Linking student satisfaction and service quality perceptions: the case of university education

Suggests that, despite hundreds of publications on consumer satisfaction and service quality, little work has been done to clarify the conceptual basis of these constructs; theorists in the area of service quality argue that the popular press does not differentiate between these two constructs. Clarifies the relationship between consumer satisfaction and perceived service quality using a scenario specific to higher education. Also suggests a model of perceived service quality that could be used in higher education institutions. Discusses conceptual and managerial implications of the findings.