FROM QUALITY MANAGEMENT TO MANAGING QUALITY: SYSTEMIC APPROACH

Abstract

The recently discussed issues of education quality are devoted full attention. The systems of quality control are developed, services are certified etc. All EU countries point to education quality as one of the most important political priorities. Despite the fact it is an excellent idea, the questions of how to ensure adequate education and how to achieve equally ranked education certification in all countries of the European Union arise. We can note that different legal and political documents approved by Lithuanian authorities in one way or another emphasize that ensuring quality education is a priority field. What is quality? This question is not so simple. We can agree with general definition that quality generally refers to a certain degree (level) of excellence. It is obvious that there are at least two main perspectives of defining quality, one from the customer of education services and the other one from the producer (education institution). It is obvious, that the quality aspiration is important not only for the companies which produce products or offer service, but also for education institutions of all levels. The central point is the understanding that quality cannot be bought in the market and is not something beyond institution boundaries. Everything will be determined by awareness that quality in a broad sense is conditioned by the quality of management (administration). Only professional management leads to qualified processes (institution work) whereas the latter ensure high-quality service. Another main point is that education and research belongs together. It is as axiomatic truth. Without high-level research a quality management system seems to be a useless thing. As the understanding of quality may vary, a general agreement on the issue discussing quality is very important at least inside the institution. Quality is differently treated by academic staff, teachers, students, employers, social partners of institution, authorities and society in general. Education is a complex system having different levels, sub-systems etc. that closely correlate and determine one another. Finally, we can notice that the best organizations have a systemic and comprehensive focus on quality. Key words: quality of education, managing quality, systemic approach.