Strategic Management of Elementary Madrasah Principals in Improving The Quality of Education Through A Swot Analysis Approach

Abstract

Improving the quality of education in Islamic elementary schools (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah) requires strategic leadership capable of integrating institutional strengths with external environmental dynamics. However, in many educational institutions, SWOT analysis is often limited to organizational assessment and has not been optimally utilized as a strategic decision-making framework for school leaders. This study aims to examine how the principal's strategic management contributes to educational quality improvement through a SWOT-based approach at Madrasah. A qualitative case study design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings reveal that the principal implemented strategic management by integrating SWOT analysis into the stages of planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating the school's flagship Qur'an memorization (Tahfiz) program. The strategy was supported by qualified human resources, a distinctive religious curriculum, and visionary leadership committed to the school's vision, resulting in improved student achievement, the development of Qur'an-memorizing graduates with strong Islamic character, and increased public trust in the institution. This study implies that SWOT analysis functions not merely as an organizational assessment tool but as a strategic leadership framework that supports sustainable educational quality improvement in Islamic elementary schools.