Academic Management in Colombian Higher Education Institutions: Harmonization between NTC ISO 9001:2015 and Decree 1330 of 2019 for the Qualified Registration

Abstract

This work characterizes the academic management process of a Colombian higher education institution within the framework of NTC ISO 9001:2015 and quality conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Decree 1330 of 2019, issued by Colombia Ministry of National Education for qualified registration. The research applied a qualitative, hermeneutic, documentary approach across three methodological moments: harmonization of requirements, documentation of procedures, and validation through internal audit. Researchers collected data from institutional records, participatory workshops, and process-leader interviews. Results show that 25% of ISO 9001:2015 requirements converge directly with the institutional conditions of Decree 1330. The strongest integration occurs in the Do phase of the PDCA cycle. The team documented three procedures: Academic Follow-up, Registration and Control, and Self-assessment. These operate in synergy through shared outputs such as the academic calendar. The internal audit covered five processes and identified 13 conformities, 11 nonconformities, and 14 recommendations. Academic Management accounted for the highest number of nonconformities, concentrated in academic software vendor controls and self-assessment culture. Harmonizing ISO 9001:2015 with Decree 1330 is technically feasible and gives technical-professional institutions in Colombia a replicable internal reference. Sustained compliance, however, requires a stronger self-assessment culture and more staff training on the quality management system.