Influence of Training on the Maintenance of ISO 9000 in Higher Learning Institutions: A Case of University of Kabianga, Kenya

Abstract

Training and education are important in preparing a company for change. Institution has realized that they need to survive in the competitive market and they must focus on quality of product and services they provide to clients. The purpose of the study is to investigate the training related factors influencing maintenance of ISO 9000: 2008 in higher institution of learning. The objective of the study was to examine the training related factors influencing maintenance of ISO 9000: 2008 at University of Kabianga. The study adopted a world-polity institutional theory. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was 450 respondents drawn from the University of Kabianga and Campuses. It comprises of the university Quality assurance director, Quality assurance and compliance supervisors, quality assurance teaching and non-teaching staff and students. The study adopted stratified, simple random sampling and purposive sampling technique to select a sample size of 135 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used as tools to collect primary data.  Secondary data was obtained through reviewing the documents that is of relevance to the findings of this study. Data was analyzed through descriptive (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (person product correlation coefficient) and findings presented using tables. There was a positive relationship between the training related factors on maintenance of ISO 9000 [r=.453, n=120, p<.05], indicating a positive correlation between training related factors on maintenance of ISO 9000. Thus, the longer the employee is training the higher the maintenance of ISO 9000. Training employee on ISO 9000 maintenance is the most important factor in improving quality in university and has provided evidence of a critical factor for the successful implementation of QMS. The success of quality program depended on the university management and culture and university with ISO certification experienced benefits. Maintenance of ISO 9000 has enabled effective evaluation of lecturers in the university. The findings of this study will significantly benefit University of Kabianga and other institutions of Higher learning with ISO certification through developing appropriate strategies on how to maintain ISO 9000: 2008.