A qualitative research on quality, quality assurance and sustainable quality in higher education

In this study, it is aimed to identify the quality, quality assurance and sustainable quality perceptions of the actors in the accredited academic units of one of the state higher education institutions in Turkey. A descriptive case study was conducted within the framework of qualitative paradigm. Semi-structured interview form was used as a fundamental data development tool. Data were collected from a group of 18 participants including the quality actors who take part in quality at the administrative, academic and executive levels, quality assurance, and sustainable quality activities in the Faculties of Medicine and Tourism which both have a quality management system and an accreditation certificate. The data obtained in the study were subjected to content analysis. According to the findings of the content analysis; the first research question which were the themes of education-training, research-development and executive and administrative for quality in higher education came to the forefront. It is found that the participants' opinions regarding what the quality assurance is in higher education are focused on institutional evaluation processes. In this context, the findings indicate that the processes in internal and external evaluation came to the forefront. In the third research question; it is seen that the participants' opinions on what sustainable quality is, learning the values related quality, their perception, sharing and implementation are necessary. According to the findings of this context, from the principles of Total Quality Management; management with targets and data, leadership, understanding of continuous education and learning, participation and motivation of everybody, continuous improvement, risk based approach, process management and stakeholder oriented approach were focused within internalization and dissemination of quality culture. This study presents qualitative findings aimed at the improvement of Turkish higher education system regarding its findings of internalization and dissemination with quality in higher education, quality assurance, creating sustainable awareness and increasing this awareness. It is thought that these findings will make contributions to the improvement of national quality assurance model and its continuity peculiar to our country which have importance in increasing the international visibility and reputation of our higher education system. Furthermore, because of this study is the first study that analyze the perceptions of quality actors in higher education in a qualitative method, it's expected to guide the related literature. In this framework, this study provides a basis for further researches which focus on sustainable quality issue in higher education system.