Quality management practices in SMEs: a comparative study between India and Namibia

Factors influencing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak

Purpose

This research paper highlights the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to Coronavirus outbreaks. It proposes factors that influence the strengthening and survival of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, resilience is reflected in the following aspects hope, problem resolution and persistence. This quantitative study analyses a purposive sample of 120 small and medium-sized firms in India. The study's primary data are the responses to questionnaires issued to respondents, analyzed and hypotheses formed and tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The study results show that all the variables significantly reduce the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The presented model is expected to help researchers, business modelers, analysts and real professionals with further studies in the SME context.

Originality/value

This new approach adds to the business resilience knowledge of SMEs and has practical implications for manufacturing organizations seeking to become robust during and after COVID-19.

Sustainable competitiveness practices of SMEs: a strategic framework using integrated DEMATEL-NK model

Purpose

It is critical for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to review and monitor sustainability performance indicators across three dimensions: economic, environmental and social to attain long-term competitiveness. SMEs lack a holistic perspective on sustainability; they are frequently hindered from contemplating environmentally favorable investments beyond what is legally needed. The purpose of this paper is to present a joint Decision-making trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and NK methodology for developing a process model for introducing and implementing sustainable competitiveness practices for SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study addresses the issue by adopting a sustainable competitiveness practices framework and applying a novel method that integrates DEMATEL and NK model for evaluating and developing the implementation path model for Indian manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

This paper also demonstrates that not only the relational practice itself but also the order in which the relational practices are implemented can be related to performance. According to the authors' preliminary findings, organizations in this study should first implement a social dimension, which includes sustainable leadership, knowledge sharing, etc., then an economic dimension like quality, sustainable innovations, etc., and finally environmental dimensions like green marketing, solid waste reduction, etc., with their management for competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

These findings offer some preliminary information as well as advice for managers and policymakers looking to integrate sustainable efforts.

Practical implications

This study asserts that not only the interdependent practice but also the sequence of implementation is important and can relate to the performance. The path result shows that the organization develops first sustainable design and product development (economic), sustainable leadership (social) and solid waste reduction (environmental) practices.

Originality/value

There is no such study that develops a process model for introducing and implementing sustainable competitiveness of SMEs which assesses and analyzes the interdependencies across relational behaviors, to the best of authors’ knowledge. The novelty of this work lies in integrating DEMATEL-NK model approach.

Are there differences between governing and managing strategic networks of different sizes and ages?

This paper aims to analyze how governance and management of strategic networks (SNs) composed of small firms differ according to network size and length of existence. We analyzed 20 Brazilian SNs, comparing oldest to youngest and largest to smallest. The results show that large SNs have a more robust management structure, automated process control system, and centralized strategic decision-making power. Only small and younger SNs are not centralized and lack incentive mechanisms for members. Moreover, older SNs have a centralized strategic formulation and implementation process, whereas younger SNs have a more inclusive and participatory one. The results confirm previous studies and offer a fine-grained comprehension of the governance of SNs according to the number of members. The findings contribute to the nascent network governance theory and offer insights to network managers who have to reconfigure the governance as the number of members grows.

Exploring the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Marketing Dimensions, Brand Equity and SME Growth

This study was conducted to test the linkages among the dimensions of entrepreneurial marketing, brand equity and business growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Required data were gathered using the quantitative research approach. Particularly, the primary data were obtained through a structured survey from several owners and managers in SMEs. The obtained data were then analysed through SPSS and Partial-Least Square (PLS-SEM) approach to calculate the validity and reliability of the measurement items and also to verify the association among entrepreneurial marketing dimensions, brand equity and SME growth. The results showed that brand equity has a positive association with SME growth. The outcomes further indicated that customer intensity, value creation, innovativeness, resource leveraging, proactiveness and opportunity focus have positive effects on brand equity. However, the effect of risk taking on brand equity was found insignificant. This article addresses existing research gaps in the literature with regard to the linkages between entrepreneurial marketing dimensions, brand equity and SME growth.

The influence of the quality criteria on the quality cost of suppliers in SMEs

Purpose

After quality costing, most companies do not know how to invest in supplier quality improvement. This study aims to develop a comprehensive model for the effect of supplier quality criteria on supplier quality costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The independent variable of supplier quality criteria and the dependent variable of supplier quality costs have been identified based on a literature review. Then a model has been developed for the effect of the variables. A questionnaire has been designed and distributed to 158 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jey Industrial Town located in the Isfahan Province. Structural equation modeling and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) have been used for data analysis.

