What is it about?

The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the perception of customers (students) about the services provided by Brazilian universities, through the identification of the attributes that impact on customer satisfaction and the dimensions or factors related to quality in services. This may generate a better management and seek more competitive edge in graduate courses. The research method was developed in two phases: the first one is characterized by a qualitative and exploratory approach and the second one as a quantitative research of conclusive character. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were implemented with a semi-structured approach. A survey was performed in the final phase and a multivariate statistical technique was used for the data analysis.

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Why is it important?

The results echoed in a set of 40 analyzed attributes (variables), distributed in six dimensions of quality in services, in the graduate courses (second cycle) of administration, which could serve as a basis for orienting other Brazilian universities. Taking into account the current scenario of increased competition between the Brazilian universities to attract and retain students, the knowledge of student’s preferences and the dimensions of quality service can effectively contribute in the development of strategies and actions for an effective graduate programs management (second cycle), and for their consolidation in the Brazilian market.

Perspectives

The identification of the attributes that represent the quality dimensions, related to the services provided, can assist any Brazilian university to prioritize its strategies and actions and to contribute to excellence in education. In addition, it may encourage customer retention (students) and consolidate its market position. Moreover, the study can contribute as a source of empirical data for transferability and benchmark strategies in other contexts for Brazilian universities.

PhD Gabriel Sperandio Milan
Unisinos - Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

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This page is a summary of: Service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction in a Brazilian university context, Benchmarking for Quality Management & Technology, October 2016, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/bij-09-2014-0089.
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