Enhancing the Quality of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia Through the Implementation of Total Quality Management Standards

Abstract

Background:
As Saudi Arabia undergoes systemic reforms in alignment with Vision 2030, enhancing the quality of higher education has become a national priority. Total Quality Management (TQM) provides a strategic framework for continuous improvement, yet its practical application in Saudi universities remains inconsistent and under-explored.

Aim:
This study aimed to assess the current state of TQM implementation in Saudi higher education institutions and to develop and validate a practical framework to enhance quality outcomes.

Methods:
A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 academic leaders from three public universities. Insights from thematic analysis informed the development of a structured questionnaire, which was administered to 297 faculty and administrative staff. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to validate the proposed framework.

Results:
Findings revealed moderate levels of TQM implementation, with governance, leadership, and faculty engagement scoring highest. Resource and infrastructure quality emerged as a key constraint. SEM analysis confirmed that governance, strategic alignment, and continuous improvement were significant predictors of institutional quality (R² = 0.641). The validated six-domain TQM framework demonstrated strong reliability and convergent validity.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for integrated, culturally responsive quality management systems in Saudi higher education. Strategic leadership, infrastructure investment, and faculty development are critical for sustainable quality enhancement