Analysis of social networks as an alternative to evaluate the university institutional conditions prior to accreditation

Abstract

The self-assessment and university accreditation processes allow higher education institutions to carry out a retrospective analysis of the institutional conditions by which research, outreach and teaching are articulated. This research proposes in a practical way the use of social and academic network analysis as an alternative to evaluate these conditions prior to an institutional accreditation process. The methodology used was quantitative with a focus on the analysis of descriptive, explanatory, and correlational results. The results obtained have made it possible to identify the proper articulation of these conditions in the institution taken as an example in this research and, in addition, have made it possible to propose continuous improvement actions that could improve communication and social and academic relations between the members of this university community.