Quality management systems and quality in universities in Kenya

Abstract

This research sought to analyze Quality Management Systems and quality in Universities in Kenya. In this study a descriptive survey design was used. According to Owlia and Aspinwall (1996), descriptive research portrays an accurate profile of persons, transactions/events, or situations. Surveys allow the collection of large amount of data from a sizable population in a highly economical way. It allows one to collect quantitative data which can be analysed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The data collected and analyzed was gathered from chartered universities. The total sample was 21 respondents which represented 53.85% of the population of 39 chartered universities. These respondents included the Directors of quality assurance, the administration staff (DVC, Registrars, management representatives) and lecturers. The data is presented by use of descriptive data analysis tools which include tables, graphs, charts as well as other percentage scores. The questionnaires were analyzed in order to establish the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables From the analysis 90.5% of the respondents indicated they had a quality management system whereas 9.5% of the respondents claimed they lacked a quality management system this was a clear indication that most universities have put up quality control mechanisms. The regression model revealed a positive relationship between various elements of QMS and ranking of selected universities. For instance, a unit increase in quality policy would result to 1.757 times increase in the quality ranking. A unit increase in the suitability of the QMS would result to 1.64 times increase in the quality ranking of the universities. From the model, it is also clear that, a unit increase in the curriculum implementation policies would result to 0.507 times increase in the quality ranking of the universities while a unit increase in the quality management audit would result to a 0.282 times increase in the quality ranking of the universities.