Total Quality Management Initiatives for Enhancing the Performance of Manufacturing Companies: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Total quality management is the industrial management approach of reducing defects by improving the processes. This study has been carried out in SMEs of northern India which have implemented TQM initiatives and faced different barriers in its successful implementation. Questionnaire survey has been performed followed by Qualitative and Quantitative modeling including interpretive structural modeling, fuzzy set theory, and structural equation modeling. Results of investigation recommended that resistance from employees is the most significant barrier in implementing TQM approach. The investigation further shows that active participation of management is very important for the growth of healthy environment in the firm; continuous improvement in processes increases the performance of the firm. Continuous improvements in processes help to reduce the lead time. TQM implementation helps in success of organizations by improving the performance of current manufacturing system processes.