Dimensions of service quality in higher education – critical review (students’ perspective)

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragya Gupta ◽  
Neeraj Kaushik

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the dimensions of service quality used in different countries across the world, especially in the higher education sector. Design/methodology/approach Content analysis is used to get a comprehensive insight of the studies accumulated from some of the selected databases such as Emerald Insight, Ebsco ABI/inform, etc. All these studies are related to the measuring of service quality in higher education. Findings The result of this paper reveals that SERVQUAL is the most widely accepted scale which has its dominance in the higher education setting. The paper focuses on revealing the dimensions which are used in the past studies. The paper notices a huge variation in the items as well as constructs while exploring the dimensions. Further, it is observed that many of the studies considered in this paper picked dimensions from other studies, expert opinions and factor analysis. In addition to this, it is found that different scales are proposed and checked for their reliability and validity through the confirmatory factor analysis. Few studies confirm the validity using average variance extracted (AVE), model fit values and correlations. Practical implications The study will help other researchers to get a summarised form of different dimensions used in the higher education setting. It also points out the essential and common dimensions of similar studies. Further, with different samples and geographical location, it can help us to identify how the dimension varies as we move from one part to another around the globe with different samples. Further, it formulates directions to pick correct combination of scale, administration and methods that are useful in collecting the data and getting the inference out of it under correct settings. Originality/value The summarisation of different studies will help the researchers to have a holistic view of the important studies that took place in the higher education setting.

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viraiyan Teeroovengadum ◽  
T.J. Kamalanabhan ◽  
Ashley Keshwar Seebaluck

Purpose – This paper aims to develop and empirically test a hierarchical model for measuring service quality in higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The first phase of the study consisted of qualitative research methods and a comprehensive literature review, which allowed the development of a conceptual model comprising 53 service quality attributes. Quantitative methods were used for the second phase so as to test the dimensionality of the measurement instrument and assess its validity and reliability. A sample of 207 students was surveyed, and data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha test. Findings – The results of the factor analysis revealed the presence of sub-dimensions. A hierarchical model was therefore considered most appropriate. The final model consisted of five primary dimensions, which are administrative quality, physical environment quality, core educational quality, support facilities quality and transformative quality. The instrument contained a total of 48 items. Each scale was satisfactorily tested for validity and reliability. Research limitations/implications – This empirical study made use of data collected in Mauritius only, a developing country. Practical implications – This study provides a framework and an instrument that can be used by higher education institutions in view of continuously improving educational quality. Originality/value – The study adopted a holistic approach by considering both the functional and technical aspect of service quality in higher education. Moreover, technical quality was operationalised by considering the notion of transformative quality.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejas R. Shah ◽  
Tejal T. Shah

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore and analyze m-car rental service quality dimensions. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory factor analysis method is applied to explore the m-car rental service quality dimensions. Further, confirmatory factor analysis is done to prove the reliability and validity of the factors using AMOS 22.0. Findings The results reveal the m-car rental service quality dimensions: ambient quality, technical quality, comfort, safety and employee service, mobile convenience, mobile responsiveness, mobile efficiency and reliability and mobile safety and billing. Research limitations/implications The explored dimensions of car rental services are in Indian environment. So, these dimensions can be further validated in other similar cultural context. Practical implications The proposed measurements can also be applied to measure and compare the service quality performance of car rental firms. Originality/value Current literature does not confirm the stable factor structure of m-car rental service quality. This study confirms the reliable and valid dimensions of care rental service through mobile app.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jawad Abbas

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) are responsible for training and transforming the students into valuable resources. Although students are believed to be the principal stakeholders in HEIs, limited research studies are available on service quality (SQ) in HEIs from students’ perspectives. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the factors, which constitute SQ in HEIs, specifically from students’ perspective, as existing literature on this topic is either from management and general perspective or is time dated. Design/methodology/approach The current study contributes by reviewing qualitative responses received through interviews and focus groups session with 43 students from 3 Turkey-based private HEIs. Data was collected from 43 students through 26 individual interviews and 3 focus group sessions and was analyzed through deductive reasoning using narrative and framework analysis with open coding. Findings The analysis of data indicated six main themes, specifically: teaching quality, facilities, support staff quality, employability links, safety and security and extra-curricular activities as indicators of SQ from students’ perspective. The findings of the study strongly comply with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and take steps by identifying employability and safety and security as new emerging indicators of the existing literature of SQ in HEIs. Originality/value The existing literature lacks to provide qualitative data on SQ in HEIs from students’ perspectives in Asian countries, particularly, in Turkey, the place of current research. The findings of the present research provide valuable insights to HEIs’ management to understand students’ perceptions of SQ, their expectations and experiences.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejas R. Shah

