European Journal of Scientific Research (ISSN: 1450 ... - EuroJournals

© European Journal of Scientific Research, Vol 7, No 5, 2005
TOTAL QUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THE CASE OF CYPRUS
Dr. Bilge Oney
Department of Banking and Finance
Eastern Mediterranean University
N. Cyprus
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) is a very general, long term concept as well
as being a continuous improvement process, but very effective strategy. It is a structured
system for creating organization-wide participation in planning and implementing a
continuous improvement process. It begins with a clear understanding of the institution’s
vision, mission, values and customers. The aim of the study is to figure out the strenghts
and weaknesses of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), so that it will bring the
university into the top leading institutions within Cyprus, Turkey and the Middle East in
the field of quality education.
Key words: Total quality management, university, students, teaching.
I. INTRODUCTION
Total quality management (TQM) is a very general, long term concept as well as
being a continuous improvement process, but very effective strategy. It is a structured
system for creating organization-wide participation in planning and implementing a
continuous improvement process. It begins with a clear understanding of the institution’s
vision, mission, values and customers. Cross-functional management is essential. It is the
integration of team activities across divisions/departments to achieve organizational
goals. The process of applying TQM to EMU is similar, as it would be in a business, i.e.,
generating a bill advising a student or client. Improving the timeliness of mail delivery
etc. The students should be seen as an important learning for their own learning. Students
should be made team members and encouraged to participate in their own learning. For
example, the instructor tells students the purpose of the course, than asks each to write
down and rank 3 things that they would like to do. More of students as customers can
influence how they will learn, but the instructor still sets course direction and goals
regarding what will be learned. We are planning to incorporate this into our teaching and
development center. If parents, alumni and students are satisfied, they will recommend
degree and other programs in EMU to others (word of mouth advertisement), likewise are
satisfied with the graduates of the programs, they may continue to their relationships and
support. Leadership of faculty, administrators and policy makers can also empower
students as front-line workers in quality education.
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