M.Ed. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

This study critically examines the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS), a quality and performance management system that was introduced into South African schools in 2005. The extent to which the Integrated Quality Management System has contributed to the development of the school in its entirety has been largely unchartered. The objectives of this dissertation were to determine what the perceived impact of the Integrated Quality Management System was on whole school development. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms was employed in order to gather data in this study. Survey questionnaires were administered to principals and educators in KwaZulu-Natal in order to elicit their views on the IQMS. Semistructured and unstructured interviews were also conducted with principals, Senior Management Team members and educators. The data gathered was analyzed using the metatheoritical framework of ‘critical theory’ mainly because the main objective of the study was to uncover the assumptions underpinning the IQMS and its contribution to whole school development. The conclusions arrived at indicate that the mechanical aspects of the IQMS relating to ‘performitivity’ undermine the potential of the IQMS as a genuine professional development tool actuating whole school development. If IQMS is used for the latter purpose it would inevitably lead to an enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning and convert schools into highly developed institutions. Neo-liberal ‘managerialist’ and post-welfarist reforms adopted by the state are not apposite currently for a developing country like South Africa. South Africa requires an educator evaluation policy that is genuinely developmental, taking into account both the professional development needs of its educators and the socio-economic context in which schools operate to ensure schools develop holistically. / Further Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Education Management)

D.Ed. / In order for a principal of a school to be competitive, it is imperative to take decisions creatively. This process of making a decision should therefore be considered seriously, as it could to a great extent influence the effective running of a school as organisation. A creative idea or action might generate change in a school. To be able to bring about a change which will benefit the school and community, the principal needs to have a thorough knowledge of the following: Creativity within management. Establishing a creative climate; and The qualities of a creative person. Apart from the fact that the school need to function effectively, the primary duty of the school to provide sound educational teaching, adds in interrelateds with the general function of the school. The successful performance of the above-mentioned duty requires a sensible implementation of decision making which could influence the effective management of the school. The principal therefore needs to ensure that this duty in respect of decision making is adequately implemented. Because of the comprehensive duty of the principal, supportive aids and techniques should be considered before a decision can be made. Members of staff should need be consulted in order to contribute creative ideas and to facilitate the taking of decisions. The creation of such an atmosphere at the school will give both the principal and members of staff the opportunity to consider the suggested alternatives, in order to comply with the challenges faced by a modern community. The aim of this thesis is therefore to develop an approach which can be used by principals to add creativity to their decision making and ultimately lead to the effective solution of a particular problem.