An investigation into the key factors for implementing total quality management within an Irish national agency supporting special education

This study is conducted within the Irish National Council for Special Education (NCSE). After a decade of extensive change in special education, the Irish Government is enabling the NCSE to undertake substantial reform. Total Quality Management (TQM), a strategic means of improving provision, has been introduced to enhance special education support for students, families and schools. This study investigated the key factors for implementing TQM within the NCSE. Qualitative methods, in the form of semi‐structured interviews with the NCSE TQM steering committee, were applied to explore literature review informed education TQM factors. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) was used to generate a TQM key factor implementation framework for the NCSE. 10 key factors of leadership commitment, staff ownership, customer focus, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, professional development, communication, process management, management information systems and continuous improvement were identified for implementing TQM within the NCSE. A key factor implementation framework was produced. This study presents a suggested framework for TQM within special education support agencies and facilitates further exploration of TQM to improve the reform, research, policy and practice quality dimensions of special education support.