Quality Management Practice and Organisational Performance in Manufacturing Industry

A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop the conceptual framework on quality management (QM) practice and organisational performance (OP) for the manufacturing industry in Malaysia. This study investigates the QM practice elements which cover aspect of hard and soft quality factors in manufacturing processes environment. A conceptual relationship on QM practices and OP process from literatures is considered. These findings further verified through a survey which involved the quality practitioner from selected manufacturing industries. The research model which consists of QM practice and OP, is measured using the following six indicators: management commitment, training, process management, quality tools, continuous improvement and organisational performance. The results of the study can be used by managers in manufacturing companies to consider and adapt their QM practices and performance assessments toward increasing competitiveness. The review helps future researchers and practitioners to choose appropriate QM factors. The paper suggest generic conceptual research model in order to examine these relationships in manufacturing companies. Previous research shows there is a research gap related to QM practices involving hard quality factor particularly quality tools and continuous improvement in the manufacturing process in Malaysia.