In the context of globalization and increasingly fierce competition, quality management has become one of the vital factors for the development of any organization, including educational institutions. While quality management is often associated with production and services, more and more schools and educational institutions are interested in applying international standards, especially ISO 9001:2015, to their teaching and administrative processes. This is not only a tool for improving the quality of training but also a means to move towards sustainable development.
This morning, on September 30th, 2024, Mien Trung Industrial and Trade College (MITC) held a seminar to share experiences in quality management, featuring a renowned expert from Canada and members of MITC’s Department of Quality Management and Scientific Research. The seminar provided valuable insights not only into the quality management process but also into the approach and construction of a quality management system based on ISO 9001:2015 standards, which MITC has been implementing since 2020.
Overview of the seminar to share experience in quality management in education
Quality management in education: towards individualization and empathy
One of the key messages of the seminar is that the concept of quality management is not only about checking and observing but also involves empathy and sharing. In an educational environment, quality management needs to be approached in an individualized manner, ensuring that all relevant parties such as parents, students, college students, teachers, and management teams are involved in the process of building and maintaining quality.
The expert from UNESCO, Mr. Atul Deshmukh – nationality Canadian shared his experience at the seminar.
This is an important emphasis on improving the quality of training, especially at MITC. Quality management not only ensures that the teaching process adheres to general standards but also fosters an educational environment where individuals—from students to teachers—feel empathized with and respected. This community also helps them experience a friendly atmosphere, making them feel like an important part of the college’s development.
MITC has been applying ISO 9001:2015 standards since 2020, and with a development strategy for the period of 2022–2027, the college is aiming for long-term goals, with a vision extending to 2045. ISO 9001:2015 not only helps MITC standardize processes but also provides a flexible and easily adjustable management framework to meet the changing needs of the labor market as well as the college’s development requirements.
The seminar also pointed out that although ISO 9001:2015 is a standard for quality management, the success of a quality management system does not depend solely on compliance with processes. It also requires the participation and dedication of everyone in the organization. The school’s leadership plays a crucial role in creating an environment that encourages continuous innovation and improvement.
Lessons from Other Nations: Quality Products and Brand Recognition
Many countries have developed processes to ensure that quality goods are produced at low prices while maintaining attractive features. However, it is a sad fact that despite significant improvements in quality, market perceptions of low-quality products still persist. This leads to consumers often rejecting products from those countries, even when their quality has greatly improved.
One of the concepts are shared relevant in quality management in education from the expert
An important lesson to be learned from this story is that quality alone is not enough to change consumer perceptions. Organizations must invest in building their brand image and educating the market about improvements in the quality of their products. The same holds true for schools and educational institutions. MITC needs to continue building trust and strengthening its credibility not only through the application of ISO 9001:2015 standards but also by enhancing the educational experience for students and parents.
This morning’s seminar was not just a knowledge-sharing event; it was also an opportunity for MITC to re-evaluate its quality management processes and promote the development of a more standardized and personalized quality management system. With the participation of international experts and members of the Department of Quality Management and Scientific Research, MITC had the chance to gain valuable insights from advanced countries.
Experience from nations that have successfully implemented ISO 9001:2015 demonstrates that for a quality management system to succeed, there must be strong commitment from leadership and active participation from all departments within the organization. MITC has been on track to implement this ISO standard since 2020, and with the lessons learned from the seminar, the college can continue to refine and develop this system.
The seminar on quality management at MITC not only provided in-depth knowledge about ISO 9001:2015 but also emphasized the importance of personalizing the quality management process in education. MITC has been making continuous efforts to improve training quality, not only through the application of international standards but also by creating a friendly, empathetic, and engaging learning environment.
With a development strategy set for 2027 and a vision for 2045, MITC is affirming its position in Vietnam’s education system, and this seminar is an important step in that journey.
Dr. Nguyen Trung Hoa
Director of International Cooperation and Training Center
