Investigation on quality management maturity of Shanghai enterprises

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tang Xiaofen

PurposeShanghai is a Chinese city with a history of more than 700 years, which has played a very important role over 30 years of rapid economic growth in China. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the quality management maturity system and schemes of Shanghai enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation on quality management maturity of Shanghai enterprises was conducted by Shanghai Association for Quality (SAQ), to study the environmental impact of increasing globalization of industries.FindingsSAQ made a systematic investigation and evaluation on the maturity of enterprise product, services and overall management quality, to comprehensively understand and assess the current status and levels of Shanghai enterprise quality management and to obtain important information for preparing a strategy for the Shanghai enterprise quality development plan and countermeasures to stay competitive in the new era.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, in order to further improve market competitiveness and capability of sustainable operation and growth, Shanghai enterprises must enhance their overall quality management level guided by the performance excellence criterion, implementing and putting forward mega efforts on enterprises taking primary responsibility for striving to promote CSR based on “operation with integrity and responsibility”, investing in “soft skills strength development” and utilizing quality improvement tools and techniques to promote the overall quality management level to a new high in the next decade.

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidosav Majstorovic ◽  
Tatjana V. Sibalija

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the current status of a quality management practice in Serbia, in terms of the development and application of integrated managements systems (IMS), and research and implementation of Six Sigma and the related techniques. Design/methodology/approach – Two main aspects of total quality management (TQM) have been considered: institutional (organisational or strategic) aspect that corresponds to standardised management systems and their integration, and technical (quality engineering) aspect whose main contributor is Six Sigma. The findings of a comprehensive study on IMS implementation in Serbia have been presented, based on the results of a questionnaire that was sent to 54 organisations during 2013. Also, the significant technical improvements and tangible benefits of a recently conducted Six Sigma project were shown, including the application of the advanced quality engineering techniques within DMAIC method. Findings – Good QM practice in Serbia is improving, both in terms of the organisational (IMS) and technical (Six Sigma) aspect, that server as a good basis for the adoption of TQM in manufacturing companies from various sectors. It could be anticipated that these results will facilitate the adoption of an overall TQM culture in Serbia and leverage its future sustainability. Originality/value – This paper offers key insights into IMS and Six Sigma implementation in Serbia. This could encourage manufacturing organisations in developing countries to adopt IMS and Six Sigma, in order to boost the overall TQM culture and gain a competitive advantage.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 4058-4083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maysoon Mohammed Yaseen ◽  
Rateb J. Sweis ◽  
Ayman Bahjat Abdallah ◽  
Bader Yousef Obeidat ◽  
Nadia J. Sweis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to establish practical guidelines for benchmarking eight total quality management (TQM) practices vital to pharmaceutical companies’ performance. The paper also proposes the use of an analytic total quality index (TQI) as a benchmarking tool and illustrates the importance and effectiveness of this benchmarking methodology by applying it in two comparative studies of three Jordanian pharmaceutical companies. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the data were gathered through a questionnaire that was used to evaluate the gap between the ideal and current status of the quality management system and distributed to the quality units from three companies: pharmaceutical manufacturing company, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company working in the same field and a pharmaceutical service providing research services to a pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. And the mean differences between the current and ideal states for the eight critical TQM practices were compared for these two comparative studies using the t-test. Findings Each of the two comparisons reveals statistically significant differences regarding the perceptions of actual and ideal scores for manufacturing and service companies on five out of eight critical factors and, on two out of eight critical factors for manufacturing and manufacturing companies. Practical implications The pharmaceutical companies, regardless of whether they are manufacturing or service company, can adopt benchmarking techniques which were applied in this case study to improve their performance and their product/service quality. Originality/value The consequences of this research can support organization managers and policy makers in effectively benchmarking the identified TQM practices in their organizations using the proposed TQI benchmarking tool.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 216-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic approach to conduct a diagnosis of the current status of a company’s quality management systems (QMS) and business processes. Design/methodology/approach The approach proposed is based upon the assessment of the maturity level of a company’s QMS, for which a “maturity diagnostic instrument” is also proposed, a self-assessment exercise using a business excellence model and a first-party quality audit. Findings The integration of a QMS’ maturity assessment, a self-assessment exercise and a quality audit may provide a more thorough evaluation of various company’s systems and operations. This paper provides organisations, and their managers, with a systematic approach to help them understand better the current performance of their QMSs and business processes. Originality/value This paper’s main contribution consists in the proposal of a novel approach for organisation to measure and understand the status of their QMS and business processes. Subsequently, better management decisions to improve a company’s operations can be taken.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 488-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rateb J Sweis ◽  
Hala Jamal Al-Ghawi ◽  
Noor Abdel-Aziz AlSaleh ◽  
Zu'bi M.F Al-Zu'bi ◽  
Bader Y Obeidat

