, the teaching staff of the University of Craiova were awarded 8 prizes by outstanding national and international organisations;
cooperation with the social and economic environment – it resulted in the development of specialised theoretical and applied research laboratories (in partnership with Dacia Groupe Renault, Pirelli Tyres Romania, Renault Technologie Roumanie etc.). The development of partnerships between the public and private sector is also considered for developing new laboratories within our institution.
3.3. The coherence of the research activity was strategically achieved, via:
implementation of excellence research projects: for instance, TIARA, Technology and Innovation in Advanced Research of Composites, developed within the Faculty of Engineering and Management of Technological Systems
of Drobeta Turnu Severin, University of Craiova.
• concentration of resources in a specific RDI field as the following strategic objective, achieved due to the design and implementation of the INCESA programme (RESEARCH
INFRASTRUCTURE FOR APPLIED
SCIENCES) of 45,000,000 RON (non- refundable financial assistance) – see Annex 1.
• completion of construction work on the University IT Technological Park, S200 building, which will represent an opportunity both for higher education in Craiova and for the Oltenia South-West development region – see Annex 2.
enhancement of research activity in agriculture - Agricultural Research & Development Centre of Caracal and the Vâlcea Research & Development Centre for Fruit Growing as the major research units in the field, which is a national priority. The patenting of several species of trees (“Timval” walnut tree, “Valcris” walnut tree,
“Valstar” walnut tree, “Unival” walnut tree, “Casval”
chestnut tree, “Romval” chestnut tree, “Natval” peanut tree, “Primval” peanut tree”, “Alutus” plum tree) prove
that the excellence research has been carried out in these research and development centres. On the whole, SCDP Vâlcea created 34 species, out of which 3 are patented.
Another 2 species of peanut trees and 2 species of dwarf peach trees are currently under evaluation and homologation. The Tita HVL 357 peanut tree is under patenting at the EU.
the main goal of the following period, i.e. enhancement of the competitiveness, cost-efficiency and sustainability of all excellence research centres within the University of Craiova, with a focus on the sustainable development of resources (human resources, infrastructure, documentation, partnerships), on the exploitation of research outcomes and on enhancing the visibility of our institution at the national and international level.
4. EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES PROFILE. AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S/DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES
The gradual development and supply of competences will be ensured via an integrated approach to Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral programmes in the fields where the University of Craiova possesses material and human resources and widely recognised research skills.
The approach underpins several actions which profile the University of Craiova at the national level.
4.1. A market-oriented approach to the design and harmonisation of the curriculum:
design and implementation of new Bachelor’s programmes, due to the advancement of knowledge (e.g.
Landscaping, Control and Expertise of Food Products, General Economics and Economic Communication, etc.)
authorisation of 7 new Bachelor’s programmes (during the period 2007-2010), the suspension (14 programmes) and re-dimensioning of other programmes of less interest;
flexible interdisciplinary (Bologna) Master’s programmes, promoting a learner-centred approach and, more particularly, task-based learning and problem solving. Starting from the academic year 2008-2009, the University of Craiova proposes 81
Master's programmes, ensuring state-of-the-art professional training and research-led learning and teaching, in full consonance with the curriculum.
development of graduation projects (graduation papers, dissertations) on topics corresponding to the university main research themes, within the RTD (research and technological development) departments and in partnership with companies.
development of doctoral research, as the University of Craiova is authorised to organise doctoral studies in 25 fields and counts a total number of 99 PhD supervisors in the following fields:
Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Philology, History, Sociology, Law, Economics, Cybernetics and Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Economics and International Business, Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, Theology.
• The total number of PhD students registered amounted to 686 in 2010, out of which 266 in full-time programmes (210 state budgeted and 56 paying tuition fees), and 420 in part-time programmes.
• PhD funding awards: 141 PhD students have been awarded POSDRU grants. These projects (Creşterea atractivităŃii, calităŃii şi eficienŃei studiilor universitare de doctorat prin
acordarea de burse doctorale – Enhancing attractivity, quality assurance and cost-effectiveness of doctoral programmes through PhD funding (POSDRU/6/1.5/S/14 project, University of Craiova – beneficiary), Creşterea calităŃii şi a competitivităŃii cercetării doctorale prin acordarea de burse - Enhancing quality assurance and competitiveness of doctoral research through PhD funding (POSDRU/88/1.5/S/49516 project, West University of din Timisoara – beneficiary, University of Craiova – partner), Prin burse doctorale spre cercetare de nivel european – PhD funding the way ahead to European research (POSDRU/88/1.5/S/50783 project, The Polytechnic University of Timisoara – beneficiary, University of Craiova – partner) are a living proof of the excellence of doctoral programmes within the University of Craiova and act as a springboard for the young researchers.
