Total quality management in the supply chain of a petrochemical organisation

Abstract

Abstract: The objective was to investigate the extent of the use of total quality management (TQM) practices in a supply chain of a petrochemical organisation. TQM is a method by which management and employees can become involved in the continuous improvement of the production of goods and services. It is a combination of quality and management tools aimed at increasing business and reducing losses due to wasteful practices. The study was carried out in the petrochemical industry, which is of economic significance to the country. An existing TQM questionnaire was used and a total of 200 employees were targeted. The questionnaire had a seven-factor structure with acceptable Cronbach Alpha co-efficients. Overall, there was a significant number of employees who agree that total quality management is not practiced within their work areas and leading to a high number of quality related customer complaints. Management and employees are encouraged to be visibly involved in the development of a TQM transformation. TQM requires support from management, long-term strategic decision-making and motivated personnel