Integrating total quality management to improve organizational performance of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Uganda.

Abstract

Manufacturing SMEs in Uganda face difficulties in enhancing their performance and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The research aimed to investigate the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda, specifically in the food processing and cosmetics industry. The study utilized questionnaires to collect empirical data from 90 SMEs in Uganda. The research first evaluated the current level of TQM implementation. The TQM elements investigated were organizational leadership, customer focus, employee involvement, supplier quality management, and strategic quality planning. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The research findings indicated inadequate implementation of TQM in Ugandan manufacturing SMEs' operations, with the overall implementation of TQM elements below 50%. Employee involvement was the most implemented element of TQM. There was a significant relationship between TQM implementation and organizational performance in terms of productivity. Organizational leadership (p-value 0.01), strategic quality planning (p-value 0.02), and supplier quality management (p-value 0.02) were the most significant contributors to productivity. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between TQM implementation and profitability, which was attributed to the low level of implementation. The research also revealed significant constraints that prevent Ugandan SMEs from successfully implementing TQM. Top management commitment was the most critical constraint (p-value 0.01), followed by inadequate knowledge and know-how (p-value 0.02), and lack of budget or resources (p-value 0.02). A proposed framework for TQM implementation was developed and is recommended to help SMEs implement TQM and achieve Organizational Performance. It focuses on the significant practices of TQM and addresses constraints to implementation to enhance the productivity and profitability of Ugandan SMEs.