Quality Management Practices Research Articles

Toward Sustainable Performance in the Hotel Food Supply Chain: Influences of Quality Management Practices and Digital Integration

This study addresses a gap in the literature on how quality management practices within the food supply chain can be effectively integrated with digital technologies to enhance Food Supply Chain Sustainable Performance (FSCSP) in the hospitality and tourism sector in Egypt. Thus, a quantitative approach was employed, with data being collected through both online and in-person surveys from employees with sufficient knowledge of their hotel’s food products, food supply chain, and quality management practices in five-star hotels in Egypt. SPSS and WarpPLS-SEM techniques were used to analyze the research data. The findings showed that Food Supply Chain Quality Management (FSCQM) practices positively influence both FSCSP and Supply Chain Digital Integration (SCDI), with SCDI serving as a mediator in the relationship between FSCQM and FSCSP. This study is helpful for hospitality businesses in developing economies because it shows how important it is to combine digital innovation with strong quality management to improve operating efficiency and gain a competitive edge in terms of sustainability. This involves fostering a technology-driven culture that encourages creativity, innovation, transparency, and information-sharing among employees to ensure the successful integration of FSCQM practices with hotels’ digital competences.

Total Quality Management, Market Orientation, and Performance: Empirical Insights from the Moroccan Hospitality Industry

The intensity of competition in the hospitality industry has long since highlighted the importance of addressing the intellectual aspect through management practices that focus on the environment, which have become essential in responding to changing market demands. Market Orientation (MO) is widely recognized as a critical growth strategy. It enables organizations to use real-time market intelligence to capitalize on business opportunities and make strategic and operational decisions that align with changing market dynamics. This study takes MO as the research object and investigates the factors influencing its implementation focusing on Total Quality Management (TQM) practices. The research also examines the impact of MO on hotel performance (HP) and assesses how interfunctional coordination (IC) moderates the MO/HP relationship. The study formulates a comprehensive theoretical model, presenting 3 hypotheses. Subsequently, the questionnaire was distributed to hotels based in Morocco, and a total of 93 usable responses were collected. PLS-SEM via Smart PLS 4.0 is used to test the model. Results showed that TQM practices are internal drivers of MO and that MO fosters HP. Moreover, IC moderates the MO/HP relationship, reducing the direct effect. This research offers an empirical contribution by examining how hotels embrace two managerial approaches to enhance performance. Furthermore, it provides a deeper explanation of the current challenges within the Moroccan hospitality industry that justify the focus of the study.

Analysis of Total Quality Management in Various Small-Scale Industries

Objectives: A developing number of scholastic researchers and ranking directors have as of late come to perceive the significance of TQM for working on the quality and business execution of an association. Organization with Total quality management practices (TQM) positively influence better quality management practices and performance. They are the top performers in their business irrespective of the sector. Methods: The apparatuses utilized for examination of information comprise of cross-classification, spellbinding measurements like number-crunching mean, standard deviation, and rate. The measurable strategies utilized for Speculation testing incorporate Binomial test, One-way ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA, Matched t-test, and Step-Wise different direct relapse model. Results: The results of the study also shows that in hospitality sector, Bench Marking, Continuous Improvement, Customer Orientation, Employee Involvement and Top Administration Responsibility have been found affecting business execution. It would be more helpful assuming Key Preparation, Preparing and Inspiration, Interaction Concentration, Provider Concentration, Collaboration and Quality Culture are likewise given more clarity of mind. Conclusion: The specialist has tracked down that the quality cognizance of the representatives as well as of the administration needs to go through a huge improvement to take advantage of the capability of TQM and to boost the business execution.

