Title: The role of TQM in education: an empirical investigation of preparatory schools of Iraq

Authors: Sami Abdullah Kadhim; Md Fauzi Bin Ahmad

Addresses: Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Malaysia ' Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) plays a vital role to ensure the success in educational institutions. Modern techniques should be applied in the preparatory schools of Iraq in order to follow the rapid global pace. However, many previous studies have examined the impact of TQM on education (Edu.) but studies on Iraqi preparatory schools are limited. TQM has various approaches and this study focuses on cultural change, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. This is an empirical study; a questionnaire was adopted and distributed among Iraqi schools. Data were collected and analysed through structural equation modelling through smart PLS. It has been found that TQM has positive effects on educational performance. All three dimensions of TQM (change culture, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction) have a positive and significant relationship with educational performance. Lastly, leadership excellence is contributing more than knowledge excellence in educational performance. This study will help the management of the school with regards to strategic decision-making.

Keywords: total quality management; TQM; educational institutions; empirical study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2021.115189

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2021 Vol.39 No.1, pp.26 - 36

Received: 02 Apr 2019
Accepted: 05 May 2019
Published online: 24 May 2021 *

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