When transferring the methods of quality management from industry to academia, there are important differences that must be considered. This paper describes the differences between traditional management and quality management, and shows how Deming's principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) can be applied to education. Some of these principles…

The potential exists in schools nationwide to create a high quality system of education. But schools are not operating as a coherent system. While most educators and citizens are ready to act and to improve education, decisionmakers do not realize the need for a new paradigm in education. Many successful schools serve as examples of the benefits…

This paper describes how Deming's theory of management can be applied to the educational process. Following an overview of Deming's theory, nine specific questions to ask any theory of education are posed. The differences between education and industry, as well as the differences between quality management and traditional educational approaches,…

Total Quality Management (TQM) has been proven successful in businesses worldwide for more than a decade. Educators, however, have been slow to apply the techniques to education. TQM can be used in higher education, particularly in schools of engineering and business administration. In TQM, the education of the student is considered the product…

The total quality management (TQM) concepts of W. Edwards Deming were used at Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska. The school is an alternative school with about 210 students and 13 teachers. The students are a mix of native Alaskans and immigrants from other states. TQM was introduced into the school by a teacher. Students used TQM to…