“FOSTERING A CULTURE OF QUALITY ACROSS MARINDUQUE STATE

COLLEGE PROGRAMS: AN EXPLORATION OF LINKAGES, CONSORTIA

PRACTICES, AND IMPACT”

CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

This chapter presents the Introduction, Background of the Study, Statement of the Problem,

Scope and Delimitation and Significance of the Study.

Introduction

Higher education Institutions is being transformed by globalization, which encourages diversity,

collaboration, and the use of technology. It also forces institutions to adjust to a world that is changing

quickly and becoming more linked.

Tornatzky et al. (2002) and Johnstone and Rivera (1965) defined these two concepts in higher

education that linkage and consortia refer to the official partnerships and relationships that are formed

between various institutions, organizations, or entities. These alliances are established in order to

accomplish common goals, improve capacities, and work together to overcome obstacles, and it is

integral to the strategic development of Higher Educational Institutions serving diverse

purposes. Primarily, they aim to enhance academic collaboration through agreements with

national and global educational institutions. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of

knowledge, resources, and experiences, fostering a global perspective for both students and

faculty. Additionally, linkages contribute significantly to research and innovation, providing

Higher Educational Institutions with varied perspectives and resources. In terms of quality

assurance, these collaborations serve as mechanisms for benchmarking and continuous

improvement, aligning programs with established standards. Collaborative ventures also offer

cost-sharing opportunities, enabling Higher Educational Institutions to overcome financial

constraints, invest in cutting-edge facilities, and diversify program offerings. Moreover,

linkages support social responsibility and community involvement, addressing societal needs

and preparing graduates for the workforce. In policy advocacy, Higher Educational

Institutions organize consortia to collectively address shared concerns and influence

regulatory frameworks, financial allocations, and policymaking processes in the higher

education industry.

Globally, countries embrace this strategic plan in higher education. In the

Netherlands, Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences prioritize linkages and consortia to

enhance the quality of education and research, fostering student socialization and personality

development (Vereniging Hogescholen & VSNU, 2018). This approach aligns with labor

market needs and boosts innovation capacity (Matei et al., 2015). In Europe, the Bologna

Process structures higher education institutions (HEIs), promoting organized, compatible, and

competitive education for European citizens. Initiatives like ERASMUS have facilitated

millions of international students, fostering cross-cultural experiences and values (Morosini

et al., 2017; Kaleja & Egetenmeyer, 2017). Linkages and consortia in European HEIs enable

international and intercultural teaching, learning, and research. (Aerden, 2017).

Furthermore, In Australia, because of wide connections of educational institutions it

became a commercial enterprise, focusing on increasing international scholars for revenue

(Sá & Sabzalieva, 2018). This financial motivation led to the development of practices and

policies in Australian academic institutions. The success of internationalization efforts

included recruiting worldwide students, supporting them, offering global opportunities for

domestic students, and enhancing internationalization at home. The internationalized

curriculum also facilitated the development of discipline-specific programs, increasing

academic legitimacy (Adams et al., 2012, as cited in Sá & Sabzalieva, 2018). Australia

recognized student recruitment and mobility as vital for its economy. In Canada,

internationalization aligned closely with their long-term goal of educational quality assurance

(Anderson, 2015; Guo & Guo, 2017). However, the challenges of globalization include the

rapid demand for Higher Educational Institutions. According to Bates (2000) and Garrison

(2011) Higher Educational Institution are under a lot of financial pressure to strategically allocate

resources for both worldwide efforts and the continuation of their current academic programs. Global

partnerships, which demand large sums of money, struggle with common financial limitations.

technological developments make it difficult to integrate technology into organizations and

international partnerships. Additionally, Knight (2004), stated that policy harmonization becomes an

essential component that necessitates conformity to international norms and unifies various policy

landscapes. Talent mobility adds layers of uncertainty and requires resilience to fortify collaborative

efforts. Marginson (2016) and Jones (2018) highlight how economic and political instability add

layers of uncertainty. Talent mobility is studied by Findlay et al. (2012) and introduces a delicate

balance in collaborative efforts, aiming to enrich without causing "brain drain" or "brain gain."

