Using enablers of the EFQM model to manage institutions of higher education

Abstract

Purpose -To analyse the implicit relationships among enabler agents of the European excellence model to serve as a framework for the management and improvement of the quality in higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach -The hypotheses set out are based on the structure and meaning of the EFQM model and a review of the TQM literature. The empirical study was developed in 111 Spanish public university centres, and used the partial least squares (PLS) technique to test these hypotheses. Findings -The results achieved support the relationships hypothesized and indicate the role of enabler agents as a basis for establishing a management model that leads universities towards excellence.Research limitations/implications -The main limitation is related to the notion of causality. Our study has considered a soft modelling approach directed more towards prediction than causality. Practical implications -The role of senior management stands out among the key activities. The top management leads the excellence development of key processes in the university through appropriate leadership, strategy formulation, establishment of partnerships, resource allocation, and human resources management. Originality/value -The current work is one of the first studies dealing with the testing of implicit relationships set out by the EFQM model among enablers. The comprehension of these relationships provides a guide to implement, develop, assess and improve higher education institutions.

Introducing management models in service organisations in developed and developing countries

“…The literature on QM in HEIs shows that self-assessment processes may be implemented in HEIs in administrative services and in academic units (Clavo-Mora et al, 2006;Davies, 2008;Davies et al, 2001;Hides et al, 2004;Ruben et al, 2007). Therefore, these ideas can be applied to services in HEIs to introduce changes in the management of services.…”

“…These self-ISSN 0264-2069 print/ISSN 1743-9507 online # 2012 Taylor & Francis http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02642069.2010.540755 http://www.tandfonline.com assessment processes have been examined in developed countries in services and academic units (Clavo-Mora, Leal, & Roldán, 2006;Davies et al, 2001;Hides, Davies, & Jackson, 2004;Osseo-Asare & Longbottom, 2002;Ruben, Russ, Smulowitz, & Connaughton, 2007). HEIs can apply quality techniques, as in banking or travel (Srikanthan & Dalrymple, 2007), although they have applied these processes less frequently than other services (McAdam & Welsh, 2000).…”

Best Practice in University Strategic Management’s Conceptual Framework

“…In their study, the authors identifi ed and categorized leadership practices into weak , good , best and excellent on the basis of the effi ciency and effectiveness of each practice in sustaining academic quality improvement, which provided a conceptual framework for improving weak leadership practices. Furthermore, Calvo-Mora et al ( 2006 ) have explored the implicit relationships among enabler agents of the EFQM model to serve as a framework for the management and improvement of the quality of higher education institutions. Their fi ndings support the role of enabler agents as a basis for establishing a management model that leads universities towards excellence.…”

The European Foundation Quality Management Evaluation of Greek Primary and Secondary Education

“…The excellence model European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) constitutes one of the most important and most controversial options for the management and evaluation of the quality of institutions of education. Studying the international books and journals, many researchers applied this model in order to complete the assessment on the examined educational system (Tarí, & De Juana-Espinosa, 2007;Steed, 2002;Steed et al 2005;Osseo-Asare & Longbottom 2002;Davies, 2008;Calvo-Mora, et al 2006;Rosa & Amaral, 2007).…”