Factors of higher education quality service: the case of a Peruvian university

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-238
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Arrieta ◽  
Beatrice Avolio

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that impact the quality of the education service in a Peruvian private university, based on the perception of students and graduates. Design/methodology/approach The sample consisted of 29 students and 20 graduates from the Administration and Finance Program of a Peruvian private university. The data was collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews based on the students’ and graduates’ perspectives of their experiences. The collected data was subjected to content analysis. Findings The study identified ten factors or the underlying dimensions that drive the quality of the education service provided by a Peruvian private university. The factors are professors, lecturers, curriculum, extracurricular activities, position and recognition of the university, infrastructure, library, admission, adequate communication mechanisms with faculty and authorities and services. The main quality indicators of the education service were the professors and curriculum planning. As the students were using the education service, they were more focused on “how” they received the service, rather than “what” services they received, i.e. they evaluated the quality of the process. In contrast, graduates gave more importance to functional service quality. They evaluated the quality of “what they received,” i.e. the result. Research limitations/implications The study has several limitations. First, the qualitative approach does not allow generalizing data. The sample size was relatively small and only involved one Peruvian private university. The study was based on the respondent’s perceptions, which were considered accurate. Practical implications Based on the study findings, the authors made recommendations to meet the needs of the students and graduates. These findings can help universities to develop strategies that improve educational quality and to allocate resources more effectively. Further research could focus on factors that impact service quality in higher education at different stages of the student lifecycle, namely, applicants (service expectations), students (quality of the process) and graduates (results). The authors suggest validating these results quantitatively. Originality/value The study proposes a framework of the higher education service quality based on the experiences of students and graduates that can be used by higher education institutions to continue improving educational quality. The originality of the study lies in the perspective on service quality according to the experiences of students and graduates. Also, this study provides empirical evidence on service quality research in Latin American higher education institutions.

2013 ◽  
pp. 77-90
Author(s):  
Yen Nguyen Thi Hoang

This paper focuses on the understanding of service quality in the context of Vietnamese universities. It proposes an approach for measuring the quality of the higher education service provided by universities in Vietnam. Firstly, an exploratory study was conducted. Then, the set of items which were generated became the subject of a questionnaire that was then administered to 675 students of a Vietnamese university to determine the dimensions of higher education service quality in this context. The obtained results permit us to appropriate a measurement scale which is slightly different from the SERVQUAL scale widely known as the standard for measuring service quality. The results also show that tangible elements, responsiveness and assurance seem to be three specific dimensions of the higher education service of Vietnamese universities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 652-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke ◽  
Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa ◽  
Marcia M. Raphiri

Purpose There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students. Design/methodology/approach Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups. Findings Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions. Originality/value The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viraiyan Teeroovengadum ◽  
Robin Nunkoo ◽  
Christian Gronroos ◽  
T.J. Kamalanabhan ◽  
Ashley Keshwar Seebaluck

Purpose The purpose of this study is to validate the higher education service quality (HESQUAL) scale using a confirmatory approach and test an improved structural model that predicts student loyalty from image, perceived value, satisfaction and service quality. In addition to validating the HESQUAL scale using a confirmatory approach, two other main limitations in the extant literature are addressed. Design/methodology/approach The model is tested using data collected from 501 students enrolled in different higher education institutions in Mauritius. A two-stage approach to structural equation modeling is used whereby the measurement model is first tested using confirmatory factor analysis and followed by the assessment of the structural model. Findings Importantly, results indicate that student satisfaction is influenced by technical service quality, image and perceived value, but not by functional service quality. Both dimensions of service quality however are significant predictors of image and perceived value. The study uses a comprehensive measure of service quality and demonstrates that it is worthwhile to consider functional service quality as higher-order model and clearly distinguish between functional and technical quality, as both the technical and functional aspects play an important role in shaping students’ perceptions and behaviors. Originality/value First, in the existing literature, service quality has not been considered as a second-order factor model in structural models of student satisfaction and loyalty, thus lacking either precision or parsimony. Second, the transformative quality aspect of higher education has been largely neglected in previous research testing such predictive models. The model delineates service quality into the functional and transformative (technical) aspects and treats functional service quality as a second-order factor comprising nine sub-dimensions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1411-1437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rafik ◽  
Anjar Priyono