• Postgraduate funding: the projects Burse Universitare în România prin Sprijin European pentru Doctoranzi – University funding in Romania through European Assistance for PhD students, POSDRU /CPP107/ DMI1.5/S/78421(University of Craiova – beneficiary, West University of din Timisoara – partner) and Parteneriatul universitar în cercetare – un pas înainte spre o şcoală postdoctorală a viitorului – - University partnership in research - a way ahead to the future postgraduate school, POSDRU /89/1.5/S/61968 (University of
Craiova – beneficiary, University of Bucharest - partner,
"Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu – partner) focus on motivating young researchers.
4.2. Development of modern learning and teaching facilities Development learning and teaching infrastructure through own funds and state allowances: 108 new teaching centres (since 2008), teaching rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Development of a large number of European projects of education and professional training, allowing for the development of new study programmes, learning materials and teaching aids, more particularly, computer-assisted programmes. The University of Craiova has gained national recognition due to the high rate of absorption of European funds within the Lifelong Learning framework (Erasmus, Jean Monet, Comenius, Leonardo da Vinci, etc),
Involvement in a large number of national projects of initial training and Lifelong Learning, via structural funds, within POS-DRU; they aim at strengthening cooperation with the social and business environment, at the development of national education (Master’s programmes) and of Lifelong Learning. The optimal development of these projects is based on the observance of the institutional policies and a realistic estimated budget.
5. LEARNER-CENTRED APPROACH AND GROWTH ORIENTATION. THE STUDENT – A PARTNER ON THE PATHWAY TO KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND TRANSFER
5.1. Student involvement in the research activity. Student-driven scientific research is most visible in the form of the collaboration teacher-student and mainly resulted in the drafting of the graduation papers, dissertations, PhD theses, student (of all cycles) large-scale participation in research contracts (106), publication of scientific papers in high standing journals, publication of student research volumes, participation in scientific and professional events.
5.2. Learner-centred approach and growth orientation – facts and figures:
Prizes awarded in student scientific events in country and abroad: in 2010, 119 prizes, out of which: 25 - 1st prize, 19 – first runner-up prize, 29 – second runner-up prize, 29 - consolation prizes, 13 awards of excellence and 4 other prizes, for instance, those awarded in the Rhetorical Skills Contest (3 students of the University of Craiova, Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences were awarded the first runner-up prize for their written papers and „Best Speaker”
prize at Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition - a simulation of a dispute - organised by the International Court of
Justice at Vilnius, Lithuania);
organisation of national student conferences: annually, the Faculty of Theology of the University of Craiova, in cooperation with the Archbishopy of Craiovei, organises a National Student Conference, a long-standing tradition encouraging student creativity, motivation for learning, boosting student potential and assertiveness.
The students’ papers, supervised by the teaching staff, are published in the conference proceeedings in CNCSIS-accredited publishing house;
creation of pre-professional environment within the university to prepare students’ smooth insertion on the labour market, via different projects completion:
• CompetenŃe socio-umane pentru piaŃa muncii din Regiunea Sud-Vest Oltenia – Social and human skills for the labour market in the South-West Oltenia Region, Ref. No. (CCI):
2007RO051PO001, non-refundable financial assistance:
2,074,660 RON; its main objective is to increase labour market insertion rate for 300 students in Social Sciences and Humanities, by feedforwarding and development of competences and by bridging the gap between education, training and employment;
• PRAXIS - good practitioners in the economic field in transition. From school to an active life, project ID 61477, grant: 9,554,088 RON, Partners: West University of
Timişoara, ISCTE Portugal, SUPEUROPA, France;
• internships agreements, ensuring learning experiences at the workplace of the partner companies (SC Automobile Dacia SA, Renault Technologie Roumanie, Pirelli Tyres Romania, Electroputere SA, etc.).
6. MEETING SOCIETAL NEEDS AS AN INSTITUTION WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND TRANSFER
The University of Craiova takes full responsibility for the mission it has to fulfil with respect to knowledge generation and transfer through research and education activities, and which promotes a market-oriented approach by developing structures and toolkits able to yield competitive results at the regional, national and European levels. This mission is accomplished through constant interaction with the social, economic and administrative stakeholders at local, regional and national levels.
