Strategic Management of Student Funding for Educational Quality Assurance: A Qualitative Case Study at Al Kenzie Elementary School, Bandung

Sofia Fauziah Azhar; Neng Nurbaeti; Yella Prayandra; Lutpi Mubarok; Rini Handriani; Dian

doi:10.29240/jsmp.v10i2.17300

Authors

Sofia Fauziah Azhar Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Neng Nurbaeti Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Yella Prayandra Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Lutpi Mubarok Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia
Rini Handriani Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4936-664X
Dian Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7645-0129

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29240/jsmp.v10i2.17300

Keywords:

Financial Management, Educational Quality, Islamic Elementary School, Total Quality Management, School Management Strategy

Abstract

The sustainability of private Islamic schools is increasingly challenged by limited financial resources alongside growing demands for educational quality. Although previous studies have widely examined school financial management, limited attention has been given to strategic management of student-sourced funding within a Total Quality Management (TQM) framework in private Islamic elementary schools. This study addresses this gap by analyzing how school management strategies transform student-derived funding into a sustainable instrument for improving educational quality. Employing a qualitative descriptive design with a case study approach, the research was conducted at Al Kenzie Elementary School, Bandung. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with school leaders and teachers, participatory observation, and analysis of financial planning and reporting documents. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The findings reveal three integrated strategic dimensions: (1) participatory financial planning based on priority-setting to optimize resource utilization and minimize budget inefficiency; (2) transparent and accountable financial governance through tiered reporting and accessible financial information; and (3) strategic allocation of student funds toward learning facilities, teacher professional development, and quality improvement programs. These strategies contributed to strengthened parental trust, improved organizational accountability, enhanced teacher competence, and better learning quality. The study offers a conceptual contribution by demonstrating that student-sourced funding can function not merely as an operational resource but as a strategic investment in continuous educational quality improvement when managed according to TQM principles. These findings provide practical insights for private Islamic schools facing similar financial constraints.

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