Total quality management transfer to small and medium industries in Malaysia by SIRIM

Abstract

In today's economy, competition is greater than ever. For small and medium industries (SM Is) to continue to survive and grow, the quality of their goods and services is of paramount importance. Many SMIs are working very hard to achieve good quality goods and services, and using them as competitive advantages in their business. In the 1990s, there are two main aspects of quality that capture the attention of most businesses in the world: how to satisfy customers better and total quality management (TQM). M uch publicity and many publications can be found on these two subjects. In 1992, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) sent a study team headed by Mr M. Sakanashi of UNICO International Cooperation to study the quality improvement programme in Malaysia. A report was published in January 1993 with recommendations for SMIs. This paper uses the report findings as a starting point and attempts to survey the current thinking and development of TQM. The rationale for trying to achieve TQM through...