Quality Planning and Analysis: International Universities Report (Assessment)

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Introduction

International universities are mainly established with a view of providing higher education services to students who wish to pursue their studies at the bachelor’s level, master’s, or even PhD level. These universities offer quality research in various aspects of education, which in turn provides knowledge and important insights into varied areas of academia and day to day life.

International universities appeal to students from all over the world, without restricting on countries of origin or continents. It is the quality of services and high performance available in these institutions that market the universities to far off countries where students have no access to such quality education.

These universities, in preparing their students for the professional challenges that await them, often collaborate with organisations and research institutions, such as hospitals or medicine manufacturing firms, in order to provide their students with first-hand real-life experience, which might not be available in their home countries.

Customer Satisfaction

Stakeholders

StakeholdersExpectations
1EmployeesBetter remunerationFavourable working environment
2StudentsQuality learningHighly competent instructors
3ManagementEfficient operationsAttract more students
4OwnersProfit optimisationReducing wastage
5GovernmentPayment of taxesEmployment opportunities
6ShareholdersHuge profitsStable enrolment of new students
7PublicCorporate social responsibilityEmployment opportunities
8ConsultantsUpdated structure designsImproving services
9ContractorsLong-term contractsTimely payments
10SocietyCharity eventsGood public relations

Methods for Capturing Customer Needs

Interviewing customers

The institution can use interviewing method to seek customers’ views and ideas on its general performance and productivity. The interviews can be conducted on a face-to-face basis, where a representative of the university can meet the students, who are the customers, and seek to obtain their views concerning the university.

Equally, phone interviews can be utilized, whereby the interviewer from the institution obtains phone contacts of several students or prospective students and reaches them on phone. Responses given are recorded carefully and accurately against each question raised in order to have the right communication.

Alternatively, mail interviews can also be used, especially where customers are located in a far place. The postal address of the customer is obtained, and a set of questions dispatched to him or her. The customer will eventually mail his answers after entering the details as required (Thorsten et al. 2008, p. 400).

Customer survey

Customer surveys are effectively conducted by the representatives of the institution who conduct the survey amongst the institution’s customers. Various tools are needed in the survey, including pre-printed questionnaires, which can be distributed to clients for filling.

The questionnaires should have questions designed in such a way that they seek to determine from the customers what their needs and expectations are, and how the institution could improve on its service delivery. Answers to these questions could be either in the form of multiple choices, or requiring the customers to fill in short answers.

Market study

The institution can undertake to carry out some research, mainly by observing the market trends in general. This will give a true reflection of the customer’s preferences, needs, and expectations from analysing their behaviours. If, for instance, a different university is registering very high enrolment of students than the rest, the market study would determine why this is the case.

It could be because of fair prices, quality service delivery, or generally improved performance. Market study is often done by use of observation method, where the phenomenon is observed, and patterns and trends carefully noted.

Contacting customers via electronic mail

Email can be used to contact customers and establish what their actual preferences and needs are. The email is a remarkably flexible and highly interactive channel of communication which can be relied upon by the management of the institution due to its speed in terms of performance. Electronic mails are particularly efficient because they eliminate the influence aspect of the questioner that is common in direct interviews.

Usage statistics

Usage statistics give information on whether customers are acknowledging the product or service, or whether they have particular resentments. When the volume of students enrolling at the university gradually increases, it is evident that customers are finding all their needs being met at the institution.

On the contrary, when the enrolment numbers indicate a decrease over time, it indicates that customers are not fully satisfied with the institution’s services and performance and could be seeking the same elsewhere.

Applying Customer Survey Using Kano Analysis

Dear customers

In an effort to improve on our general performance and service delivery of quality education continuously, we take this opportunity to invite you to participate in our customer survey exercise.

This exercise will give us a better insight into the numerous ways through which we can satisfy you as our customers and give you maximum return for choosing to work with us. Kindly, select the number that best reflects your view against each specification in the survey below.

