The scope and applicability of total quality management (TQM) to the public schooling system.
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Date
2003
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Abstract
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an industrial or manufacturing theory
that has greatly assisted business to transform to become more competitive
in the global market. The South African public education system is
currently facing various challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in
order to cater for the demands of the 21 51 century.
Much of the focus thus far has been on addressing the imbalances and
inequities of the past. Now that the battle for equality is slowly being won,
the focus is changing to quality in education provision. Total Quality
Management offers an opportunity to attain quality in the education sector.
Many writers abroad have adapted the principles of TQM to the education
environment. Case studies in the United States of America and United
Kingdom in particular, point to the success of TQM. Given the South
African education scenario, this study explores the scope and applicability
of Total Quality Management to the South African public schooling
system.
In February 2000, President Thabo Mbeki expressed the need to pay
special attention to the improvement of the quality of management of our
schools. The practice of TQM offers an opportunity to improve the quality
of management in our schools. In addition, there has been much discussion
and debate around whether schools are preparing learners for the real
world. It is the express desire of the Minister of Education, Professor Kader
Asmal, to create an education system for the 21 51 century. One of the
cardinal principles of TQM is giving the customer what the customer
needs- the customer in this case being the learner, the parent, tertiary
institutions, commerce and industry and society at large. Currently there is
ample evidence to suggest that there is a huge gap between what society
expects and what schools and tertiary institutions are providing. Today, it is
becoming increasingly evident that customer choice and customer
perception of quality is of paramount importance. Therefore, schools that
can offer quality in terms of product and customer service will survive and
prosper. TQM is about meeting and exceeding customer expectations of
service. There is ample evidence to suggest that TQM has carried the
burden of being responsible in many cases for improving quality and
productivity.
Schools are constantly faced with rising costs. Parents are being called
upon to pay increasingly more for the education of their children. Schools
are constantly searching for innovative ways of cutting costs without
compromising quality. TQM helps to systematically identify sources of
error, and eradicate costly waste.
This study explores whether TQM can do for the public schooling system
what it has done for business. The scope and applicability of TQM to the
public schooling system is investigated through carefully structured
questionnaires administered to school-based personnel at different ranks,
working in rural and urban schools, as well as ' advantaged' and
'disadvantaged' schools. In addition, chairpersons of school governing
bodies/members and departmental officials are interviewed. The research
carefully examines the many concerns around implementing TQM in
public schools. There is concern that the principles of industry would not
find favour in an education environment. A business-like approach to
education may result in many meaningful aspects of schools and schooling
being compromised or lost. The study ascertains whether some of the basic
ingredients for quality management are present in our schools. Despite
certain concerns, the majority were optimistic that TQM can be
implemented.
The conclusions arrived at and the recommendations made indicate that
the theory, principles and practices of TQM can be adapted and applied to
the South African schooling system. The argument that the vast backlogs in
education do not favour the application of quality management in education
is challenged. It is concluded that TQM offers the best possible opportunity
to address inferior quality learning in certain quarters. Based on the success
stories, a carefully structured implementation plan for TQM is suggested.
Applying TQM will ensure a high quality public education.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2003.
Keywords
Total quality management., School management and organization., Theses--Management.