Effective Total Quality Management in the textile fashion retail supply chain: A pilot survey of the UK textile manufacturers

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a well documented philosophy for improving business and operations activities through adopting quality management systems, procedures and competencies. The approach is underpinned by the notion of striving for excellence in performance in fulfilling customer expectations. The aim of this pilot survey is to examine how widespread TQM has been implemented within the UK textile manufacturing sector that is characterised by a high proportion of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) managing unpredictable and volatile demand. The survey investigates the effects of quality management systems on business performance and highlights a number of difficulties including cost constraints, and lack of training and productivity improvements. Reported benefits in team working, quality awareness and customer satisfaction were noted.