Developing a Quality Management System for a Postgraduate Education Programme: a case study

Abstract

Abstract This case study reports a student based action research project into quality management within a postgraduate education programme. The initial intention was to develop a quality manual for the programme based on a generic quality system standard. As the project progressed, many of the initial assumptions made about the programme came into question. The programme is complex and interconnected to the wider university system. Many of the processes within it are poorly defined or underdeveloped and responsibilities unclear. The role of the student varies depending on time, the particular process and other circumstances. This complexity made development of a comprehensive manual difficult. The project effort was re‐focused towards postgraduate orientation as a process within the programme that the project team could effect. A quantity of new and existing material was compiled and presented for inclusion in a compendium for postgraduate students. The project raised awareness of the complexity of processes and systems and the relationship of stakeholders to the system.