Rates
SpecificationsVery High (1)High (2)Normal (3)Low (4)Not Necessary (5)
Library facility12345
Qualified staff12345
Clearly defined missions12345
Efficient research facility12345
Sufficient funding from sources other than the government12345
Relaxed academic environment that is free from impetuosity12345
Independent thinking and freedom of expression12345
Teamwork inspiration12345
Strong internal culture12345
Internet service12345
Approachable staff12345
Recreational facilities12345
Easily accessible12345
Online service12345
Basic guiding principles12345
Effective internal evaluation system12345
Competent administration and management12345
Exchange programs with other institutions12345
Entertainment service12345
Collaboration with research organizations12345
Building assets12345
Reliable security12345
International universities ranking12345
Communication services12345
Academic resources12345

A total of 1000 forms were used in this survey, in which case the analysis determined the following; scores between 4000 and 5000 indicate a ‘Must’ specification, while scores in the range 2000 and 3999 indicate a ‘Want’ specification.

Finally, scores lying between 1 and 1999 indicate a ‘Desirable’ specification (Shu-Ping & Ya-Hui 2011, p. 28).

SpecificationsTotal score
Library facility4800
Qualified staff4415
Clearly defined missions4865
Efficient research facility4300
Sufficient funding from sources other than the government4230
Relaxed academic environment that is free from impetuosity432
Independent thinking and freedom of expression4211
Teamwork inspiration354
Strong internal culture4512
Internet service4098
Approachable staff989
Recreational facilities1243
Easily accessible987
Online service1380
Basic guiding principles3549
Effective internal evaluation system2009
Competent administration and management3419
Exchange programs with other institutions2897
Entertainment service674
Collaboration with research organizations3094
Building assets2310
Reliable security3456
International universities ranking4902
Communication services3046
Academic resources4518

KANO Analysis: Customer’s Needs

MustWantsDesirable
Library facilityEffective internal evaluation systemRelaxed academic environment that is free from impetuosity
Clearly defined missionsCompetent administration and managementTeamwork inspiration
Qualified staffExchange programs with other institutionsApproachable staff
Efficient research facilityCollaboration with research organizationsRecreational facilities
Sufficient funding from sources other than the governmentBuilding assetsEasily accessible
Independent thinking and freedom of expressionReliable securityOnline service
Strong internal cultureCommunication servicesEntertainment service
International universities rankingBasic guiding principles
Internet services
Academic resources

Minimum Requirements: The QFD form

Design/Requirements/Customer ExpectationLocationStaff trainingFacilitiesCustomers servicesInternal DesignFurnitureAdvertisingEquipmentsPoolDesign
MUSTsLibrary facility49/368/328/369/369/36
Clearly defined missions510/459/457/356/30
Qualified staff49/369/369/36
Efficient research facility48/329/368/327/365/20
Sufficient funding from sources other than the government49/368/329/369/36
Independent thinking and freedom of expression55/253/15
Strong internal culture48/327/288/325/206/24
International universities ranking48/32
Internet services46/246/247/24
Academic resources59/459/458/459/45
WANTsEffective internal evaluation system35/157/215/159/455/15
Competent administration and management36/215/15
Exchange programs with other institutions46/287/287/28
Collaboration with research organisations39/275/157/21
Building assets45/155/155/156/18
Reliable security45/206/24
Communication services35/15
Basic guiding principles49/277/21
DesirablesRelaxed academic environment that is free from impetuosity22/63/64/6
Teamwork inspiration39/189/186/148/14
Approachable staff12/4
Recreational facilities23/8
Easily accessible2
Online services2
Entertainment services13/33/33/3
Target valueNear from downtownDo some trainingCheck them every dayMake customer happyChange the design every yearKeep it very cleanDo some advertise in mediaDo the MaintenanceOutdoor and indoorsPut some assign board
Absolute score210315220315130128130145192145
Part Name or FunctionPotential
Failure
Effect on SystemRoot CauseRisk Before Action TakenAction to Reduce RiskRisk After Action Taken
PSRPSR
Staff trainingNot working wellCustomers unhappyLess training course3412Do some extra training248
LocationFar from cityCustomers don’t knowLess advertising2510Using advertising media155
Internal designOld designCustomers unhappy3415Change the filter or fix it155
Basketball courtBumpy surfaceCannot be usedPeeling play surface3412Fix the surface144
Customers servicesLess serviceCustomers dissatisfactionPoor service4416Do some different course248

