Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the importance of quality assurance in higher education institutions. And to investigate the possibility for Kuwait University of adapting Malcolm Baldrige framework. Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) was established in 1987 in USA to encourage organizations to deploy quality as a competitive strategy. The MBNQA education criteria was intended to be broadly applicable to educational setting at all levels. The paper provides an empirical investigation of how MBNQA Criteria could operate during organizational self-assessment. This help Kuwait university to create a baseline measure. A survey instrument was developed based on specific education criteria of MBNQA and was distributed to Kuwait University's faculty members.

The MBNQA criteria for performance excellence dimension includes:
(1) leadership;
(2) strategic planning;
(3) customer and market force;
(4) measurement, analysis, and knowledge management;
(5) human recourse focus;
(6) process management;
(7) business results.

The results of the study lead to identification of strengths, weaknesses and improvements need; and fostering self reflections. Therefore, the recommendations of the study assist in the improvement process toward excellence.

Keywords:

Quality, Malcolm Baldrige, self assessment, higher education, Kuwait University.