In the Philippines Linkages and Consortia is anchored in the Commission on Higher

Education (CHED) memorandum order No. 07 Series of 2022 THE 2001 REVISED

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF RA NO. 8292, THE "HIGHER

EDUCATION MODERNIZATION ACT OF 1997". In this mandate, State Universities are

tasked to develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government units,

institutions, and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in furtherance of the

purposes and objectives of the university or college. To better understand the connection of

this to quality indicators in school culture involves investigating various factors crucial for its

development. Yeboah (2015) establishes a strong link between a school's characteristics and

its ability to foster a culture of quality. Effective schools exhibit positive interpersonal

relationships, teamwork, and active stakeholder participation in decision-making. The quality

culture in schools should encompass aspects like the teaching-learning process, student

behavior and performance, teacher development and engagement, management decisions,

leadership, and the achievement of school objectives. Furthermore, Hall and Hord (2015),

propose assessing a culture of quality through practices such as personal mastery, team

learning, and collaborative efforts toward a common vision. Meanwhile, Brockerhoff et al.

(2016) emphasize that perceptions, values, beliefs, and motivational factors significantly

influence the quality culture. In essence, a culture of quality imparts significance to

educational objectives, the teaching-learning process, school achievements, innovation,

effectiveness, and continuous improvement. Despite of this effort’s challenges in Higher

education Institution always occur in the context According to the CHED data for the

Academic Year 2003-2004 reveals that "Education Science and Teacher Training" is the most

sought-after program, attracting approximately 26 percent of students, surpassing the

previously popular "Business Administration and Related Fields" at 17 percent. Other notable

programs include Engineering and Technology (21 percent), Agricultural, Forestry, Fisheries,

and Veterinary Medicine (9 percent), and Mathematics and Computer Science (9 percent).

The current CHED Chairman notes a mismatch between graduates and industry needs,

predicting an oversupply of teacher education graduates (350,000) compared to the demand

for teachers (about 40,000) in the next five years. Similar imbalances exist in Business

Management, Communication Arts, and Customs Administration, leading to graduates

struggling to find jobs in their fields. Concerning faculty, CHED data for the Academic Year

2000-2001 indicates a prevalence of bachelor's degree holders (59 percent), with only 8

percent having doctoral degrees and 26 percent with master's level training. This lack of

advanced training affects the faculty's ability to engage in research. The CHED-

commissioned Evaluation of Graduate Education Programs in 2005 further highlighted poor

ratings for various programs, raising concerns about the quality of faculty with post-
baccalaureate degrees. Possible reasons for this negative state of higher education include a

lack of broad political and legislative support for real reform, unrestrained proliferation of

state colleges and universities, budgetary constraints, and an imbalance in student

distribution.

Marinduque State College as one of the premier Higher Education Institutions in the

region 4B as it quests for university hood, linkages and consortia plays a pivotal role in the

attainment of this endeavor. This Institution established on June 21, 1952, has evolved to

meet the needs of a growing population. Aligned with its mission and vision, MSC's

objective for linkages and consortia supports its development agenda. The institution aims to

be responsive to the changing economic landscape, fostering better opportunities and

enhancing graduates' employment potential. This commitment aligns with the Commissioner

on Higher Education’s push for the internationalization of Philippine Higher Education

Institutions.

Background of the Study

Marinduque State College journey to become an adaptive and full- pledged is fraught

with challenges that echo across its higher education linkages and consortia from financial

strains, technology integration, harmonization of policies, talent mobility, and external instability are

just a few of the challenges that the college has faced. The story of the college also highlights the

larger difficulties that higher education faces in a more globalized society. M arinduque State College

strives to not only weather these obstacles but also emerge stronger, building rich collaborative

relationships in the quest of worldwide academic achievement. This can be achieved by adaptation,

strategic planning, and resilience. The study anchored its analysis on the cornerstone of Marinduque

State College culture of quality, particularly in linkages and consortia, is Stakeholder Theory. It

directs the methodical identification and comprehension of various stakeholders, such as government
agencies, business associates, educators, and collaborating institutions. Tailored efforts are informed

by the recognition of special objectives of stakeholders, such as students who prioritize new teaching

methods and industry partners that desire particular capabilities. By focusing on alignment, MSC

guarantees that quality improvements in consortiums benefit members both internally and outside.

