Applying ‘Total Quality Management’ Concept in Academics in Context to Higher Educational System in Rural Region Case Study of Shirpur Taluka, Dist. Dhule (M.S.) India

Introduction: Today, increased levels of competition have resulted in ever rising importance to QUALITY in every sector and consequently Total Quality Management (TQM) has become a key management issue. Total Quality Management places strong focus on process measurement and controls as means of continuous improvement. Total Quality Management is a set of management practices throughout the organization, geared to ensure that the organization consistently meets the customer's requirements and expectations. The concept of Total Quality Management is applicable in academics too. The total quality approach will help all the stakeholders of education to develop a process that will help all of them to succeed.

Research: A Case Study has been conducted on the Higher Educational Institutions at Shirpur, Dist. Dhule (Maharashtra). This case study is based on the objective; to establish the general principles and core concepts those helps in formulating TQM applicable in academics and to develop a general TQM model suitable for higher educational institutions in rural regions.

The study is based on hardcore primary data being collected in the form of Questionnaires AND interview surveys from various principles, faculty members and students of different streams. The collected data were analyzed using suitable statistical techniques with the help of Pie charts, comparative table AND diagrams. The major inferences which have drawn from the above mentioned study states:

(i) The Total quality approach can help all stake holders of education to develop a process that will help all students to succeed.

(ii) Such a belief will compel everyone in the institutions towards development of research attitude and persist until success is achieved.

(iii) The results of this study can also be applied in higher Education at different regions with minor modifications based on culture and needs in the institutions.

Study indicates that every stakeholder desires to improve the quality in every aspect and if given a chance, they are capable of meeting and exceeding academic expectations. Such a belief will compel everyone in the institution to persist until success is achieved. On the basis of survey analysis, the elements which are essential for implementing Total Quality Management in academics have been recommended.