FMEA Analysis

12345
PProbability of occurrenceLowLow to moderateModerateModerate to highHigh
SSeriousness of failureMinorMinor to seriousSeriousSerious to criticalCritical

Selection and Evaluation of Supplier

The major components of international university

Among the main components that the international university will require to run its operations and services in a high quality manner include; published books for students and their instructors, internet services for doing online research, professors to instruct the students, furniture for use in lecture halls and offices, as well as security for the entire university community.

Maintenance services will be required for all the assets acquired by the institution, communication services for use by students and the administration, library services, laboratory services for enhancing research, and computer terminals to aid the online communication and research.

Computer Terminals: Criteria to be used for selecting suppliers

The criteria to be used for selecting suppliers of computer terminals to be used in the institution include the quotation price, time of delivery of the computers, the warranty duration, and their reliability in as far as performance is concerned. Other criteria include the level of customer satisfaction, their overall quality, safety measures included, the requirements, as well as the material used in design and the availability of spare parts.

Supplier Selection System

CriteriaSouth KoreaJapanUSA
Quotation Price1098
Time of delivery6710
Warranty duration899
Performance reliability7810
Customer satisfaction7810
Overall quality7910
Safety measures7710
Materials used in design689
Availability of spare parts899
Potential to handle large orders888
Total Score748293

Report on supplier selection process

Three different source countries for computers were evaluated on the basis of ten different areas that directly relate to the overall performance of the computers. From the tabulated results above, the USA is the most suitable source country for the computers to be used in the institution.

Overly, the USA has a very short delivery time, has the highest performance reliability amongst the three countries, as well as a higher customer satisfaction level and safety considerations.

Although the quotation price in South Korea and Japan is better than that of the USA, the other aspects of the computers have weighed in strongly for the American supplier than both Japan and South Korea. Thus, the USA supplier has been awarded the tender to supply the computers (Sen, Sen & Baslıgil 2010, p. 1603).

Statistical Process Control

Providing knowledge to students

  1. Receiving application requests from students
  2. Choosing qualified students
  3. Inviting qualified students for enrolment
  4. Countercheck to verify their document’s authenticity
  5. Announcing semester commencement dates
  6. Reviewing curricular for the fresh year
  7. Communicating changes to the instructors
  8. Purchasing new resources required for teaching by the instructors
  9. Teaching students in their lecture halls
  10. Evaluating the performances of the students

Process Monitoring Statistical Control Charts

U-chart

U-charts are used for collecting subgroups data containing different sizes. They particularly indicate the measurement of the process by indicating nonconformities within item groups.

NP-chart

The chart is utilised for processes controlling where data with the same properties are collected as subgroups. NP-chart can also measure by words; that is, yes/no, or true/false.

C-chart

This chart collects data that are of the same size within subgroups. It conducts measurement over time where it tracks non-conforming data per item or group. C-charts are also utilised in monitoring process improving theory effects.

XMR-Chart

This chart measures stability of process as well as monitor changes within the system over time. The individual X chart can also be used for measuring.

X-bar and R-Chart

This chart is utilised in the controlling within subgroup sizes that have various processes, such as two or more. The charts indicate the process stability, and also help in making predictions. Additionally, X-bar and R-Charts can be used to show average change over the specified period of time (Gültekin et al. 2002, p. 2303).

