TQM Practices Research Articles

Evaluating the impact of lean practices on environmental performance: evidences from five manufacturing companies

Previous evidence suggests that lean practices help organizations to enhance environmental performance. However, the impact of lean practices on the environment is still unclear. This study, therefore, aims to analyse the relationship between lean and environmental performance in two main stages: first, a review of the relevant literature was developed, followed by a multiple case study analysis conducted in five manufacturing companies. Onsite data were collected from the firms during a 5 years’ time span of research and developing semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that the environmental performance of the companies analysed is generally enhanced in the long-term after the implementation of lean. Moreover, the results suggest that the environmental performance of the firms investigated is mainly improved by using JIT and TQM practices in a lean transformation context. The research findings provide further results remarking the possible negative impact of Kanban deliveries, 5S and TPM on various environmental performance indicators.

Establishing a Logical Nexus between the Application of Total Quality Management TQM and Organizational Performance

In this study, there will be a testing of the strength of the relationship between TQM practice and the performance of the organization and with the use of covariates, the size of the company, the type of industry and the ISO 9000 certification status. There will be an analysis of a very large and random sample of 150 manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia was chosen for the study. The main finding that is made here that TQM tends to have mixed results when it is covaried for company size and the type of industry involved. It was found that the relationship that exists between TQM and organizational performance is not very much affected when it is covaried for ISO 9000 certification status. The conclusion that is made in the reseas is that there are significant differences within the relationship that exists between TQM and the performance of the organization across industry sectors and various different size companies, and this is particularly of concern relating to the effect of defect rates, the warranty costs and the innovation of new products. In reference to the main implication of the findings for managers that was made here is that a typical manufacturing organization can be likely to achieve better performance when it comes to employee relations, the level of customer satisfaction, the level of operational performance and also business performance, when they apply TQM principles and practices as opposed to if they did not practice TQM.

Uncovering the Myths of TQM in Readymade Garment Sector of Pakistan: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

Quality has always been center of gravity for superior competitive advantage. TQM has captured attention of both practitioners and academicians because it is an important management practice for improving performance. This research is aimed to provide insight of the challenges faced by readymade garment industry of Pakistan for implementation of TQM principles. In depth literature, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Matriced' Impacts Croise's Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement (MICMAC) analyses have been employed to investigate the phenomena under study. Discourse of literature revealed that there are twenty challenges in implementation of TQM. Lack of employee trust in senior management is the most critical challenge to be addressed that occupies bottom of the model. Lack of formalized strategic plan for change and lack of leadership occupy highest position in the model hence attracts least attention. MICMAC analysis revealed that lack of consistency of purposes autonomous, lack of evaluation procedures and benchmark indices and obsolete technology are independent and all other challenges fall in linking quadrant. Whereas no such challenge is exclusively categorized as dependent, however, most of the linking factors have high degree of dependence as well. This study is useful for the organizations which are in process of implementing TQM practices.

Impact of technology management on corporate sustainability performance

PurposeCorporate sustainability is an evolutionary strategic management concept that has now attained much attention both in literature and practice. In the present globalization and digital age, the competitive strengths of technology management (TM) and TQM practices are widely accepted but to what extent these strategies can interact and impact the sustainability performance is unknown. The purpose of this paper is to portray the significant role of TM and TQM in pursuing corporate sustainability performance (CSP) and to investigate their integrated relationship as a common framework.Design/methodology/approachThis is a survey-based empirical research that has been carried out by means of development of a survey questionnaire and its distribution to multifaceted business organizations in a developing country. Random sampling technique was used for the data collection from companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Response from 209 companies was found useful for analysis in the study. After confirming the questionnaire items for reliability and validity (content, criterion-related and construct validity) correlation, regression, factor analysis, path analysis and mediation analysis were performed through SPSS and AMOS to assess the composition and causal association of factors.FindingsStatistical results show that TQM does not only significantly impact CSP but also has an impact on each CSP dimension (economical, social and environmental sustainability performance), whereas TM has an insignificant direct effect on CSP and impacts economical sustainability dimension only. From nine hypotheses, two hypotheses are rejected suggesting that TM does not directly impact social and environmental sustainability. However, when mediation analysis was run by taking TQM as a mediator, the total effect of TM on CSP found significant suggesting that TQM significantly impacts the relationship.Research limitations/implicationsPaucity of response data can be a limitation for such empirical research. Due to practical limitations and risks in the data presentation of mixed cultural dimensions, the data was collected only from in country organizations. Moreover, respondents in the local country do not keenly participate in such surveys because of a gap between the industry and academia.Practical implicationsThe study attempts to examine the practice and performance levels of CSP, TQM and TM among multi industries, thereby, extending a better understanding of the prevailing situation with regards to these concepts in a developing country. Though the results of the study confine local inferences but the findings can be generalized to other part of the world if further research is carried out with more data.Social implicationsThe study outcomes draw the attention of the country’s executive leadership and the industrial boards toward the implementation of the most top-ranked agenda of sustainability performance in connection to quality and TM practices. One of the major findings reveals that local organizations are primarily more focused toward economical sustainability dimension, however, benefits of economical stability can be improvised to attain environmental and social sustainability performances with desired concentration on technology advancement and TQM culture and practice.Originality/valueThe study is unique in the prescribed scope which has been carried out in a developing country with focus on strategic concepts, and their interacted relationship, of CSP, TQM and TM in form of proposed research framework. This framework can be used or further investigated for validation, by practitioners and managers working to lead sustainability management in respective areas.

