Abstract. Quality Management System (QMS) is a structured framework or set of processes and procedures an organization implements to consistently deliver educational services and administrative processes that meet or exceed established quality standards. This study examined the QMS practices among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region XII, Philippines. Using an embedded mixed-method research design, data were collected through surveys and interviews with deans, faculty, students, and quality assurance directors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to treat the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The quantitative results initially indicated that the private and public HEIs mostly practice the implementation substantially and consistently, indicating that the majority of instances or situations involve the application of the practice, demonstrating a commendable level of adherence. Qualitative probes elaborated on various QMS practices employed by private and public HEIs related to leading, planning, engaging, empowering, cultivating, and governing. Moreover, the quantitative results revealed that the QMS practices are the same across HEIs regardless of categories and groups of respondents. With this result, typical features of QMS practices employed by private and public HEIs uncovered in the qualitative results encompass leadership and governance support, policy development, implementation, academic support, academic environment, and data quality management. The overall outcomes of this research are the proposed policy recommendations to enhance QMS practices in HEIs, highlighting components related to communication, performance monitoring and analysis, stakeholder engagement and feedback, transparency and accountability, benchmarking and competitive analysis, professional development, and well-being. The research findings imply that by adopting and enhancing QMS practices, HEIs can significantly improve educational outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and institutional reputation, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the academic environment.

Keywords: Educational management; Quality management system practices; Embedded mixed-method research design; Philippines.