TY - JOUR
T1 - Quality models in an SME context
T2 - A critical perspective using a grounded approach
AU - McAdam, Rodney
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2013 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - This paper adopts a critical perspective in seeking to inquire how TQM-related models, developed initially in large organisations, are applied in the SME context. Using a grounded inductive approach, a study is made of 20 SME cases, where a quality model, the balanced scorecard, has been applied. A grounded model is derived which shows the critical factors in regard to the principles of TQM, when quality models are applied in an SME context. The findings indicate TQM, when a quality model is applied in an SME context. The findings indicate that SMEs can be compromised by the mechanistic and formalised nature of such models, which the SMEs consider as adding bureaucracy, while needing to remain flexible and innovative in a very dynamic environment over which they have little control.
AB - This paper adopts a critical perspective in seeking to inquire how TQM-related models, developed initially in large organisations, are applied in the SME context. Using a grounded inductive approach, a study is made of 20 SME cases, where a quality model, the balanced scorecard, has been applied. A grounded model is derived which shows the critical factors in regard to the principles of TQM, when quality models are applied in an SME context. The findings indicate TQM, when a quality model is applied in an SME context. The findings indicate that SMEs can be compromised by the mechanistic and formalised nature of such models, which the SMEs consider as adding bureaucracy, while needing to remain flexible and innovative in a very dynamic environment over which they have little control.
KW - Model
KW - Quality
KW - Small-to medium-sized enterprises
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0011777575&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/02656710010306166
DO - 10.1108/02656710010306166
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0011777575
VL - 17
SP - 305
EP - 323
JO - International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management
JF - International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management
SN - 0265-671X
IS - 3
ER -