Browse > Article

A Generative Research Methodology for Implementing TQM in Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprises  

Lewis, W.G. (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering The University of the West Indies)
Pun, K.F. (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering The University of the West Indies)
Lalla, T.R.M. (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering The University of the West Indies)
Publication Information
International Journal of Quality Innovation / v.5, no.2, 2004 , pp. 89-105 More about this Journal
Abstract
Many researchers and practitioners have acknowledged the need to investigate the relationships amongst various criteria of implementing total quality management (TQM) in small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs). There is a need to have practical research methodologies that take cognisance of the peculiarities of SMMEs and impact on their quality management practices in developing countries. This paper presents the theoretical foundation of a proposed Generative Research Methodology and configures the specification of a TQM implementation framework in SMMEs. The methodology combines rigorous research approaches, builds theory based on the dynamics of the environment and the firms' characteristics and incorporates various TQM criteria into the design of the framework. It synchronises inductive and deductive research methods in three phases and uses various means to acquire empirical evidence and examine the dependent and independent variables of TQM implementation. It is anticipated that the methodology could help SMMEs to develop, analyse and evaluate the framework for attaining quality performance goals.
Keywords
TQM; SMME; Generative Research Methodology;
Citations & Related Records
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 Ahire, S.L. and Ravichandran, T. (2001), 'An innovation diffsion model of TQM implementation', IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Vol. 48, No. 4, pp. 445-464   DOI   ScienceOn
2 Maull, D., Brown, P. and Cliff, R. (2001), 'Organisational culture and quality improvement',International Journal of Operations and Production, Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 302-326   DOI   ScienceOn
3 Sila, I. and Ebrahimpour, M. (2002), 'An investigation of the total quality management survey based research published between 1989 and 2000', International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, Vol. 19, No. 7, pp. 902-970   DOI   ScienceOn
4 Ahire, S.L., Golhar, D.L., and Waller, M.A., (1996) 'Development and validation of TQM implementation constructs', Decision Science, Vol. 27. No. 1, pp. 23-56   DOI   ScienceOn
5 Ashok, S. and Santhakumar, A.R. (2002), 'NLP to promote TQM for effective implementation of ISO 9000', Managing Auditing Journal, Vol. 17, No. 5, pp. 261-265   DOI   ScienceOn
6 Leonard, D., Reid, R. and McAdam, R. (2002), ' A grounded-multi-model framework for TQM dynamics', International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 710-736   DOI   ScienceOn
7 Dale, B.G. (1999), Managing Quality, Blackwell, Oxford
8 Flynn, B. B., Schroeder, R.G. and Sakakibara, S. (1994), 'A framework for quality management research and an associated measurement instrument', Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 11, pp. 339-366   DOI   ScienceOn
9 Yang, J. and Shi, P. (2002), 'Applying analytic hierarchy process in a firm's overall performance evaluation: a case study in China', International Journal of Business, Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 31-46
10 Kline, R.B. (1998), Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling, The Guilford Press, New York, NY
11 Mo. J.P.T. and Chan, A.M.S. (1997), 'Strategy for the successful implementation of ISO 9000 in small and medium manufacturers', TQM Magazine, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 135-45   DOI   ScienceOn
12 Ghobadian, A. and Gallear, D.N. (1996), 'Total quality management in SMEs', Omega, Vol 24, No. 1, pp. 83-106   DOI   ScienceOn
13 Saaty, T.L. (2000)(eds.), Decision Making for Leaders, RWS Publications, Pittsburgh, PA
14 ISO (2000), EN/ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems: Requirements, International Organisation for Standerdisation, Switzerland
15 Hill, J. and McGowan, P. (1999), 'Small business and enterprise development: questions about research methodology', International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 5-18   DOI   ScienceOn
16 Alvesson, M. and Willmott, H. (1996), Making sense of Management, Sage Publications, London
17 Sitter, L., Hertog, J. and Dankbaar, B. (1997), 'From complex organisations with simple jobs to simple jobs to simple organisations with complex jobs', Human Relations, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 497-535   ScienceOn
18 Bozionelos, N. (2003), 'Causal path modeling: what it does and what it does not do', Career Development International, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 5-11   DOI   ScienceOn
19 Forza, C. and Filippini, R. (1998) 'TQM impact on quality conformance and customer satisfaction: a causal model', International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 55, pp. 1-50   DOI   ScienceOn
20 Hill, J. and Wright, L.T. (2001), 'A qualitative research agenda for small to medium-sized enterprises', Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 432-443   DOI   ScienceOn
21 Lakhe, R.R. and Mohanty, R.P. (1994), 'Total quality management: concepts, evolution and acceptabilty in developing economies', International Journal of Quality &Reliability Management, Vol. 11, No. 9, pp. 9-33   DOI   ScienceOn
22 Yusof, M.S. and Aspinwall, E. (2000), 'TQM implementation issues: review and case study', International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Vol. 20, No. 6, pp. 634-655   DOI   ScienceOn
23 Lo, V. and Humphreys, P. (2000), 'Project management benchmarks for SMEs implementing ISO 9000', Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 247-260
24 Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Lowe, A. (1993), Management Research, Sage Publications, London
25 Leonard, D. and McAdam, R. (2003), 'An evaluative framework for TQM dynamics in organisations', International Journal of Operations Production Management, Vol. 23, No. 6, pp. 652-677   DOI   ScienceOn
26 Wilson, L. and Durant, R. (1995), 'Evaluating TQM: the case for a theory driven approach (total quality management)', Public Administration Review, Vol. 2, pp. 137-46
27 Simon, A., Sohal, A. and Brown, A. (1996), 'Generative and case study research in quality management Part 1: theoretical considerations' International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 32-42   DOI   ScienceOn
28 Carson, D. and Coviello, N. (1995), 'Qualitative research issues at the marketing /entrepreneurship interface', Market Intelligence and Planning, Vol. 14, No. 6, pp. 51-59
29 Ho, S. (2002), 'Integrated management through ISO 9001:2000 and TQM', Integrated Management: Proceedings of the $\6^t^h$ International Conference on 1S0 9000 and TQM, pp. 13-18
30 Crowe, T.J., Noble, S.J. and Machimada, S.J. (1998), 'Multi-attribute analysis of ISO 9000 registration using AHP', International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 205-222   DOI   ScienceOn
31 Saaty, T.L. (1996), Multi-criteria Decision Making: The Analytical Hierarchy Process, RWS Publications, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
32 Nachmias, C. and Nachmias, D. (1996), Research Methodology in Social Sciences, Fifth Edition, Edward Amolds, London
33 Leonard, D. and McAdam, R. (2001), 'Grounded theory methodology and practitioner reflexivity in TQM research', International Journal of Quality and Reliability, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 180-194   DOI   ScienceOn
34 Pun, K..F. and Hui, I.K. (2001), 'An analytical hierarchy process assessment of the ISO 14001 environmental management system', Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 333-345   DOI   ScienceOn
35 Yin, R. (1989), Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Sage Publications, Newbuiy Park, CA