The generational approach to conceptualising first-year student learning behaviour has made a useful contribution to understanding student engagement. It has an explicit focus on student behaviour and we suggest that a Capability Maturity Model interpretation may provide a complementary extension of that understanding as it builds on the…

Five Australian companies using total quality management (TQM) were evaluated to identify the relationship between learning organization characteristics and Baldrige quality award criteria. Companies' sustained commitment to learning was the most important practice underlying successful implementation of TQM. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

Case studies of five New Zealand organizations adopting learning organization initiatives highlight crucial limitations of the debate over skill needs in the contemporary workplace. Findings reveal a new paradigm of critical organizational characteristics and job skills needed in this uncertain environment. (SK)

This book presents interactive problem-solving situations based on the principles of Total Quality Management. Following the introductory chapter, the second chapter describes the two stages of the problem-solving process: (1) analysis of the problem and its causes, and (2) identification of a solution. Each stage is comprised of three…

A question and answer form addresses the experience of Samford University (Alabama) in implementing Total Quality Management and examine the process and results of changing institutional culture. The experience illustrates how important preparation is and how profound the required changes may be. (MSE)

The experience of the University of Illinois at Chicago in learning about the Total Quality Management approach and applying it to the institution are outlined. Four distinct stages of change were identified: awareness creation; establishment of initial teams; development of infrastructure for quality improvement (QI); and institutionalizing the…

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University undertook a comprehensive organizational development analysis to identify the cultural facilitators and barriers to change and the professional development needs of managers. The results suggested a comprehensive leadership development plan to create a climate for implementation of Total Quality…

Outlines strategies used by one Australian university for systematic quality improvement, including development of a quality management plan, devolution of responsibility for quality advancement to faculties and schools, and improving documentation of quality-assurance procedures and outcomes. Topics discussed include leadership, committees,…

Rio Salado Community College (Arizona) uses Total Quality Management tools for four purposes: meeting facilitation; process definition; project selection; and data gathering and analysis. Implementation has helped clarify major issues and depersonalize problems, allowing the continuous improvement team or other group to move forward. (MSE)

In this chapter, Marcia Drew Hohn provides an overview of organizational development theory for adult educators interested in applying the lessons of such theory to the strengthening of ABE programs and systems. She begins the chapter with a brief history of the development of organizational theory, noting the progression from a mechanistic…

The Total Quality Management (TQM) approach is defined and its implementation at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in undergraduate admissions is described. Benefits and challenges of TQM are discussed, first from the perspective of the manager responsible for TQM, then from that of a front-line staff member and TQM team member.…

In 1992, the SouthEastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE) began a 3-year research-and-development effort to support four schools and two school districts in the southeastern United States in their implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) processes. This document describes the experiences and perceptions of the participating…

The origins and strategies for change in the administrative structure of Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania) are discussed, including trends within all of higher education and conditions specific to the university. Quality improvement efforts are described briefly. Special attention is given to the institution's procurement-disbursement…

Introduction of the Total Quality Management approach in college administration can create a new awareness of class distinctions among employees and a new demand for respect, dignity, and equity, all essential characteristics of an effective organization. Such employee empowerment has been effective at the University of Rhode Island. (Author/MSE)

Oregon State University has created a permanent administrative position responsible for providing universitywide administrative and technical support for implementation of Total Quality Management. Introductory, strategic, team, and special-topic training are provided. Communication with the university community is a primary responsibility. The…