The concept of experiential learning, in one form or another, has been around a long time, some would say going back to Confucius. More recently, however, within the United States it was put into practice in a very aggressive form, cooperative education, created by Herman Schneider and initiated at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in 1906.…

The economic modernization drive of the 21st century has not only fostered the growth of a market economy but has also created the need for a structural change in education (Zha, 2006). Mok (2009) explains that when the Chinese government realized that the state alone could not keep up with the increasing demand for higher education, it allowed…

Customer needs for high-quality goods and the risk of product-liability litigation against businesses have made companies look for a way to sustain quality assurance in their products and services. Lean manufacturing is the latest and most successful system being used by companies to turn their business around. Visual inspection plays an important…

This paper presents a brief overview of Qatar University's history since it was started in 1973. Its primary focus is on the various small, but important, steps taken by the University to address the needs of quality assurance and enhancement. The Qatar University Reform Plan is described in detail. Its aims are to continually improve the quality…

The rapid growth in the number of post-secondary institutions in Saudi Arabia over the last few years necessitated the creation of a government agency for accreditation and quality assurance. The National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment was established in 2004 for this purpose. Between 2005 and 2008, it developed a new…

The democratization of South Africa has necessitated a transformation of the education system. The current transformational landscape of higher education in South Africa requires that basic curriculum concepts, and principles be rediscovered and, rethought with a view to ensuring that future educational practice is based on sound, and proven…

Because of a need for quality improvement, Wisconsin Power and Light trained two six-person pilot groups in statistical process control, had them apply that knowledge to actual problems, and showed management the dollars-and-cents savings that come from quality improvement. (JOW)

Discusses innovative information services, including new services and the redesign of existing services. Describes the development process, including assessing the market and developing a marketing plan; and explains the implementation process, including monitoring client satisfaction and quality control. (LRW)

Discusses recommendations made by the Expert Panel on Educational Technology, questions how they should be used, and examines the quality of the framework for use as a formative assessment instrument. Considers the focus on schooling and student learning; its use as a national evaluation tool; and its use to develop programs, not just evaluate…

The Florida Association of Professional Health Educators (FAPHE) has been instrumental in developing a voluntary registration/certification process to upgrade professional standards, identify health educators, and establish a network for the purpose of continuing education. Eight basic steps have been identified as necessary for the development of…

Steps in establishment of Indiana University School of Dentistry's quality assurance program included gathering existing information on quality assurance; ascertaining administrative support; appointing a committee; defining terms and setting goals; raising awareness and commitment; designing a patient satisfaction survey; undertaking a chart…

The Maryland Center for Quality and Productivity at the University of Maryland has developed a methodology that enables the management team of an organization to define its critical performance dimensions. A set of metrics is offered to help colleges and universities assess whether quality management is improving their performance. (DB)

This paper provides a description and documentation of two significant events in the history of our field: (1) the development of our field and the doctoral program review process and outcome by the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education; and (2) the process by which the Academy successfully had "kinesiology" included as a…

Describes the developmental stages of Operation 1000, Virginia Tech's program to increase enrollment in adult marketing and distributive education. The program consists of a series of prepackaged competency-based courses designed with built-in quality controls. (SK)

Provides a brief explanation of the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 1990. Describes the expanded and improved services provided to Head Start children and families and the quality enhancements made to the Head Start program and staff as a result of implementing the act. Lists other elements, in addition to funding, that are important…