The implementation of the European Foundation for Quality Management's excellence model in academic units of United Kingdom universities

Davies, J

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine how the EFQM Excellence Model implementation
process had been conducted in a number of cases in UK University academic units with a view
to developing a guidance framework for implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in this
particular context.
Issues which could impact on the implementation of the European Foundation for Quality
Management's (EFQM) Excellence Model in the UK University academic environment were
identified through a comprehensive literature review of the model's implementation in other
sectors, literature on the UK University sector and on established good practice in implementing
similar quality programmes, such as Total Quality Management (TQM).
A theoretical framework was developed in order to conceptualise the relationships between the
issues identified through the literature review and to form a basis for the development of data
collection and analysis tools. The case study strategy was chosen as the appropriate way to
investigate the phenomenon.
The approaches used in the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in four United
Kingdom University academic units were explored and analysed in order to discover the critical
issues for effective implementation.
The fieldwork revealed a number of issues which were essential to effective implementation
(motive, gaining senior management commitment, demonstrating senior management
commitment, education and training, staff involvement and teamwork, the overall pace of the
implementation, integration of the EFQM Model into the organisation, and activities to maintain
momentum) and two issues which were desirable in producing effective implementation
(culture/context assessment, and project management).
The main output and contribution from the research was a guidance framework for
implementing the EFQM Excellence Model in academic units of UK universities.

Citation

Davies, J. The implementation of the European Foundation for Quality Management's excellence model in academic units of United Kingdom universities. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2004