An investigation into quality practices at private higher and further education institutions in the Durban Central Business District

Abstract

Higher education institutions are faced with an increasing number of complex challenges including implementing and maintaining a quality management system. In addition, the transformation of higher education brought about further regulations, especially to private higher and further education institutions. Managing the change in private higher and further education became complex as institutions were required to meet the Department of Education’s registration requirements and the HEQC and Umalusi Council’s quality audit criteria requirements. Hence, this study reviewed related literature which represented sources of information, to determine the nature of PHE and FET institutions. The literature further scanned business quality tools and the SAEM and their applicability to private higher and further education. It was established that the TQM philosophy and the ISO 9001: 2000 quality standard, applied in an integrated system, was suitable for higher education. The review identified the SAEM as a suitable model to use as a basis for an integrated quality management system. From the literature review, the nature of PHE and FET institutions and the requirements of the HEQC and Umalusi Council were established. A significant finding was that PHE and FET institutions did not have an internal quality management system in place. This revelation led to the research investigation on finding the needs and deficiencies of FET and PHEIs. A questionnaire, using mainly open-ended questions, was designed and administered to FET and PHEIs for this purpose. The responses revealed that some quality practices were in place but, overall, the quality arrangements were inadequate. The results of the research investigation and the principles of the business quality tools were integrated into the SAEM’s principles. This process led to the formation of an Integrated Quality Model. This Integrated Quality Model was recommended as an internal quality management system for FET and PHEIs