Seasonal Variation of Air Pollutants Concentration around Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

With the rapid population growth and industrialization across developing countries in recent times, the release of air pollutants into the environment has drawn global attention to the health-related impact on humans. The study examined the seasonal variation of air pollutants concentration around Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Using areas such as Airport Road (AR), Rumuokoro (Rum) and Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), the air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM1, PM10, PM2.5), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Ozone (O3), Carbon IV oxide (CO2) were assessed during wet season (June) and dry season (December) using Aeroqual 500 Multi-Gas Analyzer, with up-to-date calibration. At Rum, the NO2 (0.006ppm and 0.122pm) and SO2 (0.03ppm and 0.05ppm) were within the WHO-AQG, while the CO concentrations of 18ppm and 6ppm were above the WHO-AQG. H2S was undetected at all locations, and CH4 concentration was higher at AR (58ppm and 65ppm) than at other locations, while the detected O3 across the locations and seasons (AR-0.33ppm and 0.36ppm, Rum-0.48ppm and 0.31ppm, NPA-0.18ppm and 0.11ppm) are within the WHO-AQG. Particulate maters-PM1, PM10, and PM2.5 were detected across the locations and seasons, while the highest concentration was reported at Rum (21ppm and 29ppm, 55ppm and 65ppm, and 41ppm). The variation in air pollutants across the studied locations suggests the influence of similar sources or patterns based on anthropogenic actions or microclimate parameters. There is a need to develop monitoring mechanisms, regulations and enforcement measures for air quality management practices.

Impact of TQM Practices on SMEs Performance in Pakistan: Information Technology Turbulence as a Moderator

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. This study considered how Information Technology Turbulence (ITT) by acting as a moderating factor in the era of technological advancements influenced the firm’s performance. The study compared the export performance of SMEs in the sports goods manufacturing sector over the last five years till 2021. About 361 questionnaires were chosen at random for study those were distributed and personally collected, the collected data analysed by using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The research indicated that ITT moderated the association of practicing features of TQM as a major player with the SMEs’ performance. These revelations provided a better understanding of how TQM practices together with ITT affected SME performance, which is beneficial for researchers and policymakers. The researcher used a quantitative approach based on cross-sectional data. The conceptual model in this study intends to propose TQM practices as exogenous and ITT as a moderating variable on the performance of SMEs. This study will be useful for people in strategic positions to make decisions by providing a working ground on factors significance to enhance the SMEs’ performance.

Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainability And Company Performance: A Case Study of Miro Forestry Company Ltd in Mile 91, Sierra Leone

Organizations globally are increasingly adapting to dynamic business environments, where management must consistently identify strategies to maintain or enhance competitive advantage. Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a critical approach for manufacturing firms seeking to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Although previous research has explored the relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, the findings have been inconclusive, signaling the need for further investigation. Notably, in Sierra Leone, limited research exists on the effect of TQM on the performance of manufacturing firms, revealing a knowledge gap. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of TQM practices on the performance of manufacturing firms in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on Miro Forestry Company Ltd. The main objectives of the study are to: (1) assess the impact of customer focus on organizational performance, (2) evaluate the role of top management commitment in enhancing performance, (3) examine the effect of continuous improvement on performance outcomes, and (4) determine the influence of employee involvement on organizational performance. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. A sample of 121 employees was selected from a target population of 400 using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS alongside correlation analyses to assess relationships between variables. The findings were presented using figures and tables. Results show that TQM practices, which mainly involve customer focus, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and employee involvement were found to positively impact organizational performance. Customer focus significantly enhances customer satisfaction, while top management commitment and continuous improvement contribute to overall performance. Employee involvement also positively influences performance outcomes. The study recommends that companies should foster a robust organizational culture characterized by trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, continuous improvement should remain a central focus to sustain performance. Management is also advised to prioritize quality management by motivating employees and offering incentives to support TQM initiatives.

Adaptive AI Alignment: Established Resources for Aligning Machine Learning with Human Intentions and Values in Changing Environments