6.1. Exploitation of Lifelong Learning-related resources
The University of Craiova provides Lifelong Learning programmes to trainees from all Oltenia counties (Dolj, Olt, Gorj, Valcea, Mehedinti). In addition to specific projects, several major projects are being run for lifelong learning and professional re- skilling: the ACADEMICA programme, which aims to develop and
improve teaching skills, and the INTERLINGUA programme, aiming to raise and train awareness of multilingualism and to develop communicative competence (in modern languages) for general and specific purposes. The university activities are premised by the long-standing cooperation with companies and professional associations at the regional, national and international levels so as to further higher education and scientific research.
7. STRUCTURES AND TOOLKITS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CRAIOVA
In order to implement the integrated research and the education concept and achieve excellence in research, the frame and the toolkits for management and internal evaluation needed to be developed from a programmatic and systematic point of view starting with 2004. The university Senate analysed and validated the necessity and opportunity to build these structures as the academic community is their main beneficiary.
7.1. Development of new administrative departments for the research and development of the quality and cost-effectiveness of the study programmes:
The Department of Research Projects Management, in charge with research promotion, consultancy and
internal evaluation of research grants, contracts and educational and training projects. The rising dynamics of the number of grants and funds, the high rate of absorption of European funds, the coordination/involvement in large-scale, interdisciplinary projects (including PRO-DD) prove the effectiveness of this department.
The Department of Lifelong Learning and Liaison with the Economic, Social and Cultural Environment - its main tasks are the development and management of cooperation agreements with companies and professional associations involved in research, education and production;
The Department of Public Relations. Within the University of Craiova, the
issue of promoting a positive academic image and securing the institutional brand is regarded as a process of systematic evaluation and continual improvement, therefore defining lines of action, the measurable objectives and the development of institutional policies;
the allocation of the adequate resources to reach these objectives is based on the principle that states that quality in higher education may only be reached in an environment in which the institution designs and shapes its own internal and external image through a constant connection to and articulation with the European relevant processes.
Furthermore, there are structures fulfilling specific tasks – similar to the ones across the Romanian universities (Department of Quality Assurance, Department of Distance
Learning, Department of Lifelong Learning and Professional Training, Department of Career Advice, etc.)
7.2. Developing specific tools, standards and benchmarks for internal evaluation within the University of Craiova
In order to shape/reshape research and to develop coherent and competitive university departments at the national and international levels, success measures were taken towards internal evaluation efficiency and effectiveness:
At the individual level: through the annual assessment grid, by which the activity of each member of the teaching staff is assessed against a set of academic performance criteria (minimal standard requirements) and of the research activity.
The results of this evaluation are considered to be internal criteria for promotion, degrees of merit, etc.
The internal evaluation of the teaching activity is performed annually as peer review and each semester by the students, impacting on the promotion and quality assurance of the learning and teaching processes.
7.3 External evaluation of the University of Craiova
Through the active involvement in the higher education restructuring process, the University of Craiova has established a development strategy that aims at shaping the mindset of the entire academic
community in order to accomplish this mission, securing the development and implementation of the most effective management tools.
In the light of the above considerations, we have every confidence that the University of Craiova is prepared for international evaluation, an important tool for boosting competitiveness, best practices and high standing at the European level.
ANNEX 1
INCESA programme
(Research Infrastructure for Applied Sciences)
INCESA building (under construction)
INCESA LOCATION 1. Craiova Airport 2. Industrial Park 3. Popeci Utilaj Greu 4. MAT SA Craiova 5. Ford Motor Romania
6. Faculty of Electrical Engineering 7. INCESA
8. Electroputere Park
9. Institute for Electrical Engineering Material Research 10. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
11. IT Park
12. University of Craiova – headquarters 13. Faculty of Agronomy and Horticulture 14. Faculty of Physical Education and Sports
FACTS AND FIGURES
Sectoral Operational Programme "Increase of Economic Competitiveness" co-financed by European Regional Development Fund
Priority Axis 2: Research, Technological Development and Innovation for competitiveness
Key area of intervention: D.2.2 Investments in RDI infrastructure and related administrative capacity. Indicative operation: Development of the existing R&D infrastructure and the creation of new infrastructures (laboratories, research centres)
Project duration: 36 months Total amount: 55, 800, 000 RON.
Total eligible costs: 45, 000, 000 RON.
