This qualitative study identified the best practices utilized by community colleges to achieve systemic and cultural agreement in support of the integration of institutional effectiveness measures (key performance indicators) to inform decision making. In addition, the study identifies the relevant motives, organizational structure, and processes…

Total Quality Management is a system for creating organizationwide participation in planning and implementing a continuous improvement process exceeding customer expectations. It is built on the assumption that 90 percent of problems are a result of process, not employees. Implementation at Oregon State University has nine phases. (MSE)

Total Quality Management (TQM) is defined and described, and its application in higher education institutions is discussed. The paper examines: TQM origins, salient features, importance of organizational leadership and commitment, use of strategic planning, customer orientation, the notion of continuous improvement, assessment of progress, and…

This study attempted to identify the continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices that leaders implement in the process of changing cultures at institutions of higher education. Emphasis was on meeting the challenge of balancing a respect for the institution's existing culture while working to create a new culture. First, a survey was…

Understanding the principles underlying the Total Quality Management approach is essential to using it effectively in higher education. These include establishing a customer-focused mission; creating a vision; improving the process continuously; using systematic analysis; promoting participation; and recognizing the college or university as a…

Examines complexities and offers generic criticisms of three current approaches to innovation (total quality management, restructuring, reengineering). Notes difficulties and discusses specific problems related to: interrelatedness of planning, doing and evaluating; excessive time demands and paperwork; lack of balance between process and product;…

A National Association of College and University Business Officers survey of 153 institutions revealed the ways in which beginning, somewhat experienced, and experienced users of continuous quality improvement (CQI) management principles have implemented them. The three categories of implementers are profiled, and best practices are identified.…

Adaptation of the Total Quality Management approach to organizational improvement at Oregon State University involved creation of 10 pilot finance and administration teams and implementation of a 10-step problem-solving process. The approach has improved staff morale as well as client services. (MSE)

In recent years, new economic pressures have been placed on community colleges as a result of increased expectations for accountability on the part of governing bodies and the public. In responding to these pressures, colleges must consider new approaches to management, while the tools and approaches developed in private industry can provide…

Total Quality Management is a comprehensive system for developing organizationwide participation in planning for and implementing continuous improvement in critical processes. In colleges, trustees can be central to the success of the method through their commitment and the development of supportive policy and procedures. (MSE)

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,…

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.…

The implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in an organization implies a fundamental change in the way that organization functions. Therefore an examination of the adoption of the TQM philosophy necessitates a review of the most significant and latest literature on change theory and on the impact of organizational culture on change, as…

Total Quality Management is described as a means for developing institutionwide participation in planning and implementing a continuous college improvement process and is contrasted with more traditional student outcomes assessment. Examples of using this approach to effect process improvement, comprehensive ownership and responsibility,…