Plotting a Control Chart

TimeXNXbarUCL(X)LCL (X)MRR barUCL-RLCL-R
Jan344.36.100242.499762.23.126.517680.0936
Feb2.544.36.100242.499762.93.126.517680.0936
Mar444.36.100242.499762.23.126.517680.0936
Apr3.3544.36.100242.499762.53.126.517680.0936
May3.4544.36.100242.499763.93.126.517680.0936
Jun2.344.36.100242.499763.63.126.517680.0936
Jul544.36.100242.499764.23.126.517680.0936
Aug3.344.36.100242.499762.93.126.517680.0936
Sep2.4544.36.100242.499763.13.126.517680.0936
Oct4.2444.36.100242.499762.23.126.517680.0936
Nov4.5444.36.100242.499762.43.126.517680.0936
Dec3.344.36.100242.499761.93.126.517680.0936
Jan444.36.100242.499762.23.126.517680.0936
Feb3.344.36.100242.499762.63.126.517680.0936
Mar3.344.36.100242.499762.93.126.517680.0936

Equations applied on X-bar and R-chart; For determining X bar Upper Control Limits for X bar

UCL (X bar) = X bar(bar) + R bar * A2

For determining X bar Lower control limits

LCL (X bar) = X bar(bar) – R bar * A2

For calculating R Chart Upper and Lower control Limits;

UCL (R) = R-bar * D4 A2=0.577

LCL (R) = R-bar * D3 D4=2.089 D3=0.03

X-bar Chart

X-bar Chart

R-bar Chart

R-bar Chart

Possible Problems for Customer

Several problems could be faced by customers including increased tuition fees, disconnected internet services, longer durations in enrolling and registering every student, broken down recreational facilities, and substandard library services.

Solving the Problem

A number of problem solving tools can be used to effectively address these problems, such as brainstorming, use of check sheets, Gantt charts, pareto diagram, as well as cause and effect diagram, and use of problem solving sheet.

Problem Solving Tools Application

The above tools are used to address the difficulty experienced with the use of internet service as identified above.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming could address several related issues such as the unreliable internet speeds being caused by such reasons as failure on the part of the hardware, viruses, and old modem version. Others could be lack of inspection, as well as poor maintenance, and connection problems with the wires.

Gantt Chart

Gantt Chart

A-Problem DescriptionDisconnection of the internet service occurred during rush hours. Many students are disappointed with that.
B-Problem AnalysisThe internet signal is low
The modem version in use is old
Connection failures
C-Corrective actionIncrease internet speed
Replace the modem
Check wire connections
D-Follow-UpPrepare a report on the corrective actions
Solving the problems
Modem testing after problem solving

Process Flow Chart

Process Flow Chart

Conclusion

Quality planning is an integral part of management which seeks to optimise on the benefits which consumers seek to obtain when they purchase a good or service. International universities are institutions which seek to sustain their exemplary performances by attracting quality students from all over the world.

These universities ensure that they have all the qualities that can support the desired quality performance, such as highly qualified instructors, education resources, efficient library facilities, as well as research institutions and centres. Students often make decisions on which institutions of higher learning they can join basing on the facilities the institutions own and their overall performance.

Student’s preferences for a particular institution of higher learning can be obtained through direct interviews, use of questionnaires, emails, and phone interviews. The preferences can be grouped into three broad categories, which include ‘must’, ‘want’, and ‘desirable’. Different statistical control charts can be used to measure and monitor data occurrences.

List of References

Brady, M, Voorhees, C, & Brusco, M 2012, ‘Service sweethearting: Its antecedents and customer consequences’, Journal of Marketing, vol 76, no 2, pp. 81-98

Gültekin, M et al 2002, ‘Monitoring automatically controlled processes using statistical control charts’, International Journal of Production Research, vol 40, no 10, pp. 2303-2320

Sen, C, Sen, S, & Baslıgil, H 2010, ‘Pre-selection of suppliers through an integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and max-min methodology’, International Journal of Production Research, vol 48, no 6, pp. 1603-1625

Shu-Ping, L, & Ya-Hui, C 2011, ‘Enhancing service quality improvement strategies by integrating Kano’s model with importance-performance analysis’, International Journal of Services Technology & Management, vol 16, no 1, pp. 28-48

Thorsten, G et al 2008, ‘Revealing the expectations and preferences of complaining customers by combining the laddering interviewing technique with the Kano model of customer satisfaction’, Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol 11, no 4, pp. 400-413

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