| Abstract [eng] |
This master thesis analyzes the problem of pre-school education quality management in Šiauliai pre-school institution X. The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the characteristics of pre-school education quality management in Šiauliai pre-school institution X both theoretically and empirically. The research was done trying to analyze theoretical aspects of the pre-school education quality and management, theoretically explain these management characteristics, reveal the importance of pre-school institutions staff collaboration towards education quality, and to identify and evaluate the tendencies of Šiauliai preschool institution X education quality management system. The newness of this paper is supported by the topic itself, because the pre-school education processes, systems, and impact of institutional staff collaboration towards the education quality and it's management have not been sufficiently addressed in scientific literature. Empirical part of this paper is significant due to collected, analyzed, and systemised material, that has revealed peculiarities of pre-school education quality management in a specific institution by covering the meaning of 'quality', quality management systems, the impact of collaboration. For the case analysis of Šiauliai pre-school institution X a qualitative study was selected, and a case study method was chosen for addressing research questions properly. This method is convenient and beneficial, because it allows to analyze actual, particular cases, and situations that can later become positive examples and behavioral patterns. The research methodology is built on a provision that education quality is the key priority of education. Continuous development is necessary in order to satisfy consumer needs. And the prior aim of the development process is a proper functioning of education quality management. The qualitative study was the analysis of various strategic, management, and activity records of Šiauliai pre-school institution X, combined with analysis of focus group survey and headmaster interview. Study results revealed that Šiauliai pre-school institution X provides a lot of attention for the education quality both at an organizational and personal level, although the institution's management process is lacking systematic approach and effectiveness of individual fields by not fully exploiting its internal potential. The institution has no properly developed culture of cooperation, it lacks inner communication, motivation system for change. Despite all deficiencies, while trying to maintain education quality, this institution deeply engages in providing a lot of attention to its management and implementing important changes. Based on the results of this research, an institution has been provided with recommendations, that are highly relevant to the education quality management improvement. |