Non-refundable financial assistance: 10, 800, 000 RON Main Objectives:
• To create a state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• To enhance Romanian research development in the European and international competitive environment
Specific objectives
• To create of a competitive research brand
• To develop a network of national and international partnership
• To foster capitalisation and exploitation of the
Oltenia/University of Craiova researchers’ expertise
• To build a learning environment for the next generation via research
• To map research to the business environment demand so as to increase competitiveness by implementing innovative solutions
• To provide consultancy for management authorities so as to establish a viable national strategy
INCESA human resources profile: researchers come in all shapes and sizes: academics, doctoral undergraduates and postgraduates, full-time doctoral undergraduates and Master undergraduates in research study programmes, non-teaching staff and experts in excellence research management and marketing.
More than 60% of the PhD supervisors coordinate research projects in the fields where the University of Craiova has gained national and international recognition.
Research directions
Research direction
RDC for Electrical Engineering (RDCEE)
RDC for
Mechanical Engineering and Materials Sciences (RDCMEMS)
RDC for
Biotehnologies and
Bioengineering (RDCBB)
RDC for Computer Engineering (RDCCE)
1 Innovative materials 2 Industrial innovative techniques and processes
3 Innovative techniques and processes in mechanical engineering and
mechatronics 4 Nuclear innovative techniques and processes 5 Innovative techniques and processes in transport and automotive industry
Research typology
• Contract-based research
• Partnership with national and international institutions/R&D centres/companies so as to develop joint research programmes
• Research assistance by providing the infrastructure, logistics and know-how of INCESA for the beneficiaries
• Research hosting of beneficiaries’ trainees
• Start-up research for companies that disseminate and exploit INCESA outputs
Estimated impact
The mission of INCESA will be reflected in the improvement of the conditions and access to financing for research and innovation and in creating an environment for transforming innovative ideas in products and services that will sustain technological and economic growth. Among the results of the project we may count the development and strengthening of a friendly business environment in the productive sector, the enhancement of technological transfer between research institutions and companies, the increase in the capacity of approaching interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research topics and the development of excellence poles.
ANNEX 2
University IT Technological Park
University IT Technological Park (under construction)
UNIVERSITY IT TECHNOLOGICAL PARK LOCATION Calea Bucureşti Main Street
FACTS AND FIGURES
The design of the 12-storey building (under construction), having a total working space of 25.095 m2 is based on the RDI experience and the results of the excellence research in the field of civil engineering, materials sciences, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and automation, etc.
The total value of the building investment reaches 81,127, 000 RON, out of which 56,174,000 RON represents the building value, and
4,875,051 RON go to facilities.
The building construction is to be completed in 2013.
Rationale
The University of Craiova is in a highly advanced phase of the process of developing a modern IT Technological Park, which will host not only administrative offices, but also a significant number of spaces available to companies from the IT world, thus, accommodating to various needs and interests.
The IT Technological Park is planned to become a landmark in the South-Western part of Romania, with a very important social and economic impact, stimulating research in high tech and investments in IT and related areas.
Main Objectives:
• To develop state-of-the-art IT production and services for quality assurance and increase of competitiveness in the field
• To provide new opportunities for cost-effective use of national economy
Specific objectives
• To foster IT design, development, consulting and assistance
• To develop public administration-related IT
• To develop academic infrastructure for the public-private partnership
• To secure foreign capital investment in regional projects
• To enhance international economic integration
• To enhance employability (approx. 650 graduates as prospective employees)
Research and development directions
• Communications systems
• Multimedia applications
• IT design, development, consulting and assistance
• Software and hardware innovative solutions
• Testing and evaluation systems
• Technological design and transfer in robotics
• Nanotechnologies
• IT innovation and transfer of innovation
• Prototypes
• Industrial intellectual property
• IT systems for small- and medium-sized companies
• Modelling and simulation in electric power industry
• Electromagnetic compatibility and biological effects in electric fields
• Sociological studies
• Market-oriented approaches of academic programmes
• Lifelong learning and re-skilling programmes
Senior Management Team of the University
Rector: Professor Dan Claudiu DĂNIŞOR, PhD
Vice-Rector, Study Programmes and Job Market Insertion of Graduates: Professor Cezar Ionut SPINU, PhD
Vice-Rector, Scientific Research and Relations with Business Environment: Professor Dan POPESCU, PhD
Vice-Rector, Economic and Financial Affairs and Student Support:
Professor Nicu MARCU, PhD
Vice-Rector, International Relations and Image Promotion: Professor Cristiana-Nicola TEODORESCU, PhD
Vice-Rector, Operational Management of the Drobeta Turnu-Severin University Centre: Professor Ion CIUPITU, PhD
Contact persons:
Cristiana TEODORESCU, Ph.D., [email protected] Titela VILCEANU, Ph.D., [email protected]
