The transfer of TQM from industry to education

Abstract

Centres on the promotion of quality in schools and ways by which best practice in industry can be applied in education. Explores definitions, procedures, assessment methods and analyses what can be learned from major theorists on the subject and the experience of industry. Drawing from information gathered during an industrial placement in a major chemical company, compares attitudes and practices with those of staff in a Calderdale junior school. In both (the industrial settings and educational setting) attitudes and priorities with regard to quality appear very similar. It could be concluded from the study that quality requires commitment from the top, it should involve and be owned by all staff in the organization and that a culture of searching for continuous improvement should prevail. Such an approach would have a greater impact on standards, performance and, most importantly, identifying training needs in education if theory and practice from industry can be regarded as relevant and comparable.