The new paradigm in managing organisations, known as Total Quality Management
(TQM), was investigated in this thesis. TQM as a management concept represents a
fundamental change in the management approach of organisations (i.e. schools).
TQM comprises a comprehensive change to the theory and practice of management,
and focuses in particular on leadership and people. It is claimed in literature that the
bulk of problems of organisations is leadership or management-related subsequently
the implementation of TQM poses a major challenge to the managers of those
organisations.
It has become clear from literature that TQM comprises a radical departure from the
traditional educational paradigm of bureaucracy, autocracy and mediocrity, towards a
system that liberates the educator from bureaucratic red tape, and which provides for
a model of empowerment and participation. This research was particularly aimed at
the application of quality principles in secondary schools.
The aims of the research were to
• determine the nature and characteristics of TQM in schools through a review of
the literature;
• identify methods from the literature for the implementation of TQM in schools;
• identify and analyse from the literature schools as case studies;
• determine to what extent effective schools make use of TQM, and to what extent
elements of TQM were to be identified in these schools;
• determine whether the strategies employed in schools are based on TQM
assumptions and could characterise them as effective in terms of TQM;
• develop a management strategy for the improvement of the effectiveness of
secondary schools through the implementation of TQM.
A literature study was undertaken to analyse TQM and to determine methods for
implementing TQM in schools. The empirical research consists of two phases: a
quantitative phase comprising the use of a questionnaire to determine to what extent
principals make use of TQM, and a qualitative phase in which principals, educators,
learners and parents participated in interviews to determine what strategies schools
use are based on TQM. Information from both the literature review and the empirical
study was used to develop a management strategy as a guide for principals to
improve the effectiveness of schools through TQM.
The conclusion chapter contains a summary of the research, findings and
recommendations 'in respect of the research aims. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/10099 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | De Bruyn, Phillipus Petrus |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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