Farhana Ferdousi

Associations between organisational factors, TQM and competitive advantage: evidence from an emerging economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between the extent of adoption of TQM, using Kaynak’s (2003) core TQM practices (quality data and reporting, supplier quality management, product/service design, process management) model and competitive advantage. In addition, the study examines the antecedent role of organisational-related factors (intensity of market competition, information technology (IT), expert systems and the supplier evaluation programme) in respect to the extent of adoption of TQM. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted of 673 business units of garment organisations in a developing country, Bangladesh. Findings The findings indicate that the extent of adoption of TQM practices was positively associated with competitive advantage. In addition, two organisational-related factors (intensity of market competition and IT) were positively associated with the extent of adoption of TQM. Practical implications The findings provide an insight into the ability of TQM to facilitate competitive advantage in developing countries. Practitioners are also provided with an insight into which organisational factors facilitate the adoption of TQM practices. Originality/value The findings provide an important insight into the use and value of TQM practices in developing countries.

The implementation of innovative manufacturing practices: is it a choice or pressure?: A relative case study

Using the institutional theory, this study follows a case study approach in examining the influence of institutional pressures in the implementation of lean manufacturing (LM) practices in an apparel firm. Findings reveal that the implementation decision of LM in the case firm was the consequences of mimetic and normative pressures. The competition and the success of other firms led the case company to imitate the LM practices including pull production, Kanban, Kaizen, 5S which are attributed as mimetic pressures. Normative pressures arose from the culture, top management support, and training. Findings also reveal that the firm achieved improvements in performance. This study is contributing to the institutional literature through providing insights into the pressures that influence the implementation decisions of innovative manufacturing practices within the firm. The findings will assist managers of apparel firms to adapt with pressures that influence the implementation of manufacturing practices.