An Empirical Study of TQM Self-evaluation for Higher Education in Taiwan

This research aims at exploring the nature of education quality in the viewpoint of TQM and attempts to design an economic, effectiveand efficient TQM self-assessment tool for higher education based mainly on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA)criteria (for education sector ) , which are recognized as involving most comprehensive TQM concepts , by synthesized with other relevant literature reviews. Through the TQM survey results, the TQM schools or those wishing to undertake TQM programs are able to diagnose their quality status, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set action plans after performing a thorough cost-benefit analysis.

In addition, this research will do further study and analysis of the critical successful factors (CSFs) affecting TQM activities in educational organizations. The research results will be summarized and substantial suggestions will be proposed as references for related administrations of higher education institutions. It is hoped that this TQM framework can be incorporated into education quality assurance system while our schools wishing to start their TQM programs for enhancing institutional performance and achieving a final goal of Total Quality Education (TQE)- the highest function of higher education.