Total Quality Management (TQM) and Quality of Higher Education: A Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

TQM is a program that provides a structure (framework) and tools for quality management which is very important for the progress of higher education. This study aims to prove and determine the effect of TQM on improving higher education quality in several countries. This study used a quantitative meta-analysis method. The aspect of TQM is the independent variable, and higher education quality is the dependent variable. The data sources were obtained based on the eligibility criteria: (1) from online database searches from 2012-2021; (2) indexed by Scopus, WoS or Google Scholar; (3) had a value of (r), (t), or (F); and (4) N ≥ 30. This research uses the software JASP 0.8 4.0 version. The results of the analysis of 26 studies show that there was a significant effect of TQM on the quality of higher education in several countries (z = 7.900; p < 0.001; 95% CI [0.640; 1.069]). The effect of TQM on the quality of higher education was in the very strong effect category (rRE = 0.856) based on Cohen's criteria effect size. This meta-analysis study’s results are reliable since there was no publication bias. So, it can be concluded that TQM has such a powerful influence and is believable. This study can strengthen the theory regarding the application of TQM in higher education because it is proven to affect the quality of higher education.