Reviews recent objections to Total Quality Management (TQM), suggesting that the reported implementation problems are a product of inadequate leadership rather than defects in the model. Indicates that compatibility between organizational culture and the tenets of TQM must exist to avoid such implementation problems. (27 citations). (MAB)

Reasons for differences in academic standards in new and established South African universities are attributed to a fragmented educational system, disparities in student enrollment and staffing, and lack of a culture of learning. Areas requiring attention before quality assurance can be implemented are identified, and recommendations are made.…

Discussion of Total Quality Management (TQM) highlights its history in business and industry, explains its use in higher education settings, and describes recent quality efforts in library services. Topics addressed include a history of quality; barriers to quality control; examples at Pennsylvania State University; and learning opportunities for…

It is argued that despite the current view of college teaching as a discrete set of skills, good teaching is more complex and involves understanding the specific contexts in which teaching occurs, and how teachers understand and communicate concepts to a changing student population. Portfolio-based peer assessment of college teachers is…

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's accreditation standard requires that teacher education programs be based on essential knowledge. This article describes five attributes of a knowledge base for program design as a set of beliefs; an organizing theme; source documents; a program model; and program outcomes and evaluation…

The consistent application of sound criteria will increase the reliability of manuscript reviews, but many other factors contribute to low quality research articles. The central question must be whether or not the study was worth doing. Familiarity with the research domain is a necessity for appropriate research evaluation. (SLD)

Systems chosen for teacher appraisal in both United Kingdom and United States frequently reflect interests of end users rather than teachers themselves. Drawing on experiences of group of teachers involved in open-ended evaluation process, this paper examines various appraisal systems and argues for those empowering teachers to reflect on their…

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…

Describes efforts by the Motorola Training and Education Center (MTEC) to develop and implement a model for applying the concepts of quality/continuous improvement to the design of courseware. MTEC's role as change agent is discussed; the use of an instructional systems design model is explained; and problems are identified. (LRW)

Discusses the process of scholarly publishing, the need for more objective approaches to publishing, and the role of academic libraries. Peer assessment, why researchers must publish, the economics of journal publishing, why the process works for authors and publishers, and strategies for librarians are among the issues addressed. (11 references)…

Examines characteristics of authorship, editorial decisions, and reviewer assessments for accepted and rejected papers for "College and Research Libraries" based on over a decade of private correspondence and reviewer assessments. Comparisons with the wider literature on publishing in refereed journals are made, and directions for future research…

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…

The Quality Circle Model of Planning is presented as a program evaluation approach for schools serving students with blindness. The model helps administrators solve problems using creative, innovative approaches; identifies human and monetary resources for successful implementation of the plan; and provides a framework for evaluating the plan's…

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)