The need for education and training in the use of the EFQM model for quality management in UK higher education institutions

TLDR

The study emphasizes the need to critically evaluate emerging quality and performance improvement models before selecting and implementing them. It aims to compare the EFQM methodology with the educational criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award as a key research area. The authors conducted a case study involving six schools within a single UK higher education institution. The case study revealed that using EFQM self‑assessment highlighted the need for staff development programs to train deans, assistant deans, and other personnel on effective EFQM use and on integrating the UK Quality Assurance Agency model with EFQM.

Abstract

This paper describes the findings of a case study undertaken to investigate the status of total quality management in a UK higher education institution (HEI) using the self‐assessment methodology developed by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). The case study strategy involved six schools within the same HEI. Provides evidence to encourage implementation of staff development strategies which provide education and training to deans, assistant deans and all personnel involved in quality and performance improvement on the effective use of the EFQM model and the integration of the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency model with the EFQM model. The need to critically evaluate emerging models for quality and performance improvement prior to selection and implementation is emphasized. This study identifies a comparison of the EFQM methodology with the educational criteria for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award as a key area for further research.