Total Quality Management Practices and Performance of Organizations in the Real Estate Industry, Case of Property Developers in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The real estate industry is one of the most important industries for the development and economy of a nation and therefore important that adequate measures are put in place to ensure quality in the sector. Most of the studies reviewed locally provide no conclusive evidence on whether TQM is linked to performance in the real estate industry in Kenya. This study sought to determine the effect of adoption of TQM practices on performance of firms within the real estate industry in Kenya .The specific objectives of the study were: to assess the extent to which customer orientation, top management commitment to quality, employees’ empowerment and continuous improvement focus effect on performance of real estate firms in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study was senior management and customer service officers within real estate property developers companies in Nairobi County, Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 firms from the published list of Kenya Private Developers Association (KPDA). Questionnaires were employed as the instrument of data collection whereby both closed and open-ended questions were asked. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive analysis was undertaken to examine the effects of TQM practices on performance. Data was presented in tables and interpretation was made based on research objectives. The organizational performance of the Real Estate Companies involved in the study was generally great. The extent to which customer orientation, top management commitment to quality, employees’ empowerment and continuous improvement has influenced the organizational performance of the Real Estate Companies was great. Pearson correlation coefficient showed there was a strong association between the organizational performance and customer orientation, top management commitment, employee empowerment and continuous improvement. Regression model established that 73.7% of the variation in organizational performance in real estate industry is explained by customer orientation, employee empowerment, top management commitment and continuous improvement leaving 26.3% unexplained. The study further recommended that the top management should ensure effective customer orientation process is carried out so as to ensure customers are satisfied with the products and services they receive. Top management should show more commitment to ensuring quality by channeling more resources on processes or activities focused towards ensuring delivery of high quality products and services. The management should empower their employees through frequent trainings on matters pertaining to quality as this will improve on their skills in ensuring delivery of quality products and services to customers. Organizations should always encourage efforts from their employees aimed at improving their products, services or processes.

Structural Equation Modelling of the Relationship between TQM Practices and Organizational Commitment in Higher Educational Institutions

Structural Equation Modelling of the Relationship between TQM Practices and Organizational Commitment in Higher Educational Institutions

