Implementing service excellence in higher education

Khan, H. and Matlay, H. (2009) Implementing service excellence in higher education. Education and Training, 51 (8). pp. 769-780. ISSN 00400912 (ISSN)

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the importance of service excellence in higher education. Design/methodology/approach: The research upon which this paper is based employed a phenomenological approach. This method was selected for its focus on respondent perceptions and experiences. Both structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect relevant data on service excellence. The focus of the research study was on achieving and implementing service excellence in higher education. Findings are analysed and results are grounded in relevant theories and the principle of service excellence. Findings: Preliminary results suggest that implementing service excellence establishes a direct link between a workforce and successful competitive strategies. In order to compete efficiently and effectively in their niche market, higher education institutions need to implement service excellence to ensure both internal and external customer satisfaction. A strong institutional culture that values internal customers can help achieve a motivated workforce, loyalty, high performance, innovation and a distinctive institutional competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications: The qualitative data collected for this study reflect respondent perceptions and opinions. Individuals perceive and experience things differently. Although the service excellence approach is applicable to service organisations, its transferability to other sectors might affect its validity. Originality/value: The paper investigates how service excellence is achieved in industry and how it could be applied to promote competitive advantage in higher education. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1108/00400910911005299
Dates:	Date Event 20 November 2009 Published
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Competitive advantage, Customer satisfaction, Higher education, Quality concepts, Service levels
Subjects:	CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-02 - business studies CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Accountancy, Finance and Economics Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Business, Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	Yasser Nawaz
Date Deposited:	10 Feb 2017 15:25
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 12:07
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2457

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