AI Alignment is a term used to summarize the aim of making artificial intelligence (AI) systems behave in line with human intentions and values. There has been little consideration in previous AI Alignment studies of the need for AI Alignment to be adaptive in order to contribute to the survival of human organizations in changing environments. This research gap is addressed here by defining human intentions and values in terms of survival biophysics: entropy, complexity, and adaptive behavior. Furthermore, although technology alignment has been a focus of studies for more than thirty years, there has been little consideration in AI Alignment studies of established resources for aligning technologies. Unlike the current focus of AI Alignment on addressing potential AI risks, technology alignment is generally focused on aligning with opportunities. Established resources include the critical realist philosophy of science, scientific theories, total quality management practices, technology alignment methods, engineering techniques, and technology standards. Here, these established resources are related to the alignment of different types of machine learning with different levels of human organizations. In addition, established resources are related to a well-known hypothetical extreme example of AI Misalignment, and to major constructs in the AI Alignment literature. Overall, it is argued that AI Alignment needs to be adaptive in order for human organizations to be able to survive in changing environments, and that established resources can facilitate Adaptive AI Alignment which addresses risks while focusing on opportunities.

Consensus of experts on clinical quality management for flow cytometry-based detection of lymphocyte subsets

Flow cytometry (FCM) is used to detect lymphocyte subsets and evaluate the level of cellular immunity in the body, which is one of the commonly used FCM detection projects in clinical practice. To date, numerous institutions and academic organizations, both domestically and internationally, have published guidelines and consensus documents covering various aspects, including the establishment of cytometry laboratories, standardized procedures for detecting lymphocyte subsets, and their clinical applications across different fields, each with a distinct focus. However, in clinical practice, laboratories continue to face challenges in establishing standardized quality management systems, implementing quality assurance activities, developing appropriate detection protocols and gating strategies for various scenarios, and identifying and resolving common issues encountered during detecting. Currently, there is no unified consensus on these issues. To standardize the development of quality management systems for lymphocyte subsets detecion via FCM, enhance laboratory quality management practices, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of results, the Laboratory Medicine Committee of Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine (LMC-CAIM) convened experts to formulate this expert consensus.

Quality management practices toward project performance in healthcare sector: modelling the mediating role of intellectual capital

PurposeThe study examines the influence of quality management practices (QMP) on project performance (PP) and the indirect association of QMP with PP through the mediating role of intellectual capital (IC). QMP may be one of the most successful strategies to improve project performance. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, the study examines the impact of QMP on PP through the mediating role of IC.Design/methodology/approachThe sample frame of 329 employees in different NGOs and public healthcare organizations was selected. Data were analyzed on SmartPLS 3.2.7 by applying SEM.FindingsThe outcome reveals that QMP has a significant impact on PP. The results found partial mediation of IC on the linkage between QMP and PP.Research limitations/implicationsThe key research limitation was that it examined only two antecedents (QMP and IC) of project performance based on RBV and institutional theory, which did not yield deep insights from other institutional forces that could influence the model, such as mimetic pressure, institutional pressure and business orientation.Originality/valueQMP is highly significant in the healthcare sector; however, research on the relationship between QMP, IC and PP is lacking. Thus, this research is an initial attempt to investigate these relationships empirically. We add to our understanding of RBV by investigating the role of IC in mediating the QMP-PP linkage.

Enhancing Project Performance Through Quality (Toyyib) Dimensions: An Empirical Study in Jordan's Construction Industry

This study investigates the impact of key project quality (Toyyib) dimensions—Feasibility, Conformity, Durability, and Serviceability on project performance within Jordan's construction industry. Drawing from existing literature, the study highlights the critical link between quality management practices and enhanced project outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), data collected from 204 managers within Jordan’s construction firms reveal a significant positive relationship between effective quality management and improved project performance. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive quality audits and robust quality control mechanisms in minimizing delays, reducing costs, and achieving project objectives. This research contributes to both theoretical perspectives and practical applications in construction management, advocating for the integration of systematic quality dimensions to drive competitive advantage and sustainable project success.

