Abstract:

The main objective of this work is to contribute to the literature that analyzes whether from the implementation of the indicators established in the quality assurance system (QAS) of Ecuadorian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), it is possible to have a solid basis for the adoption of a quality management system (QMS) ISO 9001:2015. To do this, a systematic review of the literature on the subject is carried out, using the following databases: Educational Source, Elsevier (Science Direct), Springer and Taylosr & Francis. The following research questions were formulated: 1) Is there a relationship between the indicators of the QAS of HEIs and the indicators of the ISO 9001: 2015 QMS?; 2) Does the implementation of the QAS indicators of HEIs and the ISO 9001:2015 QMS promote innovation in institutional processes?; 3) Does the implementation of the HEIs QAS indicators and the ISO 9001:2015 QMS promote the generation of institutional competitive advantages?. The main findings suggest that the relationship may become possible considering that processes and services are significantly improved when quality management is implemented in institutions, because it has a positive effect on the development of the innovative and generation of competitive advantages. The possible relationships are determined and the conclusions of the analysis are presented.

Keywords:

Education, quality assurance, innovation, competitive advantage, institutional performance.