Quality practices in the manufacturing industry in the UK and Malaysia

A questionnaire on the use of quality practices has been sent to 540 and 180 randomly selected companies in Malaysia and the UK, respectively. The survey method and results, from a 30% response, are summarized, and comparisons made between the two countries. There is a common reliance on inspection and relatively low use of more sophisticated statistical methods for quality improvement. It is suggested that this is at least partly due to lack of knowledge and experience of these ideas amongst company personnel. There are substantial differences in the take up of ISO 9000, which is higher in the UK, and the use of Japanese-style quality control circles, which are related ideas, which is higher in Malaysia. It is argued that the reasons for these differences include the initiatives taken by the respective governments during the 1980s and early 1990s.