A model for adopting good quality practices in industries and assessing its impact on manufacturing practices and performance

Abstract

In recent era of globalization, Quality has been treated as a major competing weapon in both the manufacturing and service sectors with a prime concern to gain the market share, improve productivity and profitability. The strategic importance of good quality practices was well accepted by most Quality Management (QM) research, which ultimately results in improved performance and services that can serve as cutting-edge source of competitive advantage. For any firm, recognition of QM holds the key to competitiveness in the global market. In past, many studies have already been undertaken on how to implement and manage several quality practices in organisations, and its relative association with business performance. Total Quality Management (TQM) has been considered as one of the most influential management innovations of the 20th century. TQM ensures an organization to meet its mission and ultimate objective of long-term survival. Literature review in QM suggests that two other QM practices, ISO 9000 series of quality standards and Business Excellence (BE) Models, also had a significant influence on contemporary management practices. In the atmosphere of cut throat business competition, the industries in India are compelled to adopt good quality culture in their organization and the role of a quality manager is one that is constantly evolving. This research aims to investigate the good quality practices in Indian industries and assessing its impact on manufacturing practices and performance, through a newly developed model and framework; which integrates ISO 9000, TQM and BE Models. newlineIt was suggested that impact of length of time with QM will be realised over a time period, and different approaches of quality implementation in firm also affects the manufacturing practices and performance outcomes. Apart from good quality practices, the other factors viz. age of firm, size of firm, technology usage (type of manufacturing), and annual sales turnover also influences the manufacturing performance outcomes.