Influence of Quality Management Certification Systems on Product Development of Food Processing Firms in Kenya: a Case of Delmonte Kenya Ltd, Thika, Kiambu County

Abstract

Manufacturing companies are important to economic growth and development because they provide goods and jobs. As a result, their ability to compete is crucial. As a result of increasing globalization, the businesses have come up against stiff competition from overseas corporations. Strategic drivers have been identified as important facilitators of business success and competitiveness. It is on this basis that the study sought to establish the influence of quality management certification systems1 on product development of food processing firms in Kenya: a case of Delmonte Kenya Ltd, Thika, Kiambu county. The study was informed by Resource-Based View Theory and Quality Improvement Theory. Empirical studies were reviewed to provide the basis for research gaps to be filled by the current study. The independent variables used were continuous improvement management systems, human resource management systems, customer relations management systems & project management information systems and the dependent variable was product development of Delmonte Kenya Ltd. The study used descriptive research design. It aimed at the 120 management staff of Delmonte Kenya Ltd. The sample consisted of all the 120 staff. Primary data for the study was collected using questionnaires that were administered to the respondents and interview guide used to interview top management. Pilot test was conducted to check on validity an reliability. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze quantitative data using statistical software of Statistical package for social sciences while qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis. The questionnaire included only relevant questions measuring known indicators of the variables. This was done with the help of the supervisor to assess the validity of the questionnaires. The researcher informed the respondents that the data being collected was for academic purpose only and the response from the respondents will be kept confidential. Content testing will be applied to guarantee that the tool is prepared in an easy-to-understand language and that the questions are straightforward. The reliability was determined using the Cronbach alpha test of 0.875. The findings were presented in form of Frequency distribution tables. The findings of this study revealed that continuous improvement management systems, human resource management systems, customer relations management systems and project management information systems are critical factors with positive influence on product development. The study therefore recommends that manufacturing companies who are developing new and existing products should have a research team involved in the development and design of new products and services. The study also recommends that organizations should commit adequate resources for employee training & education and offer employees opportunity for career growth through training and development. The study recommends that the organisation should maintain a close link with its customers and conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys. The study further recommends that organizations should conduct periodic internal and surveillance quality audits to determine suitability and effectiveness of the system. The researcher recommends that future research should be undertake on the influence of quality management certification systems on product development by other economic sectors such as pharmaceuticals, marine and ICT.