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of internal benchmarking through the evaluation of quality management in two quality departments (Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)) in a pharmaceutical company by utilizing total quality index (TQI). Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose a structured questionnaire was used to assess the gap between the ideal and current status of the quality management system. The mean differences between the current and ideal states for the eight critical factors were compared for the two departments using t-test. Findings – There is difference in the actual and ideal scores on three out of eight critical factors between the QA and QC departments. Practical implications – The internal benchmarking process which was applied in this case study can be applied in other pharmaceutical companies in order to improve the status of the quality management system and achieve competitive advantage. Originality/value – Benchmarking of total quality management (TQM) can improve the performance of organizations. The benchmarking tool used in this study TQI is an information technology-supported tool that helps managers assess a TQM program by enabling the cost-effective measurement of key organizational processes. TQI measures the ideal and actual quality management along eight critical factors synthesized by Saraph et al. (1989).


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Sedevich-Fons

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the usefulness of financial information as a complementary tool for quality programs implemented in healthcare institutions and, subsequently, to introduce an approach to its systematic management. Design/methodology/approach – This paper begins with a description of the current status of quality management in healthcare services, continues with a theoretical explanation of the importance of financial indicators for making decisions, and finishes with a practical example showing how to integrate financial data into healthcare quality programs. Findings – Financial indicators play a key role in healthcare quality management systems (QMSs). These indicators can be managed jointly with traditional non-financial measures, through introducing minor adjustments to the ISO 9000 model. Research limitations/implications – The approach presented in the second part of this paper was built based on theoretical arguments and on its use in industries other than healthcare. Hence, further research is needed to provide evidence of its practical application. Originality/value – First, this work integrates disciplines which are usually managed separately, such as quality and accounting. Furthermore, it focusses on an industry such as healthcare, where QMSs are not highly developed.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Rogala ◽  
Sławomir Wawak

Purpose The authors of this study, who adopted a holistic view of the international organization for standardization (ISO) 9000 series of standards, aimed to evaluate the current status of the standards within the framework of the quality movement. Specifically, the evaluation covered two dimensions, i.e. the significance of the content included in the standards and the quality of the standards’ elaboration, which encompasses such issues as, for instance, their correctness, relevance to current trends in quality management, comprehensibility, etc. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a review of the scientific literature, analysis of the current and all previous versions of the international standards and the results of a survey, through which data were collected from 73 quality management experts from 17 different countries. To evaluate the results, an importance-performance analysis was performed. Findings As the results of the research demonstrated, experts in quality management have accepted the ISO 9000 standards series. However, this positive view refers mainly to the very idea of developing quality management standards and these standard’s content structure (components included in them). Study participants assigned a low rating to the quality of the standards’ elaboration. Therefore, improving the following aspects of the standards is essential: definitions, guidelines explaining the requirements for a quality management system, self-assessment tools and guidelines concerning quality management concerning chosen forms of activity. Research limitations/implications The research described here in has both practical and social implications. First, it delineates the direction needed to improve standardizations, whose use need not be strictly limited to quality management but can be successfully used to improve the standards in other areas of management. Therefore, the conclusions of this research directly contribute to increasing both the effectiveness and the quality of the standard organizations. The significant consequences of this research for managers are the identification of ISO 9000 components which they will find are the most useful. Practical implications The research described herein has both practical and social implications. First, it delineates the direction needed to improve standardizations, whose use need not be strictly limited to quality management. However, it can be successfully used to improve the standards in other areas of management. Therefore, the conclusions of this research directly contribute to increasing both the effectiveness and the quality of the standard organizations. The significant consequences of this research for managers are the identification of ISO 9000 components, which they will find are the most useful. Originality/value Most research treats ISO 9000 standards as a benchmark for their studies on quality management systems implemented in organizations. The standards themselves are rarely the subject of a study, and so this paper fills a gap in the research and provides insights into desired directions for standards improvement.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1192-1211
Author(s):  
Aviva Bashan ◽  
Deganit Armon

