ISO 21001:2018 as a Catalyst for Institutional Excellence: A Qualitative Assessment of Educational Management System Reform in Indonesian State Islamic Universities
Keywords:
ISO 21001:2018, Educational Management Systems, Service Quality, Islamic Higher Education, International StandardsAbstract
Delivering high-quality educational services remains a persistent and evolving challenge for State Islamic Universities (Universitas Islam Negeri/UIN) in Indonesia, particularly in reconciling deeply embedded Islamic pedagogical values with the imperatives of international academic standards. This study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of ISO 21001:2018 implementation in enhancing service quality within State Islamic Religious Universities in Indonesia. A qualitative case study design was employed, with data generated through semi-structured in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and systematic document analysis. Data were obtained from 25 purposively selected informants comprising quality assurance personnel, academic staff, and students at Universitas Islam Negeri Kiai Haji Achmad Siddiq (UIN KHAS) Jember, a single state Islamic university actively implementing ISO 21001:2018. The findings demonstrate that ISO 21001:2018 substantially strengthens institutional accreditation by standardising quality management processes and advancing both human capital development and physical infrastructure. The certification process meaningfully elevates stakeholder trust and reinforces academic quality assurance through systematic evaluations and transparent audit mechanisms. Furthermore, the integration of ISO 21001:2018 fosters a participatory institutional culture and sustains continuous improvement across educational service dimensions. This study underscores the critical importance of contextualising international quality standards within local educational traditions and faith-based institutional values. The ISO 21001:2018 framework offers a viable and adaptable strategic model for quality governance that may be replicated across other Islamic higher education institutions seeking international recognition.
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