Rework has become an endemic feature of the procurement process in construction, which invariably leads to time and cost overruns in projects. Thus, in order to improve the performance of projects it is necessary to identify the causes and costs of rework. The research presented in this paper...

Purpose – This study aims to explore the barriers to implementation of ISO 9000 in China, and to identify how these barriers can be overcome. Design/methodology/approach – Using a structural questionnaire survey, this paper examines the main barriers for enterprises in effective...

Presents a review and examination of internal auditing based on research and practical experience gained in a medium‐sized chemical manufacturer over a period of four years. Discusses benefits of management auditing and proposes a structured approach to efficient and effective audits. Analyses...

Much literature suggests a positive relationship between winning a quality award and subsequent firm performance. However, for the vast majority of the large Japanese manufacturing firms that have won the Deming Prize results in this study indicate a negative association. Results also show that...

Most “quality management models” to date have been largely “experience‐based”. For example, Deming’s famous chain reaction model and Juran’s trilogy model are validated by the gurus’ own observations and experience in the industry. Such “experience‐based” models have laid...

Telecommunication companies must effectively master information to remain competitive in an increasingly global market. Tremendous business opportunities have been created because of the recent rapid global communications’ liberalization. Following this trend, the telecommunication industry in...

Strategic ambitions can function as drivers of improvement in organizations. Continuous improvement is driven by strategic ambitions to: design quality into the structure of the organization; plan and control improvements; assure improvements; set and realize improvement goals; position the...

The attached paper describes the keys to success for Southwest Airlines, including its approach to quality management. Southwest did not implement a formalized “quality management program.” Numerous companies in the USA have implemented formalized “quality management programs” and they...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the broad issues related to business excellence and the application of such programs. Design/methodology/approach – In brief, this study investigated the use of business excellence programs including the use of the ISO 9000:2000 series of...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to construct a basic profit model of quality so as to highlight the economic implications of process quality in an accessible way. Design/methodology/approach – Economic evaluation of the four profit parameters (price, unit costs, sales, fixed costs)...