Integration of total quality management in the management of Universities in Uganda

Abstract

This study was occasioned by the phenomenon that the existential environment calls for improved managerial effectiveness and a qualitative transformation of the academy. Hence the author set out to examine this stance at Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Uganda Martyrs University. The study – conducted during the months of April to June 2002 – was a cross sectional survey based on a total of 1010 respondents consisting of 90 administrators, 90 members of the academic staff, 800 students and 60 members of the support staff – selected through stratified-probability sampling techniques at the selected Universities. Data was collected mainly through a set of questionnaire and an interview schedule. Owing to triangulation purposes, both instruments were the same for all categories of respondents at all the sampled Universities. Raw data was thereafter presented and analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency distribution. It was found out in the light of a three-fold specific research question that Universities in Uganda are basically bureaucratic. Notwithstanding, conducive factors to integration of Total Quality Management – though not fully operational – are in the offing and to this effect the said institutions are in some aspects endeavouring to tread the path of TQM culture, latent though this might be. The author, thereafter, recommended that institutions of higher learning in Uganda should fully embrace people-based management systems, be committed to the perennial imperative of change, and strive to involve all for a qualitative achievement of the organisation's objectives.

Makerere Journal of Higher Education Vol. 1, 2004: 121-133