Development of a Frame Work for Continuous Improvement for Small Scale Manufacturing Industries: A Review

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a philosophy mainly applied on large companies. Small businesses are lagging behind larger ones when it comes to introducing and adopting new managerial philosophies and advanced technology. TQM is one of the approaches that contribute towards ensuring the success of small manufacturing industries. The main purpose of this paper is to identify factors that affect the implementation of TQM in small scale manufacturing industries. There are many factors which are effective factors in improving performance of small scale manufacturing industry namely, leadership, customer focus, training, supplier quality management, product design, process management, and team work. The quality improvement plays a fundamental role in determining the performance in small manufacturing industries The results identify reliable and valid TQM dimensions, namely organization management, communication, training and development, employee involvement and recognition, and culture. The main objective of this study to identify the factors responsible for achieving higher quality & productivity in small scale manufacturing industry.