10.5937/sjm9-5538 = The role of quality methods in improving education process: Case study

Dragan Pavlovic,Srdjan Mladenovic,Pedja Milosavljevic,Milena Todorovic

doi:10.5937/sjm9-5538

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for applying the Lean Six Sigma method on the educational process. After defining defects that have negative influence on the final quality evaluation of higher education and how these defects can be remedied, the Pareto analysis is done, and that is used for establishing a vital minority of the exams that are critical for examination of faculty. The next step is the Statistical Process Control (SPC) analysis that is performed on the exams that are classified as vital minority in Pareto analysis. Ishikawa diagram shows a relation between considered consequence (small number of passed exams) and all factors that influence this consequence. Based on the results of implementation of the Lean Six Sigma method in the educational process and implementation of all suggested improvements, the comparative overview of Pareto analysis is given for 2009/2010 and 2012/2013 academic year at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Niš.

Highlights

Higher educational institutions, like faculties face some challenges as a consequence of greater competition for resources, stronger opposition from new providers of higher education, and significantly reduced public funding
The aim of this paper is to show the possibility of implementing the Lean Six Sigma method in an educational process and to present the results after applying the Lean Six Sigma method in the first academic year in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University of Niš in Serbia
The Pareto method is named after Wilfred Pareto – it is the principle of 80% - 20%, which states that there is a vital minority and trivial majority, i.e. that 80% of appearances is caused by 20% of the reasons (Grosfeld-Nir et al, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

Like faculties face some challenges as a consequence of greater competition for resources, stronger opposition from new providers of higher education, and significantly reduced public funding. D.Pavlović / SJM 9 (2) (2014) 219 - 230 Against this background, the need for educational organizations, including faculties, to carry out the market research and keep a close check on the service quality is self-evident. Quality must not represent just one of the subjects in plans and programmes of certain faculties, and a way for reaching a competitive advantage. This is the reason why introducing quality management is important for the future university development (Tribus, 2005). One of the possible ways to achieve the best quality of services at the lowest costs is the application of the Lean Six Sigma method. Six Sigma reduces the variation in the process and reduces or eliminates defects from the process (Bhuiyan & Baghel, 2005)

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Discussion

Conclusion