TQM practices and its performance effects – an integrated model

PurposeTotal quality management practices have been embraced by many quality-oriented firms around the world in order to improve performance in terms of quality, productivity, customer satisfaction and profitability. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct and indirect effects of TQM practices on various performance indicators specifically in the Indian manufacturing context. This paper focuses on developing an integrated model encompassing significant structural relations showing the linkage between TQM practices and multiple performance indicators – quality performance, customer satisfaction level, operating performance, employee performance, innovation performance, society results and financial performance. Apart from analyzing the direct relationship between constructs, the main purpose of this work is also to identify all the possible mediation effects of performance indicators on others using structural equation modeling (SEM).Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth literature review was conducted to identify the key practices for the successful implementation of TQM in an organization as well as to explore TQM-performance effects. As a result, four TQM practices and seven performance indicators were identified. The data were collected from 260 Indian manufacturing organizations. After confirming the reliability and validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the proposed hypotheses were tested using SEM.FindingsThrough testing the proposed hypothesized structural model, the direct and indirect effects of TQM practices have been examined. Moreover, this work developed an integrated model showing the interrelationships between TQM practices and performance indicators identified. The findings gave an insight that the effective implementation of TQM practices assists in reaping benefits in the every facet of an organization. By implementing these practices effectively, managers can expect to realize improvement in all these performance areas.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is subject to certain limitations. Even if all variables were found to be reliable, valid and satisfactory non-response bias test results, the remote possibility of bias in the data might not be fully ruled out. There is a probability of occurrence of common method variance and common method bias, since the data for both dependent and independent variables were collected from the same respondents in the organization. Additionally data on performance indicators were based on the respondent’s assessment and awareness only. The mediating relationship between individual TQM practice and performance indicators can be investigated in future studies. Since society results are a necessity in future, the direct and indirect practices focusing toward this can be explored. In addition, there is a research scope to identify the moderating effect of contextual factors such as degree of TQM implementation, scope of operation and type of organization.Practical implicationsThe findings of the research offer some potentially valuable insights into the relevance of TQM practices and its strong linkage on various performance indicators, through which the overall organization performance can be enhanced. By implementing these practices effectively, managers can expect to realize improvement in all these performance areas. Hence, the managers can adopt this approach to assess their organization’s level in the quality path and as a guideline in implementing TQM practices. They can also measure the impacts of TQM practices on multiple performance measures in order to evaluate their TQM initiatives. Especially the deployment of quality culture is a requisite to excel in the every facet of performance. The positive relationship between TQM practices and various performance indicators can motivate the managers to allocate resources in time, effort and capital for TQM implementation in pursuing quality, leading to customer retention and competitiveness. The findings of the study strongly suggest the need for the holistic implementation of TQM practices for the survival of the organization.Originality/valueWhile there is a considerable volume of researches carried out to investigate the linkage between TQM and organization’s performance across the globe, still little is evidenced regarding the mediating effect of performance indicators on others, especially in the Indian manufacturing context. The present paper attempts to extend and add knowledge to this line of research and to bridge the gap and provide sufficient empirical evidence specifically in the Indian scenario. Thereby helps the organization to follow a guideline to improve the overall performance.

Impact of JIT, TQM and green supply chain practices on environmental sustainability

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the complementary impact of JIT, TQM and green supply chain practices on environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachData from a sample of 225 US manufacturing managers are analyzed using a PLS-SEM methodology.FindingsJIT and TQM are directly and positively associated with green supply chain management practices. JIT, TQM and green supply chain practices are complementary in that combined they provide a greater impact on environmental performance than if implemented individually.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is limited to US manufacturing managers, with a low response rate.Practical implicationsSuccessful implementations of JIT and TQM improvement programs support the implementation of green supply chain management practices leading to improved environmental performance.Social implicationsThe combination of JIT, TQM and green manufacturing practices improves the environment by eliminating all forms of waste and providing customers with eco-friendly products and services.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to empirically assess the complementary impact of JIT, TQM and green supply chain practices within the context of environmental sustainability.

An empirical investigation of the relationship between TQM practices, quality performance, and customer satisfaction level

Although much has been written about TQM, little attention has been paid to determine the effect of TQM practices on organisations performance measures, particularly in the Indian manufacturing context. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the significant impact of TQM practices on quality performance and customer satisfaction level of an organisation through an empirical approach. This paper also extends the research on exploring the mediating effect of quality performance on the relationship between TQM practices and customer satisfaction level. The empirical data was collected from a survey of 260 manufacturing organisations in India using a self-administrated questionnaire. After confirming the reliability and validity of latent variables with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling technique. The findings support the proposed hypotheses that there is a positive and significant relationship between TQM practices and quality performance as well as customer satisfaction level simultaneously. The results of the study also support the hypothesis that quality performance partially mediates the relationship between TQM practices and customer satisfaction level.

Total quality management practices and their impact on performance: case study of Royal Jordanian Airlines

This study aims to examine the relationship between TQM practices and the organisational and quality performance of the Royal Jordanian Airlines and to specify which of the studied practices control the performance. The methodology used in this research is based on a questionnaire survey. The independent variables included the TQM practices (top management commitment, training and education, teamwork and continuous improvement) and the dependent variables are the organisational performance and quality performance. The data were obtained from 179 members in the top managerial positions of the RJ out of 247. A statistical analysis (SPSS) was used to analyse and examine the study hypotheses; correlation analysis was employed to test the validity of the procedure. Reliability and validity were examined along with measuring central tendency. Findings reveal a strong relationship between TQM practices and organisational and quality performance of the Royal Jordanian Airlines. The study recommends that managers should consider TQM practices to enhance performance, allocate resources and develop an environment that supports continuous improvement ideas.