Findings

Supplier quality criteria influenced supplier quality costs (with a value of 0.711). The results also implied that organizational quality had the highest impact. The appraisal costs and the internal failure costs of purchasing received most of the influence. Also, process quality and consequential costs of failure purchasing had the lowest influencing and influenced values.

Practical implications

The findings of this research encourage the managers of SMEs to evaluate and rank the most appropriate quality criteria related to quality costs for selecting a supplier as one of the most fundamental decisions in supply chain management.

Social implications

Appropriate selection of quality criteria influencing quality costs results in reduced quality cost. Quality cost reduction also results in decreased products' fixed prices. Ultimately, the company will have more competitive pricing, and consumers will benefit from such a significant advantage.

Originality/value

Studying the influence of supplier quality criteria on supplier quality costs is relatively new in the manufacturing industry. The comprehensiveness of the investigated variables is also another advantage of the proposed model.

Does organizational readiness matter in lean thinking practices? An agency perspective

Purpose

Extant research documents the importance of lean thinking for organizations, however, as prior research has largely focused on hard lean practices, but little is known about the effects or the significance of soft lean practices. This research attempts to address this issue by examining how soft lean practices enhance organizational lean readiness, and in turn increase the success of lean implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a single case study design in a small-medium enterprise livestock feed manufacturing organization, and investigates the period from late 2011 through the end of 2019 covering two attempts at lean implementation – an initial failed attempt followed by a successful introduction of lean within the case organization. The research analyzes interviews with 29 managers and employees from all organizational levels and departments within the case organization. Secondary data including organizational documents and performance measures and metrics were also incorporated into the research design.

Findings

Drawing on agency theory, the authors advance a principal-agent interaction perspective to conceptualize organizational lean readiness – specifically, the authors consider the “state or condition” of four agency factors (goal conflict, information asymmetry, risk aversion and length of relationship), and explore if these four agency factors can be utilized as proxies for organizational readiness for lean implementation. The authors identify the formation of a shared vision and identity within the organization as an effective mechanism through which soft lean practices enhance organizational lean readiness. Finally, the analysis offers an understanding of how the long-term success of lean implementation is improved by the introduction of soft lean practices as a prerequisite to create organizational readiness for the implementation of hard lean practices.

Originality/value

The study is unique in the sense that it empirically links agency theory and the role of soft lean practices in developing organizational lean readiness in a small-medium enterprise context by defining the ideal state of four agency factors as proxies for organizational readiness.

Lessons learned from quality management system ISO 9001:2015 certification: practices and barrier identification from Brazilian industrial companies

Purpose

This study used a qualitative approach on five case studies in Brazilian industrial companies. The research used interviews, document analysis and on-site visits to collect and analyze data. The companies were selected based on the following criteria: operating in the industrial sector, updating their quality management system (QMS) process to ISO 9001: 2015 and agreeing to participate in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This article aims to investigate the strategies of industrial companies adopted for ISO-9001:2015 certification in light of the six major advances concerning the previous version. Thus, QMS of other organizations can incorporate identified lessons learned, whether certified or not.

Findings

The main finding of the research is the systematization of a set of lessons learned in the experiences of implementing the six significant advances of ISO 9001 concerning the previous version by industrial companies in the State of São Paulo in Brazil. These lessons can and should be used by other organizations to improve their QMSs.

Practical implications

The practices identified in this empirical research can serve as benchmarking to assist quality managers from other companies in QMS certification based on ISO 9001: 2015 or even those not certified but interested in updating their QMSs. Therefore, lessons learned can significantly minimize efforts to improve your projects, processes, products and services. These findings can also help industrial companies improve their production efficiency and effectiveness through quality improvement.

Originality/value

The main novelty of the research is the consolidation of theoretical and practical analysis of the main changes in the latest version of the ISO 9001 standards. The efforts to fulfill those changes result in lessons learned. The “lessons learned” will form a new block of knowledge that will subsidize theoretical (new research) and practical (formulation of a new ISO 9001 standard and helps quality managers improve their systems).

Procurement 4.0 to the rescue: catalysing its adoption by modelling the challenges

Purpose

The pandemic crisis has resulted in global chaos that had caused massive disruption to the supply chain. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, has been working tirelessly to ensure that they can cater to the people who need them. With restrictions being imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the movement of raw materials required has been affected, thus creating the need for the procurement function to be innovative. This study proposes the application of Industry 4.0 concepts into the procurement activities of an organization to make it more resilient and efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the intensity of the challenges, Total Interpretive Structural Modelling is used alongside the “Matrice des Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement” (MICMAC) technique.

