This paper investigates the implementation and evaluation of quality management systems within the higher education sector in Brazil. It is based on Institutional and Neo Institutional theories and presents the case of the Federal University of Pelotas, to discuss higher education institutions' options in a context of wide and complex…

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…

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…

The initial implementation of the Total Quality Management approach by 10 Boston-area (Massachusetts) institutions is summarized. The institutions include Babson College, Bentley College, Boston College, Boston University, Lesley College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Wentworth…

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)

This article describes the development of a provider-based outcome measurement system, describing core components and processes, what to measure, who should be involved in the development and measurement process, and what data collection technologies can be used or adopted. Problems in developing model outcome measurement services are presented.…

This book explains how to implement a Total Quality Management (TQM) program within an organization focusing in particular on ways to sustain the effort. Part 1 of five offers an overview of the TQM approach and the rationale for adopting it. Topics of discussion include signs of the need for change, what TQM is and what it is not, the basics of…

A survey of 160 colleges and universities at various stages of total quality management implementation found 5 key challenges to successful implementation: changes in organizational culture, obtaining senior leadership commitment, gaining faculty support, finding implementation time in already busy schedules, and cost and time required for staff…

This case study describes why the University of Wolverhampton (England) decided to adopt the Total Quality Management approach to institutional administration, then to develop a quality assurance system to conform to an international quality standard. It chronicles two phases of program development/implementation and assesses successes and…

A Total Quality Management team was formed at Oregon State University to improve the quality of student information publications. The team studied the critical process in detail, identified "customers" of student information publications, defined information to be solicited from the customers, interviewed them, and gathered data for…

Syracuse University (New York) has found that the focused, collaborative approach to institutional administration embodied in Total Quality Management is beneficial. It requires allocation of adequate time and resources, observation of others, communication, addressing high-need areas first, and willingness to adapt, but it may bring resistance…

Activities at Delaware County Community College (Pennsylvania) in implementing Total Quality Management are examined and compared with criteria used by the United States Chamber of Commerce for making quality awards to businesses. Assessed areas include management leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, employee development, teamwork,…

In an internationally competitive training environment, implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in vocational education can provide a comparative advantage in preparing the type of work force required for micro and macro economic reforms. The concept of TQM can be used as a management tool to improve the standards of vocational training.…

Implementation of the Total Quality Management approach in the Maricopa County Community College District (Arizona), a large 10-campus system, is described. The program's current early stages are reported noting the serious administrative commitment and thorough training, seen as key factors in potential success. (MSE)

This article summarizes how an organization designed and implemented a quality improvement infrastructure and an effective outcomes-based management system. Stages included: assessing the organization's current status and planning for buy-in, initiating data collection, ensuring data integrity, utilizing data in clinical assessment and…