Fourth Industrial Revolution and Total Quality Management: Improving the performance of nanostores during pandemic.

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the moderation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution/Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and the improvement of operational performance within nanostores (neighborhood stores, markets, pulperías) in Honduras, under the conditions of a developing economy. The owner of each of the 143 nanostores under study completed a survey on I4.0 and TQM, with some operational performance indicators, during the Covid pandemic. As this study was based on the contingency theory, multivariate data analyses were performed, measuring whether I4.0 positively moderates the effect of TQM on operating performance. With I4.0, some nanostores have been channeling their efforts towards higher performance through advancing levels of interconnectivity. Eventually, approaches such as TQM will integrate technologies that, in turn, can harm or enhance operational performance. I4.0 seems to have a positive and significant effect (according to previous studies), but especially, a moderator effect. The authors point out several options for further study in different socioeconomic contexts.This study shows that technological implementation will lead to a better performance in nanostores. The implementation of TQM favors this improvement, supporting nanostores towards I4. 0.

Logistics and Information Technology: A Systematic Literature Review of Nanostores from 2014 to 2023

“…Specifically, the research topics extracted indicate that, to have a renewal service, as well as smart city initiatives and big data in supply chain management, with a specific focus on supplier networks, the nanostore should affect multiple SC main aspects including management of relationships with customers and suppliers, incorporation of information technologies, distribution of consumer-packaged goods (CPG), freight transport, and new inventory models As nanostore retailers seek efficient and cost-effective operations systems, new technologies can help boost their competitiveness. efficient and cost-effective operations systems, and new technologies can help drive their competitiveness, however, it should not be implemented in isolation to facilitate the development of higher performance through new business models and services [41].…”