Effect of Total Quality Management practices on the operational resilience of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi, Kenya
Date
2024
Authors
Wambua, S. N.
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Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Manufacturing SMEs often face constant challenges from the dynamic landscape of business. Since they are a crucial part of the economy, these SMEs need to be sustainable in the long run and go beyond performance, through recovery in the face of these disruptions, and put in place practices to help in mitigation for the future. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of Total Quality Management Practices adoption to the operational resilience of manufacturing SMEs. This study’s main aim goal was to determine the impact of TQM practices implementation on the operational resilience of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi. The research was achieved by studying the manufacturing SMEs registered in Nairobi County’s licensing office, and the list was cross checked with KAM as of December 2018 within Nairobi, being a significant representation of SMEs in Kenya. The study utilized convergent mixed methods design and simple random sampling as well as purposive sampling because of the expected dynamic nature of the population in relation to the objective of the study, and the combination of the quantitative and qualitative aspect of the study. The study was guided by dynamic capabilities theory and resource orchestration theory. Primary data was collected from the participants through close-ended questionnaires and interview schedules, and analyzed through the latest version of the SPSS as well as through inductive coding. The population size was the 134 manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi, and the samples size was 100 manufacturing SMEs. Results indicate a strong association between employee involvement, top management commitment, supplier partnership and customer focus with operational resilience. The Analysis of Variance indicated Operational resilience across sectors of manufacturing SMEs was greatly attributed by Total Quality Management Practices adoption. TQM practices contribute to operational resilience for manufacturing SMEs by improving process efficiency, product quality, risk management capabilities, employee engagement, and supply chain relationships. SMEs can build resilience, adaptability, and sustainability in an increasingly uncertain business environment. TQM practices emphasize continuous improvement and optimization of processes by embedding TQM principles into their organizational culture and operations. The study serves as a strong starting point for scholarly investigations into operational resilience and TQM adoption in the manufacturing SME sector in the future. Knowledge gaps were addressed in the field because there has only been a limited amount of research on the adoption and implementation of overall quality management methods in the manufacturing SMEs industry in Nairobi. Manufacturing SMEs need to involve employee by providing comprehensive training programs to enhance employees' skills and knowledge related to resilience-building practices, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability. They also need to improve operational resilience through customer focus by conducting market research and gather feedback to understand customer preferences, expectations, and changing needs.
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