Critical Factors for Quality Management Initiatives in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Journal article, 2014

This paper identifies the critical factors for quality management (QM) initiatives in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The factors are grouped into six categories: contextualisation; gradual implementation using realistic goals; involvement and training of employees; involvement of external support; management involvement; and fact-based follow-up. A further analysis of the literature indicates that well-recognised ideas for improvement in large companies are useful for SMEs as well. However, compared to large companies, more focus is needed on acquiring external support, planning for a QM initiative in line with characteristics of the specific SME, and planning for a gradual implementation of the QM initiative that is followed up by realistic goals.

quality management

small- and medium-sized enterprises

critical factors

Author

Marcus Assarlind

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Quality Sciences

Ida Gremyr

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Quality Sciences

Total Quality Management and Business Excellence

1478-3363 (ISSN) 1478-3371 (eISSN)

Vol. 25 4 397-411

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Areas of Advance

Production

DOI

10.1080/14783363.2013.851330

More information

Created

10/7/2017