The Relationship between Total Quality Management Practices and Student Academic Achievement in Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and student academic achievement in secondary schools. The objectives were: (1) to examine the relationship between TQM practices and student academic achievement; (2) to explore the impact of teacher empowerment and stakeholder engagement on the effectiveness of TQM implementation; and (3) to analyze the role of technological integration in enhancing the application of TQM principles for improving teaching and learning processes. A quantitative correlational research design was used. The population included secondary school teachers and students, and a stratified random sampling technique was applied to select the sample from boys’ and girls’ public schools. Two self-developed instruments, the TQM Practices Questionnaire and Academic Achievement Scale, were employed. Both tools were validated by experts and demonstrated high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above 0.80. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation in SPSS Version 25. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between TQM practices and student academic achievement. Teacher empowerment and stakeholder engagement were significantly related to effective TQM implementation, while technological integration showed a strong positive association with the application of TQM principles in teaching and learning. Hence, it is recommended that schools adopt comprehensive TQM frameworks, empower teachers, actively involve stakeholders, and integrate technology to enhance educational quality. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers and school leaders seeking to improve academic outcomes through quality management practices.