Findings

Resilience can be achieved through the collaboration between the organization and its network of suppliers. This is however easier said than done. High and unclear investments have been identified as the challenge that is taking a toll on all technological investments in the pandemic era. The study also shows that organizational inertia which is present in established and structured firms are a deterrent as well.

Originality/value

This study is based on the application of procurement 4.0 to ensure that pharmaceutical supply chains stay least affected since they are essentials. This study using a multi-criteria decision-making approach to prioritize the challenges. This will help practitioners make decisions faster.

Critical success factors for lean six sigma in quality 4.0

Purpose

Critical success factors (CSF) for lean six sigma (LSS) using quality 4.0 are not researched so far. This study aims to bridge this gap. It also validates CSF already identified for LSS under conventional technologies.

Design methodology approach

Empirical research using the questionnaire method is conducted. Construct of the questionnaire is checked using Cronbach’s alpha and responses received are analysed using t-test and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

In total, 20 factors are evaluated for LSS success. It includes 7 factors related to quality 4.0 technologies and 13 related to the conventional set-up. All 7 quality 4.0 related factors were found critical; whereas, under traditional set-up, 11 factors out of 13 were found critical.

Practical implications

The study will help enterprises in the fast and effective adoption of quality 4.0 and seamless integration with LSS. The post-Covid-19 business scenario is expected to be information technology focussed. The findings of this study will be useful in these circumstances. Consultants and practitioners can prioritise their efforts based on newly identified CSF. The new revelation about CSF for LSS in quality 4.0 enriches theory as well.

Social implications

Developing skills based on newly identified CSF will help people in remaining employable in the era of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence which is otherwise ill-famed for destroying jobs.

Originality value

CSF for LSS using quality 4.0 is a new contribution. It differentiates CSF established earlier for conventional technologies. Moreover, many CSF are common for LSS and industry 4.0, therefore this study will also help in smoother adoption of industry 4.0/quality 4.0 in organisations.

The impact of quality management practices on innovation: an empirical research study of Brazilian manufacturing companies

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of soft and hard quality management (QM) practices on innovation performance, considering innovation practices as a contextual variable mediating this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 132 Brazilian manufacturing companies, partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) is employed to test if soft and hard QM practices, directly, affect innovation practices and, indirectly, innovation performance. This investigation also aims to identify whether the relationships are maintained regardless of the size of the company.

Findings

The results suggest that soft QM has a positive effect on hard QM. However, only soft QM, not hard QM, has a significant effect on innovation practices. Additionally, soft QM has a significant positive effect on innovation performance through innovation practices. Company size does not influence the relationships.

Practical implications

The findings can help managers to adjust their managerial practices to enhance the effective impact of QM on innovation performance.

Originality/value

The previous literature presents conflicting results on the relationship between QM and innovation performance. Most studies have proposed a direct relationship between both constructs. This study considers innovation practices as a mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, this paper adds to the scarce literature reporting related studies conducted in developing countries.

Effect of entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation and total quality management on performance

Purpose

This study aims to examine the joint effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO), total quality management (TQM) and organisational performance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA's) small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a quantitative research design. A total of 393 questionnaires were distributed to and collected from owners/managers of SMEs in KSA to acquire requisite data for examining the hypothesised model of the study. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the research data.

Findings

The results indicate that EO, MO and TQM are positively and significantly related to the organisational performance of SMEs. In addition, the findings reveal that TQM has contributed the most to the enhancement of organisational development, which is followed by EO and finally, MO.

Practical implications

Developing economies consider SMEs as an approach to generate new jobs and enhance economic growth. The results provide owners/managers, practitioners and academicians with an enhanced understanding of the relationship and effects of EO, MO and TQM on organisational performance, particularly in the SME sector. Thus, owners/managers are guided to develop improved and further effective decisions for the implementation of TQM practices with strong EO and MO. Consequently, firms realise superior performance and continuously compete within their market.

Originality/value

From the perspective of developing countries, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the effects of EO, MO, TQM and SMEs' performance. This study is the first to empirically examine the SME sector within the KSA's economy regarding the new orientation among decision makers in terms of increasing the significance of non-oil activities. This study also confirms the usability of resource-based view theory and strategic orientations variables in the KSA SMEs.

