Presenting the Ph.D. Thesis
Title: Service Quality in Higher Education Institutions (A Study with Special Reference to Namakkal District)
I am pleased to present this Ph.D. thesis to Periyar University, Salem, entitled, "Service Quality in Higher Education Institutions (A Study with Special Reference to Namakkal District)." This thesis provides a comprehensive exploration of service quality within higher education institutions, aiming to introduce a novel approach for supporting high-level decision-making within these institutions. Our research delves into how service quality in higher education across different countries contributes to raising educational standards to international levels.
The Foundation of Research
The foundation of this thesis lies in a field survey conducted between 2012 and 2018 in Namakkal district of Tamilnadu, involving 685 students from 11 higher education institutions. We have structured this thesis into five chapters to present our findings effectively.
Research Journey
Our research journey commenced with gathering information, including biographical data that characterizes various groups within the population and their perceptions of service quality in higher education institutions. Chapter I provides a concise overview of the service quality found in higher education institutions, while also outlining the survey objectives that sparked our research and the hypotheses developed regarding students' perceptions of service quality within these institutions. The methodological approach is detailed in Chapter I as well.
Building upon Prior Knowledge
Chapter II offers a review of prior studies in the field, providing context and building upon existing knowledge. In Chapter III, we offer insights into higher education, profiles of selected higher education institutions, and the range of services they provide.
Student Profiles
Chapter IV is dedicated to the profiles of the students involved in our study, shedding light on their perceptions of service quality within higher education institutions.
Conclusion and Future Endeavors
In Chapter V, we summarize the major findings of our study, present suggestions, and outline the scope for future research endeavors. I actively participated in every phase of this research journey, from formulating the proposal to planning and executing specific research tasks, analyzing data, and reporting our results.
The structure of this report follows a chronological sequence, allowing for a seamless read from start to finish. This thesis serves as a valuable contribution to the field of higher education service quality, and I hope it proves to be of significant interest and benefit to its readers.