An empirical investigation of the relationship between TQM practices, quality performance, and customer satisfaction level

An empirical investigation of the relationship between TQM practices, quality performance, and customer satisfaction level

Exploring the role of TQM and supply chain practices for firm supply performance in the presence of information technology capabilities and supply chain technology adoption: A case of textile firms in Pakistan

Exploring the role of TQM and supply chain practices for firm supply performance in the presence of information technology capabilities and supply chain technology adoption: A case of textile firms in Pakistan

Do TQM practices improve organisational success A case study of electronics industry in the UAE

Do TQM practices improve organisational success A case study of electronics industry in the UAE

The Impact of Soft TQM Practices on Organizational Enactment: A Mediating Role of OHSAS18001 Standard

The purpose of the study is to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationship between soft TQM practices and organizational enactment and to demonstrate the indirect impact on organizational enactment from the perspectives of OHSAS18001 standard. The tool of analysis is used of the study through stratified random sampling by structural equation model (SEM) analysis of quantitative method of survey data collection. The finding of the study showed that all soft TQM dimensions are well implemented as part of RMG industry of human related indicator measured with OHSAS18001 enabling to perform a dominant practice. The result of the study is also prescribed potential implications for the management of RMG industry in Bangladesh is supported of human related aspect of TQM as integral part of business's strategic visualization to obtain higher level indicators of leadership, employees, and customer by ensured of workplace health & safety toward organizational enactment.

Total quality management practices and organizational performance in the construction chemicals companies in Jordan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between total quality management practices and the organizational performance in the Jordanian construction chemicals companies.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, ten constructs were used to measure TQM practices, whereas six constructs were used to measure the organizational performance. A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to 28 companies. Of these 131 questionnaires were completed and used for the analysis, representing a response rate of 81.9 percent.FindingsAnalysis has shown that TQM practices positively affect the organizational performance, with a significant value for top management commitment, customer focus, supplier management, process control and continuous improvement.Research limitations/implicationsResults were based on perceptual data provided by participants working in different sectors of the organization, which may not provide a clear picture. It would be appropriate to consider collecting information from several stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. Willingness of respondents and delivering data within time were a big challenge though efforts were made to guarantee the confidentiality of the respondents.Practical implicationsResults from this research points out that TQM is considered as a key-contributing factor to firm’s survival. It also provides empirical support that TQM implementation in manufacturing organizations contributes to the performance and survival of such organizations. This research also provides an understanding of the dynamic role of TQM practices that would help managers pay attention to the fundamental practices that have a direct impact on the firms’ performance. This will help the organizations to dedicate efforts and allocate resources to get the best long-term outcomes and to figure out their strengths and weaknesses to develop and implement a new strategy to enhance their competitive position.Originality/valueConstruction sector in Jordan is a competitive sector. Therefore, quality in such industry is vital. Many companies in Jordan have much interest in implementing TQM practices. However, research efforts related to this field are rare. No research papers investigating the relationship between TQM practices and performance in Jordanian construction chemicals companies have been found. This research, therefore, seeks to examine the relationship between TQM practices and the construction chemicals firms’ performance in Jordan.

Total quality and socially responsible management (TQSR-M)

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated conceptual framework of total quality management and corporate social responsibility.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on stakeholder theory, which stresses the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Therefore, companies generate profit for their shareholders by producing high quality products and services to emphasize human dignity and to satisfy their employees without harming people and the natural environment.FindingsThe results of the study suggest an integrated conceptual framework by identifying the critical factors that are parallel between quality management and social responsibility to satisfy key stakeholders’ demands.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conceptual in nature, and empirical research is needed to identify the critical factors that promote the application of TQM and CSR practices, which are limited.Practical implicationsThe proposed conceptual framework may facilitate the management of an organization to evaluate its quality and social programs and will highlight problem areas that can be improved. This study contributes to the literature on TQM and CSR and captures the important factors for effective TQM and CSR practices. The conceptual framework will help researchers and firms to recognize TQM and CSR initiatives and establish a strengthened relationship between corporate strategy and social conditions.Originality/valuePrevious studies have been conducted separately in the areas of TQM and CSR, and there are still not sufficient number of studies to simultaneously integrate quality management and social responsibility. Thus, there is a critical research gap, which raises the question of how the integration of TQM and CSR practices can be developed. There is a need to recognize the mechanism through which the specific element of CSR would be included as an implicit and/or explicit aspect or whether it should be addressed along with TQM. Therefore, this study proposes an integrated conceptual framework that can be applied to the broader issues of responsibility rather than just quality.