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore and decompose a satisfaction model using alumni’s perspective for Islamic-based higher education institutions (IHEI) with the antecedent of perceived quality and value and the consequence of loyalty. Design/methodology/approach A study was used, using 44-item, a ten-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 360 alumni from various classes started from the 1970s till 2000s. Theoretical-based, national qualification framework of Indonesian higher education and management-based considerations were involved in developing a survey. Data were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation model and decomposed into strategic management map using importance-performance matrix analysis. Findings The most important determinants of alumni satisfaction and loyalty in IHEI is the IHEI’s ability to develop career capability through enriching knowledge. Moreover, the presence of good environment and Islamic value embodiment supporting learning programs on campus is the most significant trigger for the knowledge development. Research limitations/implications The results were generated from a specific department. Additional studies are needed to test if the results are not department (institution)-specific. Practical implications This study provides strategic directions for management to improve the critical aspects of the system by providing the inputs to the extent to which the service quality delivered may contribute to end-customers’ satisfaction. Originality/value It contributes to the literature on satisfaction and service quality issues by incorporating ideological aspect, by investigating the feasible model of customer satisfaction in the perspective of alumni for IHEI.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 616-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayaraman Krishnaswamy ◽  
Zarif Hossain ◽  
Mohan Kumar Kavigtha ◽  
Annamalai Nagaletchimee

Purpose Within the higher education structure, students have the desire for both virtual and face-to-face learning and demand for diverse simulations from the higher education institutions. The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of higher education success (HES) for one of the top private universities in Malaysia. In the paper, a research model for HES has been proposed and tested within the management perspectives. This research model has five dimensions, namely, smart classroom, user-friendly technology, peers support, partnership and social governance, as potential determinants for HES. Design/methodology/approach A structured survey questionnaire using an extensive literature review was conducted from a No. 1 private university in Malaysia. The target population included students who have passed out under-graduate or post-graduate or are studying in their final trimester. The questionnaire was administered to 107 respondents using an interview method in order to have scientific and authentic data with minimal common method bias. The data collection process was taken over a one-month period during May 2018 and it ensured the rectification of missing data. The study utilized an inclusive criterion as those students who have complete knowledge about the university in terms of academic, administrative and technical matters. Findings Out of 107 survey respondents, 76 (71 percent) respondents were favorable for HES, which implies that the targeted education institution strives toward career development for students. The study reveals that the partnership of the institution has a positive influence on HES. Smart classroom and social governance are the other determinants which have a positive impact on HES. An excellent infrastructure facility together with formal and informal activities to cultivate knowledge sharing, trustworthiness, quality education and academic excellence of the institution makes it a healthy atmosphere for students to pursue their studies. However, user-friendly technology and peers support were not found to be significant. Practical implications The proposed research model is crucial for educationalists to design the course curriculum for higher education institutions. The significant results and scope discussed in the present study can be applied and customized to any higher education institution in the globe for long-term sustainability to orient students toward career development. Originality/value Since the present paper investigates the No. 1 private university, the current findings can be used as a guide for other private universities to enhance their course curriculum. The conceptualization of the research model includes new dimensions which highlight the latest development in HES. Emerging studies have claimed that HES depends on effective administration of the institution by the management and appropriate industry linkages, with the highest priority for student learning capabilities to exhibit their talents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197-1215
Author(s):  
Anwar Khamis Alsheyadi ◽  
Jawaher Albalushi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the interaction of tangibles, reliability, assurance, responsiveness and empathy dimensions of the service quality (SERVQUAL) and student satisfaction (SS), and second, to explore the mediating role of cross-functional collaboration (CFC) on these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and mediated effect models using data collected through a survey of 352 students from 18 higher education institutes (HEIs) in Oman.FindingsThe statistical analysis confirms our main hypotheses. First, the centrality of tangibles, reliability, assurance, responsiveness and empathy dimensions of the service quality was established in the direct effect model, while the importance of tangibles and responsiveness was not confirmed in the mediated effect model. Second, it approved the partial mediation effect of CFC on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL and satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsService quality, level of CFC and relative SS in higher education could be subjected to contextual verification and evaluation of these internal and external contextual factors should be considered.Practical implicationsSeveral implications are highlighted for the effective development of the service quality of student affairs departments (SADs), the development of CFC for effective management, development and deployment of various student affairs initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper satisfies the need to validate the SERVQUAL model in different contexts such as SADs, and the need to investigate the possible mediating effect of other factors on SERVQUAL dimensions and satisfaction to show how the latter can be achieved.