Relationships between yield, enzymatic activity, and chemical properties across different soil layers and phenological stages of grapevines in southern Brazil

The activities of the enzymes β-glucosidase (GLU) and arylsulfatase (ARYL) in annual crop soils can now be determined in several commercial laboratories in Brazil. The results are used to assess soil quality and recommend management practices. However, this technology is not yet available for vineyards. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the activities of soil GLU and ARYL enzymes are related to grapevine yield and chemical properties in sandy vineyard soils, and to define the phenological stage of the crop and the soil sampling layer that best characterize these relationships. Soil and plant samples were collected in a commercial Vitis vinifera L. vineyard located in the extreme south of Brazil during the 2022/23. The soil was sampled in three layers (0–0.05, 0–0.10, and 0–0.20 m) and at four phenological stages (bud burst, full flowering, veraison, and post-harvest). The activities of the soil enzymes GLU and ARYL, the nutrient content of the soil and the leaf, the quality of the must, and the relative yield (RY) of the grapevine were evaluated. The RY was related to the activity of these enzymes. The best regression model adjustments were observed after harvest and in the 0–0.10 m layer. Enzyme activity was also significantly related to soil organic C and total N, as well as other soil properties, mainly P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mn. The activities of GLU and ARYL enzymes were related to grapevine yield and chemical properties in sandy vineyard soils and soil sampling in the 0–0.10 m layer after harvest is recommended.

Exploring the Role of quality management practices (QMS) in mitigating Construction Failures and building collapse

The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria's construction sector.

Selection of priority watershed for water environment management.

As part of the National Water Management Basic Plan, this study conducted research to identify priority management watersheds in the Yeongsan River basin to respond to changes in water environmental conditions and improve water quality. Analysis of water quality over the past decade revealed that points located in the middle and lower of the Yeongsan River exceeded the target water quality standards. As based on the results, pollution sources and loads indicated that the W-1 watershed, classified as urban areas, exhibited high levels in residential, industrial, and urban landuse characteristics, whereas the W-6 watershed, classified as rural areas, showed high levels in livestock farming, aquaculture, and agricultural landuse (wet and dry filed) categories. To understand the impact of point source (PS) and non-point source (NPS) pollution within the watershed, load duration curve (LDC) analysis was conducted, indicating that downstream segments of all flow ranges exceeded the target water quality standards, necessitating management of both PS and NPS. Multivariate log-linear analysis also confirmed the influence of PS and NPS, suggesting that watershed management should concurrently address both types of pollution. Based on the results, priority management watershed rankings were derived through the calculation of standard and integrated indicators, with the analysis indicating the following order: W-1 > W-6 > W-3 > W-4 > W-2 > W-5 > W-7 > W-8. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Priority management watersheds that urgently need water environment management can be identified. The priority management watershed rankings were derived through the calculation of integrated indicators data on BOD, TP concentration, and loads. Serve as a guide for future diagnostic assessments of pollution sources and the development of effective management strategies. Anticipated to significantly contribute to the establishment of robust water quality management practices in the basin.

How research contributions of professor Jiju Antony have influenced the field of quality management: an appraisal and critique

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to apply bibliometric techniques to critically examine the contributions of Professor (Dr) Jiju Antony in the domain of quality management research over a period close to 30 years (i.e. 1995 to 2023).Design/methodology/approachThe study incorporates a bibliometric analysis approach using VoSviewer software package to critically examine the contributions and trends in publications on Scopus indexed publications of Antony, followed by an industry wide evaluation of contributions made. Thematic analysis of the bibliographic data was imported in comma-separated values (CSV) format by selecting Antony (last name) and Jiju (first name) in the author search tab in Scopus. The search was made on September 09, 2023 and bibliographic records of 429 documents were considered for the analysis. The analysis was carried out in terms of most frequent keywords used, sources with most frequent publications, thematic analysis of most cited works and global collaborations.FindingsAntony has focused his research interest largely in the domain of quality management, publishing his research in top rated journals in the domain with a broad network of international collaborators. Antony has received 18,802 and 40,947 citations in Scopus and Google Scholar, respectively. This signifies the impact that Antony has created through his research publications. His major contributions are on the topics of six sigma, lean six sigma, continuous improvement, critical success factors and quality management practice implementations in various organizations. Diverse methodologies both qualitative and quantitative were utilized to conduct his research. However, his body of work is not without criticism. Such criticism includes the limited scope of work, with narrow focus on ISO 9001 and QMS standards, Total Quality Management (TQM). Critique also highlights the necessity for more depth, following insufficient exploration of distinctions between TQM and operational excellence (OPEX) methodologies like lean, six sigma, kaizen and agile. Antony’s work has yet to consider a diverse range of industry sectors, in terms of implementation of quality management principles, geographical location, the impact of national culture on corporate performance and explore data quality influence on decision-making. Notably, there is clear opportunity to consider the service sector in future research.Originality/valueTo best of the authors’ knowledge, there are few previous studies conducted using bibliometric analysis for analyzing the work of an individual. Therefore, the present study aims to set a trend whereby bibliometric analysis can be used to recognize and critically asses the contributions of other researchers in their respective domains.

