Critical Analysis of the Applicability of the ISO 9001 Standard in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

This article analyses the applicability of the ISO 9001 standard in Higher Education Institutions. Initially developed for application in industry, this standard sets the requirements for implementing a quality management system in an organisation. Over the years, it has been adapted to the Higher Education sector as a quality management standard. The standard is analysed in terms of the relevance of its philosophy to Higher Education; its suitability for this sector; the ease of implementation; its effect on quality assurance and enhancement; and its impact on quality. The mechanisms by which it affects quality management are also presented. The analysis shows that ISO 9001 is based on a philosophy that resonates with general approaches to quality assurance in Higher Education Institutions and that its seven principles provide a sound basis for effective quality management. It can be adapted to the peculiarities of this sector and, although it imposes a considerable workload, it can be applied with ease. There is thus both a theoretical and empirical basis for the ISO 9001 standard to promote quality assurance and enhancement in Higher Education. Academic provision and administrative services can benefit from its adoption and it can promote and strengthen the development of a quality culture, especially when staff are deeply engaged in the process. It is thus concluded that the ISO 9001 standard provides a framework for quality management that is applicable to the Higher Education sector.