Comparing service quality in public vs private distance education institutions: Evidence based on Malaysia

Sahul Hamid, Fazelina; Yip, Nick

Abstract

Assessment of the quality of distance education institutions has become an important issue that needs to be addressed to ensure program survival. This study uses SERVPERF model to identify the differences that exists in students’ perception of service quality in public and private universities in Malaysia that offer distance education. Our study confirms that this model is valid and reliable. We find that the students’ overall perception of service quality is lower in all five dimensions of service quality for the private universities. The dimensions that influence overall service quality are noticeably different for public and private universities. This suggests that private universities need to improve their service provision in order to remain competitive. Managerial implications of the major findings are discussed.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 15, 2018
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2023
• Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education
• Print ISSN: 1302-6488
• Publisher: Anadolu University
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2
• Pages: 17 - 35
• Series ISSN: 1302-6488
• Keywords: Service Quality, SERVPERF model, distance education; higher learning institutions
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10419342
• Publisher URL: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tojde/issue/43090/522368