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the dimensions of service quality in the case of ride-sourcing services in Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe service quality dimensions of ride-sourcing services are identified using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Further, the reliability and validity of the factors are established through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using AMOS.FindingsThe service quality dimensions of ride-sourcing services are identified: comfort, internal environment, safety and personnel, mobile convenience and reliability, mobile system efficiency and availability, mobile customer service and billing and mobile security and privacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe various dimensions are identified to measure service quality of ride-sourcing services in India. So, these dimensions can be tested for ride-sourcing services of countries having similar culture as India.Practical implicationsThe proposed dimensions can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify and compare important criteria for service quality of ride-sourcing services.Originality/valueMost relevant studies about dimensions of service quality for ride-sourcing services do not have stable factor structure. The dimensions identified include the traditional taxi service quality and mobile app service quality, which are not covered in current literature.


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdy A. Khalaf ◽  
Nevien Khourshed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to promote and analytically verify an advanced assessment design to evaluate service quality (SQ) especially in postgraduate higher education. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a quantitative approach through a survey method. A structured questionnaire was designed as a means for collecting data. Data were collected from 182 postgraduate students in an Egyptian higher education university. Data were examined by exploratory factor analysis to pinpoint the main irregularities explained by the extracted factors. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to filter the ratios and empirically test the assessment efficiency of the developed model. Findings The final model consists of 33 items loaded into eight dimensions for measuring performance-based SQ of the postgraduate higher education. The results are satisfactory in terms of unidimensionality, trustworthiness, and validity tests. Research limitations/implications Although the empirical results are significant, a comparative study can identify relative strengths and weaknesses of this model. Practical implications For improving postgraduate higher education institutions’ quality, this paper highlights some dimensions and attributes that should be considered. Originality/value The literature proposes that there is an opportunity to handle SQ from the point of view of postgraduate students covering different contexts to further build a more comprehensive structure specifically for postgraduate higher education SQ. This paper deals with this research gap with analytical confirmation within the context of postgraduate programs in an Egyptian university.


Author(s):  
Inmaculada-Concepción Jemes-Campaña ◽  
Rita-Pilar Romero-Galisteo ◽  
María-Teresa Labajos-Manzanares ◽  
Pablo Gálvez-Ruiz ◽  
Noelia Moreno-Morales

Evaluating the service quality in early intervention (EI) from the perspective of professionals with knowledge in this area is essential for the improvement of EI centres. In this study, we aimed to test the reliability and validity of the adapted Inventory of Quality in Early Intervention Centres-P (IQEIC-P) in a sample of professionals who worked in EI centres. Three hundred and twenty-four professionals of 85 EI Spanish centres were recruited for this research. Various psychometric analyses were used to evaluate the factorial structure, the internal consistency, factorial validity and construct validity. A 5-dimension structure was obtained in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The results showed an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha values between 0.71 and 0.83, and composite reliability (CR) values higher than 0.70), as well as satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity (average variance extracted (AVE) values above 0.50). In the confirmatory factor analysis, good model fit indicators were observed. The IQEIC-P showed adequate psychometric properties, demonstrating to be a valid instrument for the evaluation of service quality in EI centres from the perspective of professionals. The benefits will influence the professionals themselves, and they will have a positive and direct impact on the families that are attended to in these centres.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-173
Author(s):  
Şakir Çınkır ◽  
Sevgi Yıldız ◽  
Gül Kurum

Students have become highly critical and analytical in selecting the higher education institution they would like to study at. It has become important for higher education institutions to be preferred by such prospective students as well as ensuring the commitment and retention of their current students. Universities, as the most important representatives of higher education institutions, are evaluated directly and indirectly by their stakeholders regarding the quality of the services they provide. Service quality and satisfaction surveys based on these evaluations can have a wide variety of implications on institutional rankings, preferability, financial policies, etc. This study aims to develop a scale specific to Turkish Higher Education Institutions to determine the quality of services offered in higher education according to the satisfaction perceptions of undergraduate students. Accordingly, the first draft of a 53-item seven-dimensional five-point Likert type scale was created. The piloting version of the scale was applied to a total of 500 undergraduate students, of whom 346 were female and 149 male, who were continuing their studies in 15 faculties of a public university in Turkey. Further, particular care was taken to include students who were in their second year or higher seniority at the university so that they would have had sufficient time to benefit from the services offered. A 29-item structure with three sub-dimensions was revealed as a result of the exploratory factor analysis performed. The sub-dimensions were named as "Academic services", "Administrative services", and "Campus facilities". The findings of the confirmatory factor analysis conducted on 1782 participants support the structure validity of the scale. Based on the findings, the Service Quality in Higher Education Scale has been determined to be a highly reliable and valid scale that can be used to specifically measure the quality of services offered in higher education.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koushiki Choudhury

