In order for research programs at academic medical centers and universities to survive and thrive in the increasingly challenging economic, political and regulatory environment, successful transformation is extremely important. Transformation and quality management techniques are increasingly well established in medical practice organizations. In…

Although the Total Quality Management approach has not met with universal acceptance in higher education, it is important to look beyond first impressions and direct translation to find insights in the methodology for college administration. It is also essential to apply the methods holistically, not in a fragmentary way. (MSE)

Although the Total Quality Management (TQM) system offers an admirable goal and offers promise of organizational improvement, the process it recommends is not a panacea and may only forestall the conflict inevitably arising from decision making, individual accountability, and organizational change. The approach is being abandoned by some. (MSE)

This paper describes the application of a Total Quality Management strategy called Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) to the projects and activities of an institutional research office at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. PDCA is a cycle designed to facilitate incremental continual improvement through change. The specific steps are…

Educators' response to the quality assessment and assurance provisions in Estonia's proposed higher education reform law is discussed. It is argued that copying the ready-made standards of Western European countries is not realistic or appropriate. Institutionalized attitudes about vocational education are also examined. (Author/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…

A discussion of the implementation of the Total Quality Management approach at Oregon State University over a number of years describes the planning process, steps and issues in implementation, specific results achieved, obstacles encountered, and lessons learned in the process. (MSE)

Describes the Total Quality Management (TQM) effort undertaken three years ago by Jackson Community College (JCC), in Michigan. Discusses the history of JCC, its early TQM efforts, the basic tenets of TQM, steps taken by JCC to integrate TQM practices into its evaluation methods, and benefits of TQM. (MAB)

Explores the key benefits and costs of implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) in student affairs. Discusses the experiences of early innovators and uses specific criteria to analyze TQM. Outlines effects on financial aid, costs, goal achievement, time and resource commitment, long-term focus, leaders as models, and clarity of mission. (RJM)

Before higher education proceeds further with its use of the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach, it should examine TQM mistakes and accomplishments by previous users in the business sector, then create its own model for appropriate and effective TQM application. (MSE)

This booklet is written for the general reader who wants to understand important trends in vocational education and training. The first part is a description of the subject matter in a manner intended to be clear to any interested layperson. It defines quality and then discusses these changes in organizations to respond to the demand for good…

During a time of administrative reorganization at the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), the efforts of a team preparing to implement the Total Quality Management approach were suspended. Problems encountered included flaws in organizational structure, insufficient communication, hidden agendas, deteriorating relationships, limited…

The purpose and direction of the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) quality improvement program are described. The background and context for the Pell Grant quality control (QC) design study and the meaning of QC are reviewed. The general approach to quality improvement consists of the following elements: a strategic approach that enables OSFA…

Recent experiences of manufacturing and commercial service industries provide insights to college facilities managers for combining downsizing with quality improvement. The Service Excellence Model emphasizes creation of shared responsibility, focus on core service processes, empowerment of cross-functional process-improvement teams, performance…

The market environment for higher education is being shaped by developments in technology, business practices, partnerships between education and industry, and adoption of Total Quality Management principles. Shrewd college administrators will combine competitiveness and cooperation to maintain or enhance their institutions' distinctiveness in the…