TQM Model for Manufacturing SMEs in the Middle East

Volume 12 Issue 4 March - May 2018

Research Paper

TQM Model for Manufacturing SMEs in the Middle East

Subramaniam Arunachalam*, Aisha Zwet **, N. Snailum***

* Senior Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering Subject Group, University of East London, UK.

** PhD Scholar, School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, UK.

*** Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, Institution of Engineering and Technology, University of East London, UK.

Arunachalam, S., Zwet, A., and Snailum, N. (2018). TQM Model for Manufacturing SMEs in the Middle East. i-manager’s Journal on Management, 12(4), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.12.4.14526

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM), has been accepted globally as a management philosophy and practice to improve quality. However, only limited empirical studies have been carried out in manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf countries. The primary concern for the manufacturing SMEs in the Middle East who want to compete in the global market is that many competitors have been involved in quality improvement programs for decades which initially give them a competitive edge. This research is designed to identify the current level of TQM implementation in manufacturing SMEs in the Gulf States and investigate the TQM and Continuous Improvement (CI) parameters that affect the performance of the companies, and to identify the barriers that stop them from implementing TQM in their company. The main objectives are to determine the influencing factors and response to TQM implementation within manufacturing SMEs through empirical analysis and propose a TQM model that is more suitable for Arab SMEs to improve the quality management.