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Purpose Within the operations management literature, quality management (QM) has been one of the most popular research areas over the last few decades. The impact of QM systems on firm performance has been the subject of constant interest and challenge among researchers. Last such review was done in 2002 based on QM-related articles published between 1994 and 1999 and these were primarily on Total Quality Management (TQM). In the last 18 years, a large number of empirical studies have been attempted to investigate QM system-performance relationships in different contexts, covering not only TQM but also other QM systems such as ISO 9001, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and Six Sigma Continuous Improvement projects. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive review of 263 papers published in 17 reputed journals during the period 2000 to 2017, this paper shows the reflections of QM systems with respect to study of different QM systems, type of research designs being used, performance categories and metrics being used, and application of tools/techniques. Findings The literature review has revealed several gaps in research in the area of QM and calls for research on: empirical longitudinal case studies; implementation of multiple QM systems; identification of leading indicators of firm’s performance; standardization of performance measures; safety, environment and health-related performance measures; the differences in the QM systems on firm’s performance for manufacturing vs service organizations; application of QM systems in developing countries including Asian countries; and impact of ISO 9001 QM system on firm’s performance. Originality/value The literature reviews in the past had considered only the TQM-related articles published in reputed journals and did not cover other QM systems such as TPM, TOC, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 QMS, etc., which have also been widely used in many organizations, more so in the last 15 years.

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The strategic focus of organisations today is on the customer and internal and external processes. This paper presents a systematic approach to project process development and identifies key aspects of long-term process evaluation. A framework for process development is presented with special emphasis on value-adding activities in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects. The framework provides a better understanding of the dynamic processes and critical interfaces in inter-organisational networks. The choice of concepts and final construction of the framework is informed by an empirical research of EPC projects, and a case study of the power division of Wä rtsilä Corporation is analysed. Empirical findings are gathered through the Delphi method and the use of personal group interviews with the key actors involved. A model for process development is developed, linking interest groups to the development of their targets, information, and knowledge sharing. The emphasis is on the right place, the right actors, the right resources, and the right time.

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