Abstract
Critical success factors are key elements that enable the success of projects. This research work proposes the design and validation of an instrument to evaluate the implementation of six sigma critical success factors during improvement projects in higher education institutions. Eleven critical success factors were selected from the literature on the six sigma methodology, including managerial participation and commitment, six sigma linkage with the institutional strategy, six sigma linkage with suppliers, communication, and team member selection, among others. The instrument was validated among Mexican higher education institutions, from which 743 surveys were collected. Namely, the instrument was administered to experienced improvement project developers. Then, the collected data were analyzed, first by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and later with a confirmatory factor analysis using software program SPSS Amos R. Our results demonstrate that the proposed instrument is statistically valid, so it can be used by higher education institutions to evaluate how Six Sigma critical success factors are handled during improvement projects development. Similarly, the survey can help universities detect areas of opportunity when adopting the six sigma methodology and fit models to evaluate how critical success factors interact among them to achieve the expected results of improvement projects.
Highlights
To ensure the quality of their academic and administrative processes, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from around the world adopt quality methodologies to guide their improvement projects (IPs) [1]
The ultimate goal of this research is to propose a tool that can be employed by decision makers of HEIs when they feel interested in continuously improving institutional processes through IPs, thereby relying on the Six Sigma (SS) framework for their implementation
Nowadays, public universities experience economic constraints, as government agencies grant them tight budgets that barely cover their needs. Service quality in this type of HEIs is not always consistent with customer needs and expectations. Such issues highlight the importance of implementing effective strategies to improve both academic and administrative process
Summary
To ensure the quality of their academic and administrative processes, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from around the world adopt quality methodologies to guide their improvement projects (IPs) [1]. [8] mention that there are many documented studies on the application of quality management systems in the field of higher education such as Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma (SS), Knowledge Management, Lean Thought, Social Corporate Responsibilities and ISO 9000. In addition to these methodologies, the education sector has opted for quality models such as the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), the Singapore model Quality Award (SQA) and School Excellence Model [4]. According to [9], HEIs work with management systems, such as external accreditation and certification bodies (e.g. ISO 9001), to improve their processes and face global
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