Factors influencing implementation of total quality Management in manufacturing firms: a case of Bidco Oil Refineries limited, Thika Kenya

Abstract

This report outlines the factors influencing implementation of Total Quality Management in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Total Quality Management is defined as a corporate business management philosophy which recognises that customer needs and business goals are inseparable and is applicable within both industry and commerce. The objectives of the study were: influence of Top management leadership commitment implementation of Total Quality Management in manufacturing firms, to establish the influence of employee empowerment on the implementation of Total Quality Management in manufacturing firms, to establish the influence of organisation culture on the implementation of Total Quality Management in manufacturing firms and to determine the influence of communication on the implementation of Total Quality Management in manufacturing firms. The study adopted a descriptive research design to assess factors influencing implementation of Total Quality Management in Manufacturing firms.The target population in this study was 2900 employees consisting of top level managers, middle level managers, supervisors and operative staff. Stratified random sampling was employed to select 384 employees to participate in the study. 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 in Kapa to check on validity and reliability. The data collected was analyzed with the help of SPSS program. The findings of this study revealed that Top Management Commitment is an important factor in implementation of TQM and that Top Management Commitment positively influences implementation of TQM. The study also established that Organizational Culture is a factor in implementation of TQM and that appropriate organizational culture positively influences implementation of TQM. The study revealed that Employee Training positively influences implementation of TQM. In addition, the study found that Communication is an important factor with positive influence in implementation of TQM. The study recommends quality managers should take measures in ensuring top management participation and commitment to quality initiatives, organizations should introduce and develop employee involvement practices in their organization by delegating authority and empowering employees, that organizations develop group, hierarchical, developmental and rational culture so as to enhance total quality management and quality managers develop information policy and regulations, general ICT infrastructure of the organisations, and information culture of the organisations. The study suggested further studies to be carried out of the areas is Top management‘s role in supplier‘s selection and evaluation in TQM. Also use of information systems and technologies to support TQM and finally, to investigate the behavioural and cultural issues that can influence the implementation of TQM.