A total quality approach for excellence in tertiary tourism education : the TEEQ model

Abstract

This paper suggests that in tertiary tourism education in the 21st century, a strategy utilized by a large number of organizations for effective change and sustained competitive advantage is TQM. The paper aims to determine the advantages of TQM and how TQM can be applied effectively and efficiently in tertiary education institutions providing tourism management programs of study. A tertiary tourism management education excellence model (TEEQ) is being developed, based on fundamental concepts of service quality: 5S, marketing and education quality control, quality control circles, ISO9000 and total preventive maintenance. In addition, the paper acknowledges the diversity of customers that TQM must satisfy and highlights some of the problems encountered in implementing the model, based on secondary research and experience of the author. Finally, an implementation plan is being suggested for educational establishments to work towards TEEQ. However, further research is required for validating the model internationally and for establishing it as a unique approach for TQM in tertiary tourism education.