Customer-Centric quality management: A framework for organizational excellence in SMEs

In an era where customer expectations are continually evolving, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must adopt innovative quality management practices to achieve organizational excellence. This review presents a customer-centric quality management framework designed specifically for SMEs, emphasizing the pivotal role of customer satisfaction in enhancing operational efficiency, product quality, and overall business performance. The framework is built on the premise that customer feedback and engagement are integral to quality management processes. By prioritizing customer needs and expectations, SMEs can develop quality assurance strategies that not only meet but exceed customer requirements. This approach involves systematic collection and analysis of customer feedback, enabling organizations to identify areas for improvement and innovate their offerings accordingly. Central to the framework are key components such as continuous improvement, employee involvement, and process optimization. Continuous improvement methodologies, like Lean and Six Sigma, are tailored to suit the unique challenges faced by SMEs, fostering a culture of quality that empowers employees at all levels. Engaging employees in quality initiatives cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability, essential for driving organizational change and enhancing service delivery. Furthermore, the framework emphasizes the importance of aligning quality management practices with customer-centric strategies. This alignment ensures that quality initiatives are not only reactive but also proactive, anticipating customer needs and adapting processes to deliver superior value. Incorporating customer relationship management (CRM) tools enhances communication, allowing SMEs to gather insights that inform quality improvements and strengthen customer loyalty. Implementing a customer-centric quality management framework can significantly impact an SME's competitiveness by enhancing product reliability, reducing defects, and improving customer satisfaction. Ultimately, this approach fosters organizational excellence, leading to increased market share and long-term sustainability. In conclusion, this framework equips SMEs with the necessary tools to integrate customer-centricity into their quality management processes, driving continuous improvement and excellence. Keywords: Customer-Centric Quality Management, Smes, Organizational Excellence, Customer Satisfaction, Continuous Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, Employee Involvement, Process Optimization, CRM Tools, Competitiveness.

Total quality management practices among women shea processors: Implication for job performance and household expenditure

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a strategic framework for the continuous improvement of an organisation's practices to achieve overall performance. In the food industry, TQM practices remain inevitable as far as quality remains a benchmark for sustained competition and customer satisfaction. Small businesses like shea processing require continuous improvement, value addition and quality assurance to guarantee access to lucrative and international markets. This could be realised through TQM implementation. However, there is a dearth of studies on the relevance of TQM practices on the performance of shea processors in the literature particularly in the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study explored TQM implementation and its impact on small-scale women shea processors which is rare in the literature but of utmost importance. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 120 shea processors using a multi-stage sampling. The Seemingly Unrelated regression and Structural Equation Modelling were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that socioeconomic characteristics (age, education, experience, off-farm job, paid labour), sources of shea nut characteristics (self-collect, value of shea nut collected/purchased) and sales outlet characteristics (big processors) had heterogenous effect on the implementation of various TQM practices. Positively, all the TQM practices had covariance relationships. Further, the implementation of TQM practices such as training and development, innovation and customer focus had diverse positive effects on the number of customers and workers employed, while the number of customers per production had a positive effect on the household expenditure of processors.

