Total quality management implementation frameworks: comparison and review

One of the most influential factors in ensuring total quality management (TQM) adoption success is the formulation of a sound implementation framework prior to embarking on such a change process. Current frameworks seem to have been developed and derived primarily from the context and experience of larger sized organizations rather than small businesses. They tend to be complex and too prescriptive, rather than being a general guide. This paper compares and reviews a sample of the existing frameworks found in the literature. The first part focuses on understanding small businesses in terms of their definition and characterizes the differences between large and small businesses with respect to TQM implementation. It is followed by analysing the proposed frameworks as to their suitability and applicability to small and medium-sized enterprises (referred to as small businesses). This particular sector is chosen because it provides much needed attention, especially if TQM is to be sustained by the larger multinational organizations. By improving the small business sector, the resultant effect on the overall economy will be tremendous. A discussion is included on the future research direction for the development of a framework to meet the needs of small businesses.