Application of ISO 9001 and EFQM excellence model within higher education institutions: practical experiences analysis

Abstract

Findings – the research revealed that the main motives of HEIs to apply ISO 9001 and the EFQM EM are related the most common to internal institutional needs, competitiveness in the market and requirements of the stakeholders. 18 fundamental issues of the application of the means were identified which are more often related to institutional problems than to standard/model issues. The implementation of both means within academic institutions conditioned the benefits linked with internal institutional changes. The most significant general benefits are related to the goals of the means and cultural changes of the institution. Research limitations/implications – case studies publicised in English and Lithuanian languages only were analysed in the article. The inclusion of available researches in different languages (Spanish, Romanian and Czech) could provide a wider variety of the approaches in terms of the question analysed. Originality/value – experiences of HEIs from various countries applying ISO 9001 standard and EFQM EM were systemised, analysed and compared in the article.