Author(s):  
Jing Lu ◽  
Chad Laux ◽  
Jiju Antony

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) leadership model could be effectively utilized to resolve efficiency and effective issues like rising costs, quality of education, graduation and retention rates encountered in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the modern era. Design/methodology/approach The authors systematically reviewed the literature on key concepts of LSS and leadership in HEIs in to develop a theoretical model using an inductive theory-building approach in accordance with the exploratory nature of the study. Findings The results of the study proposed a conceptual LSS leadership framework, which provides a basis for testing of LSS leadership representations in HEIs. The results suggest that LSS leadership has advantages for HEI to overcome currents issues and challenges. Research limitations/implications This research is a theoretical study based on the existing literature that identified characteristics that may be adopted in higher education. The proposed LSS leadership framework is based upon leadership, statistical thinking, continuous change and improvement. This model is based upon service and the concepts of adaptive, rather than technical work, of leaders in higher education. Practical implications The proposed LSS leadership framework brings new aspects and perspectives of leadership in HEIs. LSS leadership model has its practical meaning in providing a fundamental base for HEIs to overcome challenges, fulfill missions, and sustain improvements. Social implications HEIs are a foundation for principles of democracy, equality and diversity. HEIs have been a path for citizens but HEIs are facing challenges that are reducing the ability of individuals to improve themselves. Leadership of HEI needs to incorporate new principles to adapt to a changing society. Originality/value LSS project leaders have achieved improved bottom line results and customer satisfaction in a wide range of industries, but LSS application in the HEIs remains to be explored. This paper proposes an effective LSS leadership model, which can help improve the quality of education, reduce non-value added costs and enhance operational efficiency of HEIs.


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.


2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardi Lucky Kurniawan ◽  
N. Purnomolastu .

Like in many other countries, higher education institutions in Indonesia are facing intense competition as the higher education market becomes globalized and competitive pressure intensifies. It is essential that higher education institutions continually monitor the quality of their services and commit themselves to continuous quality improvements in order to respond to the needs of their stakeholders. Measuring service quality in higher education is thus essential In order to provide a comprehensive view of the quality of education, it is valuable to assess not only student perceptions of their educational outcomes but also their perceptions of the manner in which polytechnic education is provided.This study aims at measuring the students’ perception of the service quality of education in a department; identifying differences of the student perception on the service quality based on their academic profiles; identifying which service attributes are more influential in providing service in higher education; and offering recommendation to the management which area(s) still need(s) some improvement.Using the 5-scale questionnaires, the researchers collected the data for the study from graduates of the 5 departments- Accounting, Marketing Management, Secretary Foreign Business Language and Taxation. Pearson Chi-Square and Alpha Cronbach techniques were used to test the validity and reliability before analyzing the data from the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was deployed to find out the mean value of each indicator. This was followed bv Dummy Regression analysis.    JThe findings of the study suggest that faculty plays the most prominent indicator in reflecting the students perception of service quality of department.


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