Quality Assurance Practices in Industry and Business: Implications for the Education Sector

Abstract

"Quality" is, quite simply, what it takes to satisfy a customer. Quality is an attribute of a product or service which, as perceived by the customer, ensures that the product or service is attractive. Quality is not, as often assumed, an absolute property but rather a relative measure. To managers of manufacturing and service organization, Quality is a good competitive tool which can win and keep customers as the life blood of their business. The achievement of a level of quality, which matches the expectations of the targeted customer group has a direct effect on long - term performance and has a much greater effect upon market share than does price. Most customers will pay to get the quality they desire, and this in turn generates profits. An institution of Higher Education should be committed to the search for knowledge and its dissemination. Reference to the generic ISO Quality Management guideline indicates organizations that provide educational products should define their processes. These processes, which are multidisciplinary, include administrative services and other forms of support. In this regard, standard criteria should be established for accrediting HEIs. These standards concentrate mainly on administrative and academic structure, curricular consistency, pedagogical competence, student accomplishment, ethical consciousness, environment conducive to learning, educational support ...etc