Testing The Relationship Between Total Quality Management Practices and Performance - An Applied Study at Girne American University

Universities and institutions of higher education have not had transaction of competing for market share. However more recently, the trend is changing and to survive both private and public institutions must not only attract and retain a sizable number of students and staff but also provide qualitative educational services. In order to survive in the market, Total Quality Management practices already being applied in the corporate world is gradually finding its way into higher education management. This empirical research examines the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and performance at Girne American University (GAU). Five determinates of TQM practices were identified which includes Leadership, Strategic quality planning, Customer focus, Training, and Employee Involvement. The quantitative data were obtained through a survey of 118 students at GAU. This study supports the hypotheses that there is a different in outcomes when TQM is adopted at university. In addition, there is a positive relationship between TQM practices and university performance level.