Abstract
The problem in this research lies in the lack of appropriate guidelines for managing the
Quality Management System (QMS) in schools. The research endeavours to reveal the
most effective and efficient guidelines for managing the QMS. The main purpose of the
study was to investigate and reveal the most appropriate and effective ways of
managing the QMS as a strategy and as an ongoing process of evaluating and
managing both the performance and outcomes in schools.
This research adopted a qualitative research approach. Phenomenological and
ethnographic research methods were employed. The purpose of adopting the qualitative
research for this study was to gather non-numerical data to help explain and develop a
theory about managing the QMS.
The researcher collected data using multiple means of data collection, namely,
interviews, survey and observation. Interpretations of data led to the research
recommendations and the conclusion.
The sample comprised of three District officials, the school Principal from each sample
school, two Departmental Heads, two teachers and their classes, two School Governing
Body (SGB) members, one member of the Staff Development Team (SDT) and four
former members of the Quality Management (QM) team.
The findings of the study described the informants’ perceptions and experiences of the
QMS as a process for school improvement. The perceptions and the experiences of the
teachers and the principals suggest that the participants had a limited understanding,
knowledge and skills in managing the QMS. Thus guidelines managing the QMS were
provided. In addition, guidelines for the educational psychologist that would facilitate the
successful management of the QMS were developed.
Prof. J.R. Debeila