Quality of Higher Education According to the Six-Sigma Methodology: A Field Study at the Faculty of Economics - Msallata

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of quality in higher education using the Six Sigma methodology and to work on improving it through that approach. The five phases of the Six Sigma methodology were applied to the Faculty of Economics in Msallata. The study relied on descriptive and analytical methods, and a questionnaire containing several items representing the factors that affect quality in higher education was distributed to the study population using a full-coverage survey. After tabulating the responses, they were analyzed using a Pareto chart and an Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram. The analysis yielded a number of findings, the most important of which is that the Sigma level at the Faculty of Economics in Msallata amounted to only 2.87. The main causes contributing to this Sigma level were a lack of modern teaching aids, weak cooperation, teamwork, and participation, and reliance on theoretical curricula in the teaching process. Poor participation, interaction, and discussion during lectures also contributed to the outcome.