An Investigation on Practicing Principles of Total Quality Management in Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka: With Reference to ISO 9000 Quality Management Principles

Abstract

Total Quality Management (TQM) is one of the key approaches towards realizing the goal of meeting customer satisfaction, hence it is extensively adapted by organizations and, among them apparel industry occupies a prominent position. This paper relates to a study conducted with the objective of identifying the most accepted practicing principle of TQM amongst eight principles presented by ISO 9000 standard, in apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Further, it investigated whether practice of TQM principles are significantly different among small scale, medium scale and large scale garment factories as well as garment factories that have won quality awards and that have not won quality awards. A structured questionnaire was used in gathering data from sample of 35 garment factories. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA test and independent sample test were used for data analysis purposes. Findings of the study revealed that leadership is the most accepted practicing principle of TQM in apparel industry in Sri Lanka. A significant difference in practicing customer focus, leadership, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement and mutually beneficial supplier relationships principles was identified among small scale, medium scale and large scale garment factories. Similarly, a significant difference in practicing leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management and continual improvement principles was identified among garment factories that have won quality awards and that have not won quality awards.