Developing a performance management model for the implementation of TQM practices in public education centres

Achieving excellence in public education centre management is a means to attain higher quality in education. This can be reached by implementing performance management. This paper proposes a comprehensive management tool, in the form of a balanced scorecard (BSC), for non-university public education centres, using the European Foundation for Quality Management excellence model as a framework for the implementation, evaluation and improvement of quality. This management system brings total quality management practices to education centres and is specifically designed to cater for their individual requirements. In our study, a strategic map of these organisations was devised after cause-and-effect relationships were identified based on their strategic objectives, and after defining the different areas in which action was required. The Delphi method enabled us to obtain a set of indicators which were identified by experts as being particularly relevant for measuring performance and monitoring strategy. Based on a qualitative analysis of the results, a BSC was drawn up. Its validity and reliability were proved by the high level of consensus reached by the experts. This tool will lead to improved efficiency in the management of educational centres, and is a valuable instrument to better understand factors that determine the performance of educational management and the achievement of excellent results.