Exploring the effectiveness of maintenance and quality management strategies in Indian manufacturing enterprises

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the impact of human-related support practices, total productive maintenance (TPM) practices, and total quality management (TQM) practices on manufacturing performance parameters and their inter-relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A research project was carried out in 94 Indian manufacturing companies, using the questionnaire method. The survey data was drawn from 169 respondents working in these companies. In this paper, the impact of TPM and TQM practices on manufacturing performance parameters and especially the role of support practices is investigated empirically using various structural equation models.

Findings

Two factors namely top management and leadership and human resource development categorized as support practices were found to positively influence the adoption of technical practices, i.e., TPM and TQM practices. Hence support practices were found to indirectly affect the manufacturing performance parameters via the technical factors. Also analyzing various structural equation models (SEM), shop floor implementation of TPM practices were found to be influenced (or guided) by the philosophy of TQM practices. In other words, through the proper adoption of TQM practices, the effectiveness of TPM practices gets increased.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further using a case study approach.

Practical implications

The present study provides useful insights to practicing managers. The result of the study explaining the interrelationship between support practices (behavioral aspect) and technical practices can be used by practicing managers to develop a better understanding of the contribution of support and technical practices towards the realization of organizational objectives of growth and sustainability. In practice, TQM plays a great role in the adoption of TPM practices, which in turn helps to achieve quality in processes and therefore in products.

Originality/value

Previous research has often either concentrated on technical practices as one dimension without studying the effects of support practices on improving the adoption of technical practices. The results of the study take one step further by investigating the relationship between multiple aspects (support and technical aspects) of manufacturing practices and their impact on manufacturing performance.

Lean Six Sigma in manufacturing process: a bibliometric study and research agenda

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a bibliometric study about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing process and to conduct an analysis of sources of publication, authorship, citations and other bibliometric indicators. This paper also identifies the research agenda for future research related to the LSS approach in manufacturing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 508 articles published during the period 2002 to 2017 were collected through an automated process from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and later analyzed using techniques such as data mining, bibliometric indicators analysis, cluster analysis, network analysis and word cloud. The boundaries of the study cover studies directed to the manufacturing processes.

Findings

The research identified 1,110 authors from 54 countries and 15 most prolific journals among the 162 journals investigated. The study unveils relevant articles, authors and journals that have discussed LSS initiatives in the manufacturing process.

Practical implications

The study findings can make practitioners aware of the state of the art and the specificities of the most prolific studies. Furthermore, this paper also intends to clarify the project themes and tools most used in these works.

Originality/value

The geographical locations of influential articles and authors are revealed. Additionally, frequently used words are listed and helped to develop a research agenda that highlights relevant themes, methods and industries.

An original framework for strategic technology development of small manufacturing enterprises in emerging economies

Purpose

Technology and knowledge have become the buzzwords of the new millennium. Technological changes and demanding customers are creating a more knowledge intensive, turbulent, complex and uncertain environment. Organizations, which are able to continually build faster and cheaper new strategic assets than their competitors, create long-term competitive advantages. Thus, the growth of companies is directly associated with innovativeness and technological development, especially for small organizations that are more vulnerable to dynamic changes in market place. Organizations need a strategic framework that can help them to achieve the goal of technology development and competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to develop such strategic framework for small organizations for their technology development and, hence, survival in marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Options field methodology, options profile methodology, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy set theory are utilized to generate various options and profiles to propose a conceptual framework for technology development.

Findings

The results from the study showed that “mixed approach,” “strategic simulation approach” and the “regulatory environment approach,” in this order, emerged as the top three important options for the strategic technological development of small manufacturing enterprises.

Originality/value

This result can provide an original and more accurate implementation pathway toward technological innovative development in emerging economies. The proposed framework can provide valuable guidelines and recommendations to practicing managers and analysts for policy development to promote innovative and technological developments.

Document management practices in SMEs

Purpose

This research studied the current document management (DM) practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of a road freight transport sector in a South American city with the aim to determine strengths and challenges for improving information management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using a survey approach based on measuring information management capabilities (IMC) through the following main dimensions: perception about DM practices, DM policies and tools, IT usage, organizational climate, and problems related to document management.

Findings

The main results from the work stated the challenges for these companies in adopting electronic document management systems (EDMS) and handling information effectively even though the business experience. Also, the study highlighted the top management commitment in terms of investments for IMC development. Nevertheless, this economic support tends to be not enough to afford the EDMS implementation.

Originality/value

Regarding the importance of information in road freight transport sector, this paper explored DM practices in a field in which no previous studies related to DM had been conducted and set the basis to make decisions to improve information management performance.