Open communication fosters confidence, which is necessary to maintain cooperative activities.

Stakeholder theory assists MSC in resolving disputes, identifying points of agreement, and weighing

opposing viewpoints. Continual engagement of stakeholders, enabled via feedback channels and

responsiveness, guarantees flexibility in response to changing needs. Understanding the relationship

between credibility, perceptions, and stakeholder perceptions, MSC actively involves stakeholders to

strengthen its standing as a reliable partner in linkages and consortia This study will explore the

practices and enable to analyze the degree of Marinduque State College internal and external

linkages and consortia policies were implemented and employed to influence the delivery of

the overall school culture of quality and formulate Framing Strategies to further increase the

linkages and consortia of the Institution that will contribute the full commitment and effort

towards achieving a culture of quality, hence this study will be conducting.

Statement of the Problem

This Study aims to explore the overall impact of the Linkages and Consortia in contributing

to the culture of quality of Marinduque State College.

Specifically, it aims to accomplish the following inquiries:

1. What links and consortium practices have Marinduque State College's programs utilized to

help develop and fulfill a quality culture within the institution?

2. How do these linkages and consortium activities influence the development of a quality

culture?
3. How can these linkages and consortia practices inform educational paradigm adjustments

that are consistent with a culture of quality?

4. Based from the finding of the study, What Framing Strategies can be proposed by the

researcher’s to further increase the linkages and consortia of the Institution that will

contribute the full commitment and effort towards achieving a culture of quality?

Scope and Delimitation

The study will focus on exploring the overall impact of the Linkages and Consortia in

contributing to the culture of quality of Marinduque State College. Document Analysis and

Interview will conduct to the Deans and Program heads of all the Programs offered in the

institution. The duration of the study will be one year and only limited in Marinduque State

College and other Higher Educational Institutions in the Provine of Marinduque are not part

of the study.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant in fostering a culture of quality in Marinduque State College since

the linkages and consortia plays a crucial in leveraging collaborative opportunities,

diversifying expertise, enhancing resources, and aligning educational offerings with industry

needs. Engaging in such partnerships contributes to the overall growth, development, and

excellence of the institution.

More Specifically this Study is Significant to the Following:

Linkages Partners and Global Community, to expand partnerships that will foster a globally

competitive community of scholars, researchers, and students, contributing to the

internationalization of education and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

National Government and Accreditation Bodies, to create a plan and educational standards that the

Higher Educational Institutions is actively engage in quality consortia and collaborations.

Industry Sectors, to gain access to a pool of skilled graduates and participating in research projects

aligned with their needs. Engaging with the college enhances industry-academic relationships,

ensuring that educational programs are relevant and meeting industry standards.

Local Government Unit, to extend their engagement and collaboration to Marinduque State college in

conducting projects initiated through linkages and consortia that address local challenges, promote

sustainable development, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Marinduque State College Officials and Administrators, to enables them to strategically align

initiatives, make well-informed decisions, and put in place efficient quality assurance procedures. by

enhancing the institution's standing via worthwhile partnerships.

Marinduque State College Faculty of Instruction and Researcher’s, to obtain access to a larger

network of professionals and resources. Collaborative research projects promote scholarly progress,

opportunities for publishing, and the sharing of creative pedagogical approaches. This fosters an

environment of academic excellence and advances the professional growth of the faculty.

Students, to enhance their learning environment brought about by collaboration initiatives, exchange

possibilities, and exposure to various viewpoints. Strong collaborations improve educational options

and guarantee that students are ready for the competitive and global job market.

Future Researchers, that this study will serve as their guide to ensure the improvements of this

research for the benefits of other people.