Total Quality Funding (TQF): A Model for Accountability, Continuous Improvement and Post-Secondary Accreditation Practices

An Abstract of Total Quality Funding (TQF): A Model for Accountability, Continuous Quality Improvement And Post-Secondary Accreditation Practices

This paper presents a summary of accountability issues and problems in higher education that may be resolved by using Total Quality Funding (TQF). This research found that accreditation, assessment, total quality funding and performance measurement systems in general were not appropriately structured to address quality and accountability challenges.

Specifically, this study addresses: (a) problems faced in defining TQF; (b) accountability problems found in a rich, stimulating educational environment; (c) problems with adequate preparation time, implementation, assessment and feedback for continuous quality improvement; and (d) a need for greater research into data integrity and establishment of outcomes in TQF.

A systematic continuous improvement approach is needed by management to allocate resources, measure performance, increase revenue, decrease expenses, improve quality and strengthen reputation. TQF is an integration of goals, performance, accessibility, accountability and quality. TQF encompasses past performance, current budget, programs and objectives that are measured to determine future priorities and allocation of resources. This customer driven model uses continuous improvement principles to determine the least amount of time and/or resources needed to accomplish program objectives that supports its mission. TQF is the middle ground that binds theory and practice together.

The author developed Total Quality Funding (TQF) as an option for Metropolitan State University (Metropolitan), Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and other higher education institutions in order to meet the continuously changing expectations of constituents.