The principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) have been used
in the business, commercial and industrial sectors to improve
both product and service. In a limited number of schools
worldwide, there have been attempts to adapt TQM theory and
practice to the educational management of institutions.
In this thesis there has been an attempt to adapt the TQM
philosophy to the field of educational practice. Quality tools
and techniques used in TQM organisations have been studied to
ascertain their applicability in schools. During the course of
the study, the researcher discerned the need to give TQM a
distinct identity within the domain of educational management.
In the management of schools, there are philosophies and
practices which are different from those encountered in noneducational
settings. The concept Total Quality Education (TQE)
was used to acknowledge this reality.
Action research was done over a three-year period at a South African co-educational public primary school. During the four
research cycles of looking, thinking and acting, TQE principles
were implemented in the school. Stakeholders such as parents,
learners and teachers identified areas for improvement of the
quality of education. Areas identified included the curriculum,
physical resources, extramural activities, staff development,
learning and financial management of the school. Quality tools
and techniques were applied by all stakeholders to effect the
desired improvements. In the fourth and last cycle of the
research a questionnaire was given to a sample of the parent
community. Progress made in the improvement of the quality of
education provided was noted and areas to be improved further
were identified.
The researcher submits that TQE can be meaningfully applied in South African schools. The various stakeholders can make
contributions to the betterment of schools. Through the
application of the principles of the TQE philosophy, it is
possible to transform South African schools into institutions where all learners can experience education of true quality. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Educational Management)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/16925 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Hayward, Richard Pleydell Drury |
| Contributors | Steyn, G. M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | 1 online resource (xiii, 329 leaves) |
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