Assessment of Total Quality Management Adoption Level in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the adoption level of Total Quality Management (TQM) in pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Southwestern Nigeria by a cross-sectional survey of staff in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States of Nigeria involving 348 of the 2,649 members, selected by multi-stage sampling. Primary data were collected using a set of pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which sought to elicit information on the level of TQM adoption and designed with items on a Likert–type scale of seven alternative responses with weighting scores of 0 through 6, representing seven stages (levels) in the adoption process. Adoption was taken as becoming effective from the sixth stage (level 5). Factors influencing TQM adoption were identified by employing a Likert-type influence scale with five alternative responses and weighting scores of 0 - 4. Weighted averages (WA) and means of weighted averages (MWA) were employed in summarising the data while t-test and regression analyses were used in identifying significant relationships between variables at 5% significance level. The results showed that TQM adoption was at implementation (trial) level (MWA ≈ 4) and had not become actualised in the industry (t = 11.906, df = 3, p = .000). The study concluded that the adoption level of TQM in this industry was at trial level and TQM adoption was ineffective. Thus, there is need for improved adoption of the various components of TQM, particularly ‘leadership commitment’ and this can be achieved through sustained TQM training and advocacy by professional associations within the industry such as Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).