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the question of service quality in the higher education sector in the business management area, with the research objective to explore the dimensions of service quality and assess performance of higher educational institutes (HEIs) in business management across customer-perceived service quality dimensions. Design/methodology/approach – A modified SERVQUAL instrument was used to capture customers’ perceptions of service quality with a sample size of 1,152 customers. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to holistically evaluate the performance of the HEIs. Findings – The current research develops a scale for measuring service quality in the area of business management education and reinforces the fact that service quality is a multidimensional construct. It suggests that customers distinguish four dimensions of service quality in the case of the higher education industry in business management. TOPSIS analysis provides an effective framework for ranking competing HEIs holistically in terms of their overall performance with respect to multiple service quality factors. Research limitations/implications – Continued refinement of the scale for measuring service quality in higher education, proposed in this study, is certainly possible based on further research and trends in higher education. Practical implications – HEIs are finding themselves in an increasingly integrated competitive market. Consequently they are facing challenges due to the evaluation of the results of the services of education and training that they offer. In competitive environments, student perceptions of quality and their satisfaction level have become very important in order to attract and retain them. Identifying the underlying dimensions of service quality is the first step in the definition and provision of quality service and instilling of a customer-service culture. Having access to how consumers evaluate service quality in the higher educational sector in business management and evaluating the positions of the players in the market on service quality parameters, can help the organization to carry out its mission with more efficiency, aid in strategic planning and contend the initiatives that HEIs managers can take to enhance employees’ skills and attitudes and instill a culture of service excellence. Originality/value – The contribution of this research has been in terms of its scale development and modeling methodology. A methodological innovation in this research has been in the use of TOPSIS in the field of customer-perceived service quality in higher education.


Author(s):  
Uma Maheswari Devi Parmata ◽  
Sankara Rao B. ◽  
Rajashekhar B.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to contribute to the services marketing literature by developing a scale based on Parasuraman’s SERVQUAL scale for the measurement of distributor perceived service quality at the distributor–manufacturer interface of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review and discussions with experts, a questionnaire was designed basing on the widely used service quality measurement scale (SERVQUAL). Personal survey was conducted among selected distributors spread over three major cities of the Indian pharmaceutical market. The study used the exploratory factor analysis to identify the critical factors of service quality followed by the confirmatory factor analysis (AMOS 20). Findings A valid scale with four dimensions – (reliability, assurance, responsiveness and communication) and 13 items for measuring the distributor perceived service quality was developed which also satisfied all the reliability and validity tests. The findings of the present study indicate that distributor perceived service quality has an effect on satisfaction. Practical implications The proposed scale is an attempt to explore the less researched area. This study will give further insights to researchers to measure service quality at different phases of the pharmaceutical supply chain. The study is limited to three cities; it can be extended to other regions of the country. This study will be helpful to the practicing managers to measure the service quality and improve the performance in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Social implications Service quality in pharmaceutical supply chain is very important, as it directly effects the health of the people, so the proposed scale can be used to control the quality of service. Originality/value The scale developed in this study can also be used for measuring distributor perceived service quality in other manufacturing sectors. This research provides direction and scope for further research to develop new concepts and models in measuring service quality in the supply chain.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo Soares Silva ◽  
Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes ◽  
Ieda Kanashiro Makiya ◽  
Francisco Ignácio Giocondo Cesar

Purpose This study aims to find evidence of the HEdPERF scale use for measuring the perceived service quality from the perspective of students in higher education institutions (HEIs) worldwide. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature was conducted to find evidence of the scale use in articles published between January 2005 and May 2017, according to databases Emerald, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library. The articles were searched on the databases on Jun 17, 2017 and at the end of the selection of articles, were kept 12 distinct documents. Findings The articles found pointed towards classic SERVQUAL and SERVPERF scales as being well substantiated for measuring perceived service quality. The HEdPERF scale was applied in articles about perceived service quality in HEI in studies in Brazil, China, Croatia, India, Malaysia, Portugal, Sri Lanka and Turkey. Originality/value The paper attempts to gather some articles on the measurement of service quality in higher education institutions, by the HEdPERF scale use. This study indicates that SERVPERF scale can also be an appropriate model to measure service quality in HEI context, that is, it is not yet possible to defend a single instrument as a standard for this purpose.


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