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges facing the quality management system (QMS) of parent and subsidiary companies within the dynamics of multinational mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships, and to present guidelines for developing a global quality strategy. Design/methodology/approach The quality systems of 18 multinational companies at different stages of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) processes and different global expansion levels were studied in depth using observations, content analyses and interviews with CEOs and operational and quality managers in parent or subsidiary companies. Findings As part of the M&A process, not enough consideration is given to the functional aspects and challenges facing the QMS of subsidiaries, and to the integration of the subsidiary QMS into the corporate QMS. The findings highlight the strategic role of the parent company in creating a corporate QMS and developing a corresponding global quality strategy. Practical implications The classification of the challenges facing the parent and subsidiary QMS forms a diagnostic tool that supports a functional preparedness for integrating quality systems, while addressing their local needs, integrating them into the global activity of the system, and utilizing the growing integrative array of resources and capabilities to achieve global value. Originality/value While M&A is perceived as a strategic topic, it has direct impact on the QMS. This study outlines a necessary conjoining of quality management and strategy, which is the key to global quality management.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 2130-2147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcio C. Machado ◽  
Renato Telles ◽  
Paulo Sampaio ◽  
Maciel M. Queiroz ◽  
Ana Cristina Fernandes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework for performance measurement (PM) for the integration of supply chain management (SCM) and quality management (QM). Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review on SCM and QM was conducted to develop key performance measures related to six areas of integration between QM and SCM: leadership; continuous improvement and innovation; sustainability performance; stakeholders; information system; and management and strategic planning. Findings Supported by the literature concerning to supply chain quality management (SCQM) integration, a set of nine propositions about performance measures, that contribute to the integration of SCQM, were developed. Originality/value This study contributes to QM practices within a supply chain environment from an integrated perspective. Additionally, the propositions have significant implications from both managerial and theoretical perspectives. This study also extends the concept of supply chain quality integration by focusing on key aspects of PM that may help to improve the overall performance of the supply chain.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 545-563
Author(s):  
Edward Asante ◽  
Patrick Ngulube

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries in Ghana. This study is part of a PhD project that focussed on selected technical university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach to collect the data. Samples of 124 participants were involved in this study. PLS-SEM (Smart PLS3) software was used to analyse the data. Convergent, discriminant validity assessment was computed. Eight variables of critical success factors were tested in relation to total quality management implementation at selected academic libraries in Ghana.FindingsThis study established that out of the eight variables tested, six of them (i.e. top management commitment, employee innovation employee training, organisational culture, teamwork and effective communication, quality performance) indicated a significant positive relationship with total quality management implementation apart from strategic planning and human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to eight variables as the critical success factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. The use of one methodology might be a limitation as the use of multimethod might have given a more comprehensive picture than the case. This study was limited to only technical university libraries in Ghana hence caution must be exercised when applying the results to contextually different academic environments. The results are applicable to academic universities library in Ghana and beyond if they are adjusted to suit the context.Practical implicationsThis study is timely as it may lead to effective total quality management implementation and the sustainability of technical university libraries in Ghana and Africa in general.Originality/valueThe proposed model can be used to enhance the smooth implementation of total quality management in academic libraries in general and Ghana in particular. The framework is termed as Eddie and Pat's Achievement of Quality Performance (EPAfQP) model.


2013 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Dora ◽  
Dirk Van Goubergen ◽  
Maneesh Kumar ◽  
Adrienn Molnar ◽  
Xavier Gellynck

Purpose – Recent literature emphasizes the application of lean manufacturing practices to food processing industries in order to improve operational efficiency and productivity. Only a very limited number of studies have focused on the implementation of lean manufacturing practices within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food sector. The majority of these studies used the case study method and concentrated on individual lean manufacturing techniques geared towards resolving efficiency issues. This paper aims to analyze the status of the lean manufacturing practices and their benefits and barriers among European food processing SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data. A total of 35 SMEs' representatives, mostly CEOs and operations managers, participated in the survey. The study investigated the role of two control variables in lean implementation: size of the company and country of origin. Findings – The findings show that lean manufacturing practice deployment in food processing SMEs is generally low and still evolving. However, some lean manufacturing practices are more prevalent than others; e.g. flow, pull and statistical process control are not widely used by the food processing SMEs, whereas total productive maintenance, employee involvement, and customer association are more widespread. The key barriers encountered by food SMEs in the implementation of lean manufacturing practices result from the special characteristics of the food sector, such as highly perishable products, complicated processing, extremely variable raw materials, recipes and unpredictable demand. In addition, lack of knowledge and resources makes it difficult for food processing SMEs to embark on the lean journey. Originality/value – The gap in the literature regarding the application of lean manufacturing in the food sector is identified and addressed in this study. The originality of this paper lies in analyzing the current status of the use of lean manufacturing practices among food SMEs in Europe and identifying potential barriers.


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