In 1991, International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation announced its commitment to work with higher education to accelerate the teaching, research, and use of quality management practices in college and university operations. Besides cash and equipment awards being offered, IBM proposed partnerships with IBM facilities to include loaned…

As public funds decline and the political climate changes, accountability and quality assurance are important issues for U.S. colleges and universities, and institutional leaders are concerned about a shift away from the established institution-centered structures, toward government-mandated, standards-driven systems. This paper explores the…