Country and sector effects on the relationships among TQM practices and key performance measures

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze if and how country- and sector-related contingency factors affect the implementation of TQM practices and various performance measures within a TQM-performance relationships model framework.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used data from 156 firms in Turkey and 132 firms in North Cyprus (NC) to test the model relationships by utilizing multiple group structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe study finds support for both the universal and the contingency argument within the context of country and sector analyses. Although our findings suggest no differences across the two countries, the authors find evidence for differences across sectors in terms of their TQM practices and performance outcomes. In the case of NC firms, the direct effects of TQM on human resource results and customer results constituted the missing linkages in the performance excellence framework.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suffers from the same limitations common to all survey research. However, it contributes strongly to the limited TQM contingency research by providing new findings and insights. This study must be replicated in different countries and other types of contextual factors must be used to determine if and how they moderate the model relationships. Other theories are also needed to better explain some of the relationships.Practical implicationsThere needs to be a more holistic approach to quality management and increased institutional support for quality initiatives in developing countries. Through proper alignment and integration of their different components, organizations can realize maximum improvement in their business results. Understanding the sector level contingencies before implementing a performance excellence model is also recommended.Social implicationsThe study has several social, economic and policy implications, including the need to improve employees’ work environment to improve their lives and prevent brain drain; to pass legislation to improve lax consumer laws; to found quality institutes to promote the education, training, qualification and professional development of employees working in the various sectors of the economy; and for government and employers to realize the importance of valuing stakeholders and delivering value and results to them to ensure long-term success.Originality/valueThis is one of the few studies in TQM contingency research that tests various relationships among TQM and business results by using country and sector as contingency factors.

Impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on company’s performance: Tunisian context

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and their impact on performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review of research that investigated the TQM and Six Sigma best practices and performance, the TQM/Six Sigma practices are classified into three key categories: top management commitment and support (TMCS), infrastructure and core practices. This paper proposes a path model linking these practices and performance. The empirical data were obtained from a survey of 91 Tunisian companies in different sectors. The research model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) technique based on SmartPLS software.FindingsThe result shows that the implementation of Six Sigma practices is based majorly on the TQM practices. Also, it reveals the positive impact of TQM/Six Sigma practices on performance. Furthermore, the analysis of path model reveals the relative interdependence and significant link between TMCS, infrastructure, core practices and performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe path model tested in this study combines the TQM/Six Sigma practices and reveals their link with performance, which enhance the research theory of both two approaches. Moreover, it will be a useful support for the quality expert on the effective integration of TQM and Six Sigma methods.Originality/valueThis study is the first one which studies the link between TQM/Six Sigma practices and company’s performance in the Tunisian context based on PLS technique.

An Empirical Study on TQM Practices and its Influence on Employee Satisfaction and Performance in Technical Institutions: Teachers' Perspectives

Objective - Employee satisfaction and employee performance are critical to a service-oriented organization and its performance. Employees play a crucial role in the successful delivery of service and maintaining customer relationships in service oriented organizations. Satisfied employees in general perform better in service delivery as compared to unsatisfied employees. Employee satisfaction, in turn, results from total quality management initiatives such as top management support, employee training, employee participation, employee rewards, and team work that enable employees to provide better customer service. While the relationship of TQM practices and employee satisfaction has been tested in other service sectors, it has not been explored in the education sector. The objective of this paper is to investigate how TQM practices have an impact on employee satisfaction and employee performance within the context of technical institutions in India. Methodology/Technique - The data is collected from 250 teaching faculties of technical institutions in the southern states of India. Findings - The results of the study confirm that TQM practices are significantly positive predictors of employee satisfaction, which in turn contributes to better employee performance within the educational sector in India. Novelty - This study contributes to the development of literature by empirically testing the link between TQM practices and employee satisfaction and employee performance within the context of the education sector. Type of Paper: Empirical. Keywords: Total Quality Management; Employee Satisfaction; Employee Performance; Technical Institutions. JEL Classification: A20. A29.

The Effect of TQM on firm Performance: Empirical Study in Jordanian Private Airlines

The purpose of this study was to explre the relationship between total quality management and firm performance, i.e. quality, business and organizational performance in Jordanian private airlines. The design of this study has a quantitative approach. Data was obtained by questionnaire instrument. The respondents of this study are all employees in quality department, maintenance department, human resource department, and operation department. The number of population was 480 employees. Random sampling was used in the study. 340 completed questionnaires were analyzed as a final sample. Three hypotheses have been developed through literature review and tested using descriptive statistical analysis performed by SPSS. The results show that total quality management practices have a positive and significant impact on business, quality, and organizational performance in Jordanian private airlines. The study reports that effective implementation of total quality management practices results in enhancing airline performance. The major limitation of this study is that the study asked for perceived data about actual TQM practices and performance measures, but the respondents might have given desired data, which made their companies sound good, most of the respondents were non managers and from different departments in addition to the quality department, who might not understand to answer the questions accurately. Another limitation was that business performance tenets were measured by using one question per each tenet. Future research may investigate those TQM practices and performance measures in another Jordanian industry.