Total Quality Management and Operational Performance of Central Glass Industries Ltd
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to determine TQM practices adopted by central
Glass industries and their impact on operational performance. It was also to identify
the gaps to effective TQM implementation as well as the challenges faced in
implementation. The target population was all the permanent staff at central glass
industries. The study used primary data which was gathered by means of a selfadministered
questionnaire issued to the respondents. Secondary data available at the
central glass industries resource centre was also used to check correspondence to the
primary data. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and multiple
regression analysis to determine the co relationship of TQM practices and operational
performance of Central glass industries. The model used six variables in the TQM
practices construct namely; Top management, Employee involvement, continuous
improvement, process approach, customer focus and strategic quality planning.The
model also had six variables in the operational performance construct namely; Plant
efficiency (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Energy Usage, Employee morale,
customer complaints and Health & safety.Operational performance was the dependent
variable whereas TQM practices were the independent variables. The study found out
that customer focus, top management support and strategic quality planning were the
top practices adopted at CGIL. Employee involvement, continuous improvement and
whole process approach were not in the list of TQM practices in place at CGIL. The
study found a strong positive link between customer focus, Employee involvement
and Process approach to operational performance; however the other three practices
had a negative link with operational performance indicating their absence. This
assertion could nonetheless be quantified. The study therefore recommends the
adoption of all the TQM practices in an integrated manner and their proper
implementation to rip the benefits of TQM in this competitive world. Change
management could assist in cultivating the right mindsets, behaviors and capabilities
with a view to setting the right company cultures.
Publisher
University of Nairobi