Influence of total quality management practices on performance of small and medium enterprises: a case of youth groups projects in Kajiado north sub county, Kajiado county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of TQM practices on performance of small and medium enterprises; a case of youth group projects in Kajiado north sub county, Kajiado County, Kenya. The objectives guiding this study were to establish the influence of top management commitment on performance of SMEs, to examine the influence of process management on performance on SMEs, to determine the influence of training of employees on performance on SMEs, to ascertain the influence of quality of product design on performance on SMEs and to establish the influence of quality information on performance on SMEs. Youth projects were randomly selected from Kajiado north sub-county, in the five wards. The study used mixed method approach in the collection and analysis, to capture both the qualitative and quantitative data. The design is descriptive. The target population was 210 youth that were involved in youth group projects. Spearman‟s correlation was used to test the relationship between the variables. The analyses indicated that there is moderate positive relationship between top management and performance was therefore rejected. There was a strong positive relationship between quality of product design and performance. There was a positive strong relationship between process management and performance. The relationship between training and performance was moderately positive and finally there was a strong positive relationship between quality information and performance of SMEs. This study is majorly recommended to the youth groups, they should strive to always ensure their product in the market is superior, the processes, roles and responsibilities be defined in the organization. This will ensure reduction of costs, time and increases on individual specialization. Quality information is crucial to ensure current, reliable and timeless information that will inform and enable them to make effective decisions on the market strategies and give them competitive advantage