Recommended Framework for Implementing Quality Systems in Private Higher Education Institutes in Greater Cairo

Abstract

The general purpose of this study is to investigate the usage of Quality Assurance Systems in higher education as a means to improve the higher education system in general and the performance of higher education private institutes in particular. This aim is directed to reflect the challenges facing the private higher institutes in implementing the Quality Assurance standards of the National Quality Assurance and Accreditation committee in Egypt and the potential solutions to these problems. A Random Sample of 10 % of the 86 private higher education institutes in greater Cairo was selected and a lickert 5-point questionnaire about 7 principles of total quality management was administered to 753 respondents of top , middle and operational management levels. The questionnaire contained 39 statements related to the 7 TQM principles. The aim was to analyze the differences in attitudes of the three management levels. The research also attempted to analyze the effects and the number of years the institute is in business upon the level of implementation of quality systems within the institute and its readiness to apply for accreditation. Quantitative as well as qualitative analyses of research data were undertaken to test research hypotheses. Areas of agreement, uncertainty and disagreement between the 3 levels were indicated via frequency and ANOVA analyses. The “T” analysis showed significant effect of years of service upon implementation of quality systems.A framework for overcoming obstacles fusing PI’s in fulfillment of quality standards was suggested . It includes ways to overcome external problems and ways to overcome the internal ones. The first is concerned with reformations in the NAQAAE organizational structure and job description, while the second is through the implementation of the proposed total quality management framework.