Total quality management and productivity in industrial corporations in Jordan

The purpose of this analytical study is to determine the degree of application of Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy and practices in the industrial corporations in Jordan. Through detailed examination of primary and secondary empirical data from these corporations, the study examines the link between TQM and labour productivity. The population of the study consists of all Jordanian shareholding corporations listed under the industrial category in Amman Stock Exchange. In late 1998, this consisted of a total of 90 companies. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed in investigating the relationship between TQM implementation and labour productivity. Detailed survey responses from 76 participating companies were classified into two groups: high-level TQM implementation and low-level TQM implementation. About 60% of these companies were classified as companies with high-level TQM. Descriptive analysis of the survey responses plus company report data found that mean labour productivity measurements for companies with high-level TQM were significantly higher than for those with low-level TQM over the years (1993-1998). Also mean growth rates of labour productivity measurements for companies with high-level TQM were higher than for those with low-level of TQM during this period. Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between TQM and labour productivity. This relationship showed a high positive slope in companies with ISO 9000 certification, and considerably lower (but still positive) slope in companies without ISO 9000 certification. ACCESS RESTRICTED TO ABSTRACT ONLY

Continuous improvement in manufacturing companies in Jordan

This research examines the motives and means used by Jordanian manufacturing companies to promote, support and sustain their Continuous Improvement activities. The researchers surveyed all Jordanian manufacturing companies listed under the industrial category in Amman Stock Exchange, with their Continuous Improvement (CI) being measured through the CI survey developed by the Continuous Innovation Network (CINet). Data analysis revealed that customer satisfaction, cost reduction, quality control and improvement, and productivity improvement were the main motives for CI in Jordanian companies. When implementing improvement activities, these companies were found to face some problems related to performance measures, culture, time, funding and organisational commitment. The survey results also indicated that CI contributed to improvements in productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, safety and working conditions, employee commitment/attitude towards change, cooperation and communication, and supplier and customer relations

Assessing TQM implementation in manufacturing firms : a case study from Dubai

This study reports on the development of a tool that can be used by management and industrial practitioners to self-assess Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation and initiatives in their firms. Such a tool can be effectively used by management to obtain a better understanding of their efforts toward TQM implementation and to spot areas to be targeted by managers for improvement to help their organization in its quality mission and to identify the level of training needed. The tool incorporated, interpreted and operationalized the implicit concepts of TQM proposed by TQM gurus; national and international quality awards; and three foundation studies from the TQM literature. The reliability and validity of the tool were assessed using data obtained from studies of 126 manufacturing firms in Dubai - United Arab Emirates. The survey data indicate that manufacturing firms in Dubai moderately adopt the elements of TQM and that there are no significant differences in TQM implementation among these firms. The study also shows clear patterns where firms stress some TQM practices but ignore others. The importance of behavioural practices that are not implemented is highlighted as an important warning to management