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

Abstract

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