Analysis of Influence of Total Quality Management on Performance of Parastatals in Kenya

From competitive and survival perspectives, the ability to identify dynamics in an environment and timely respond by choosing convenient management approaches, is vital in prosperity of parastatals. Universally, Total Quality Management is one of emerging management trends that ensure this. There is limited evidence linking these in Africa, and specifically in Kenya. From several performance reports including 2021/2022, performance of some parastatals in Kenya is below average (2.40). They register low performance regularly thus implying inadequate total quality management practices. Past studies investigated effect of individual constructs of total quality management leaving composite effect unattached. This study sought to analyze impact of total quality management on performance of parastatals and was guided by resource based View theory. Census approach was applied with 34 as target population, 102 respondents, out of which 12 respondents were for sampling after cluster technique and 86 for actual study. Questionnaires were administered for data harvesting and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Content analysis ensured validity while Cronbach’s alpha tested reliability. Reliability results shows coefficient of 0.818 implying that the instrument was reliable. The findings reveal that TQM had 71.7% significant effect on performance. The study concludes that total quality management has a significant and positive effect on the performance of parastatals in Kenya and recommends that parastatals in Kenya should embrace as a useful strategy for enhancing performance.

Does total quality management mediate the relationship between Industry 4.0 and business sustainability in private hospitals?

PurposeThe paper aims to study the influence of Industry 4.0 technologies on the business sustainability of private hospitals by focusing on the mediating role of total quality management practices in private hospitals in the West Bank.Design/methodology/approachData from the top and middle managers of private hospitals in the West Bank regions of Palestine were collected through a questionnaire assessed for validity and reliability. Furthermore, we used the structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings confirm that Industry 4.0 technologies do not affect business sustainability. The findings also emphasise the association between Industry 4.0 technologies and total quality management philosophy, and total quality management completely mediates the relationship between Industry 4.0 and business sustainability.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical implications for achieving the hospital sector's sustainability by merging Industry 4.0 technologies with total quality management practices, which provides valuable insights into the hospital's policies and practices and individuals vital to data exchange and policy enforcement within the sustainability of organisations.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to investigate the combined effects of Industry 4.0 technologies, total quality management and business sustainability in the healthcare industry following the COVID-19 outbreak. This research is one of few empirical works exploring the interface between Industry 4.0 technologies and total quality management in developing countries, specifically Palestine.

Vision Communication and Firm Quality Performance: The Mediating Role of Employee Involvement and the Moderating Effect of Leader Support.

Vision communication (VC) is an important way for leaders to express their ideas about a blueprint of the future to convince employees that their work is valuable and meaningful in total quality management. This research studies the influence of vision communication (VC) on quality performance (QP) through the mediation of total employee involvement (EI) and the moderation of leader support (LS). With the use of Smartpls 3.0, the collected data based on 2996 samples in Shanghai were used to analyze the various constructs. The results show that both VC and EI affect QP and should be influenced by LS. EI was found to partially mediate the relationship between VC and QP. The results also demonstrate that EI can positively affect improvement in QP via stronger LS and that high-level employee involvement is positively associated with quality performance when leader support is high (vs. low). This research can be inferred as one of the very limited empirical analyses that explored the mediating impact of EI on VC and QP. In the quality management (QM) field, the exploration of the moderating effect of LS on the mediation of the EI between VC and QP can be viewed to be a significant theoretical finding. The findings will be instrumental in assisting managers and administrators in understanding the significance of vision communication and leader support in quality management practice.

The SME R&D intensity and product innovation relationship: the mediating role of quality management in the context of a developing country

SMEs engage in product innovation despite their inherent resource constraints, lack of financial slack, and the under‐development of competitively viable strategic configurations around the globe. While progress has been made in identifying the antecedents and capabilities attributed to successful innovation outcomes and the performance of these firms, there remain disparate and often paradoxical observations on the factors that affect SME innovation performance across geographies (i.e. developed vs developing countries) and operational contexts (R&D intensity and quality management practices). This study collected data from 241 resource‐constrained small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing country (Ghana) to contribute to this debate. The results of structural equation modeling show that quality management mediates the relationship between R&D intensity and product innovation. The results also reveal the effects of knowledge integration and financial slack on the relationship between R&D intensity and product innovation, with a high level of knowledge integration enhancing the effect but a high financial slack hinders it. This study sheds light on a broader range of contextual and financial variables when seeking contingencies of SME product innovation performance within theory and practice.