Quality in higher education institutions: insights from the literature
ISSN: 1754-2731
Article publication date: 26 July 2018
Issue publication date: 24 September 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning and operationalisation of quality in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review is performed of 308 articles published in various peer-reviewed journals between 1999 and 2017.
Findings
The findings reveal that the quality constructs of student learning, engagement, service quality and satisfaction have received the greatest attention, followed by total quality management, quality assurance, benchmarking and accountability. The most popular approach is empirical, and surveys and single case studies are the most popular methods. Europe leads research on quality in HEIs, followed by North America and Asia.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a comprehensive synthesis of articles addressing quality in HEIs.
Practical implications
Policymakers and academic administrators can use the findings of this study to conceptualise student satisfaction along the educational value chain. The operationalisation of quality constructs will help policymakers create teaching excellence.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the importance of quality in HEIs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is thankful to the editor and the reviewers whose comments enhanced the merit of paper.
Citation
Prakash, G. (2018), "Quality in higher education institutions: insights from the literature", The TQM Journal, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 732-748. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-04-2017-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited