Quality management in small manufacturing

Abstract

A survey of small businesses in Kentucky was conducted in the area of total quality management. The objective of the research was to determine the level of effort of small manufacturing firms in quality management and the degree to which their managers are currently guided by the TQM model as opposed to the economic conformance model. Preliminary results indicate the degree of penetration of the TQM philosophy and concepts among managers in small manufacturing firms. Also studied were the important elements in the operation and management of these firms that promote or discourage the successful implementation of TQM.

Critical factors for quality management initiatives in small- and medium-sized enterprises

“…However, the detail and method of implementation differed'. In line with this reasoning, Hansson and Klefsjö (2003), as well as Davig, Brown, Friel, and Tabibzadeh (2003) argued that adoption rather than the concept itself constitutes a major challenge to QM and that it is crucial to adapt QM to the context in which it will be used.…”

“…building on the company's current strengths Boon and Ram (1998), Gallear (1996, 1997), Hansson and Klefsjö (2003), Hodgetts et al (1999), Jones, Knotts, and Brown (2005), Martínez-Costa and Jiménez-Jiménez (2009), Rahman and Tannock (2005), Salaheldin (2009), Tannock et al (2002), Temtime (2003), Temtime and Solomon (2002), Thomas and Webb (2003), Aspinwall (2000a, 2000d) Gradual implementation using realistic goals (15) A stepwise QM implementation with continuous monitoring to show its benefits and show early profit Ahmed and Hassan (2003), Fening, Pesakovic, and Amaria (2008), Gallear (1996, 1997), Hansson and Klefsjö (2003), Hodgetts et al (1999), Lee (2004), Neerland and Kvalfors (2000), Ryan and Moss (2005), Struebing and Klaus (1997), Temtime (2003), Temtime and Solomon (2002), Thomas and Webb (2003), Aspinwall (2000a, 2000d) Involvement and training of employees (30) Employee involvement can be reinforced by information and communication, training, in addition to recognition and rewards of accomplished QM work Abdul-Aziz, Chan, and Metcalfe (2000), Ahmed and Hassan (2003), Beheshti and Lollar (2003), Boon and Ram (1998), Chandler and McEvoy (2000), Chileshe (2007), Claver and Tarí (2008), Davig et al (2003), Demirbag et al (2006), Gadenne and Sharma (2009), …”

“…However, training can encompass all three areas and represents an important means of involving employees by ensuring the availability of necessary capabilities and by transforming the new ways of working into standard company practice (Yusof & Aspinwall, 2000a). Davig et al (2003) advocated the need for company-wide training programmes; however, it has also (2002), Tannock et al (2002), Temtime (2003), Temtime and Solomon (2002), Thomas and Webb (2003), van der Wiele and Brown (1998), Yusof and Aspinwall (1999, 2000a, 2000c Measuring the impact of QM to ensure that actions are in alignment with the goals, and that improvements are made Davig et al (2003), Demirbag et al (2006), Gadenne andSharma (2009), Hodgetts et al (1999), Kuratko et al (2001), Lewis et al (2006), Rahman (2001), Ryan and Moss (2005), Salaheldin (2009), Struebing and Klaus (1997), Sun and Cheng (2002), Tannock et al (2002), van der Wiele and Brown (1998), Yusof and Aspinwall (2000c) Note: Numbers within parentheses in the category column indicate number of references per category.…”

“…To allow for fact-based follow-up collection of basic data, such as cost, sales, net income and market share, as well as customer satisfaction, data are needed (Hodgetts et al, 1999;Kuratko et al, 2001). The data collection is important in order to improve internal processes and customer satisfaction (Davig et al, 2003), and to have facts supporting actual improvements (Demirbag et al, 2006).…”

Six Sigma: concepts, tools, and applications

“…While differences between small, medium, and large firms can be substantial, the differences are largely contextual in nature (Davig et al, 2003). For service industries, determining quality customer satisfaction will vary depending on the type of service that is being provided.…”