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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Total quality management--South Africa

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    An integrated safety, health, environment and quality management system for a multi-business packaging organisation in South Africa
    (2023-05) Nadar, Manikam Michael; Ramchander, M
    Organisations operate in a challenging and competitive environment that are primarily driven by the markets that the organisation serves, and these organisations rely on management systems to provide strategic direction that aligns with the goals of the organisation. As such, organisations typically progressively implement independently managed safety, health, environment, and quality management systems. However, these standalone management systems work in silos that are not synergised and can achieve improved outcomes if integrated into one coherent integrated management system (IMS) that is aligned to the strategic goals of the organisation. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the systems theory that views an organisation as an open system, that consists of sub systems that are sequenced and interact to form a holistic system that contributes to a final output. The conceptual framework was based on existing researched models to gain insight on the different IMS models as well as the challenges and benefits experienced by organisations globally in implementing an IMS. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the researched organisation’s independent safety, and health, environment, and quality (SHEQ) management systems were researched to contextualise the organisation. A mixed research methodology was used to gain an understanding of the current independent management systems and the challenges that the researched organisation faces towards implementing an integrated IMS. The challenges associated with the organization's independently management systems include ineffective use of resources, duplication of work, and the difficulty of managing independent systems. An IMS will address these challenges, however, implementing an IMS may pose challenges such as resistance to change and inadequate expertise. The management of change and the proposed structured IMS model together with the provision of the required skills and knowledge will aid in ensuring the successful implementation of the IMS. An organisation must have clear IMS objectives that must be aligned to the strategic goals of the organisation, to ensure better, utilisation of the organisation’s resources, management of cost, reduction in documentation and a change in the organisation’s SHEQ culture. The fourth industrial revolution provides an opportunity for the organisation to use a cloud-based document management system to enhance the organisation’s IMS. Findings of the research support the notion of an IMS. Based on the researched models and the qualitative and quantitative research, a multi-dimension IMS model was formulated using the systems theory, and proposed strategies was articulated, that the researched organisation can adopt to implement an IMS. This study ascertained how the three-standalone safety, and health, environment and quality management systems can be unified into an integrated multi-dimensional model that could be possibly adopted by the metal division of the organisation across three business units located in three South African provinces. The successful implementation of the IMS will involve reviewing the existing staff structure, integration of the existing documentation based on the proposed IMS model, conducting a SHEQ management review and auditing. The research has extended the IMS theory by contributing knowledge on the IMS organisation structure, IMS document structure, IMS structure, proposed ISO IMS requirements and a proposed IMS model.
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    An assessment of the impact of quality standards on the business performance of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal : selected cases in the Durban Metropolitan area
    (2019-10) Mkhize, Phindile Buyile; Matsiliza, Noluthando S.; Nombela-Mseleku, N.
    The aim of this research is to assess the impact of quality standards on the business performance of SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal, with specific reference to selected cases in the Durban Metropolitan Area. Over the years, organizations have been frequently criticised for failing to comply with the quality standards such as the SANS 9001 / ISO 9001 that are required for effective implementation of Quality Management Systems and SANS 342 which provides specifications for diesel fuel products. Quality standards are defined as a set of detailed specifications, requirements, various guidelines and characteristics to be adopted in order to provide assurance that the product, service or process is fit for purpose. The perception amongst organizations has often been that systems and products certification do not add value towards improved business processes, best practices and customer satisfaction. It is further argued that product certification is erroneously perceived by organizations as a marketing tool and strategy that is needed for business survival and larger market penetration. The focus of this study is to critically evaluate the correlation between quality standards and organizational performance. Whilst looking at the impact of quality standards, the study critically assesses the holistic approach used in the adoption of quality standards. In order to meet the objectives of this study, the research adopts a mixed method approach. However, the quantitative approach is predominant since data will be collected using completed questionnaires, which can be quantified. This study was restricted to a targeted population and therefore the sample size was limited to twenty SMMEs, comprising ten non-certified SMMEs and ten certified SMMEs. This study adopted a qualitative research approach to collect and analyse data. The research methodology involved the use of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The surveys used to collect data involved both certified and non-certified organizations regardless of the type and size of business. Hence the scope covered businesses that manufacture products as well as those rendering services. The hypotheses to be tested and the results emanating from the survey formed an integral part of the research conclusions, recommendations for intervention and contemplated areas for further research. The study established that there is a positive relationship between the adoption of quality standards and business excellence of SMMEs. Based on the findings, several recommendations have been made including the significant role of government in the mitigation of the challenges and barriers associated with the acquisition of statutory quality management systems and compliance of quality standards as experienced by SMMEs
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    The emergence of creativity and innovation from a quality perspective
    (2014-05-28) Dohery-Bigara, Francis; Singh, Shalini; Naidoo, R.
    Creativity and innovation drive organisational progress and is being heralded as the next competitive frontier for organisations. This study was initiated by current research which showed that the soft (infrastructure) quality management practices which focuses on people and culture had a greater effect on the pursuit of quality and innovation than the hard (core) quality management practices which focuses on techniques and methodology. Adopting a culture of innovation and creativity in quality instead of mere compliance, should drive the corporate quality strategy. This study made use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques by reviewing national and international related literature and used a questionnaire to investigate 54 ISO 9001 accredited South African organisations, respectively. It also investigated the degree to which creativity and innovation are practiced in these organisations, thereby exploring the gap between the importance of a factor to an organisation and the practice of the same factor. Results from Chapter 4 show that implementing innovation, the role of management and the role of government in encouraging innovation are very important but insufficiently practiced. The questionnaire revealed that hard/core factors are sufficiently practiced in quality but that the soft/infrastructure factors, which are important to innovation, are not. The respondents indicated that pursuing both quality and innovation simultaneously is an important goal and that the external and internal environment impact on innovation as much as the characteristics of the individual does. A model which attempts to consider all the factors that impact on innovation and quality is proposed. The model, called the Qic Model, consolidates previous research on innovation and quality through the Composite Model of Innovation and Quality and then proposes a tool called the Qic Assessment Matrix which can be used to strategically position an organisation or assess effort in innovation and quality.
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    The effect that a quality management system has on small, medium and micro enterprises in the Durban Metropolitan area of KwaZulu-Natal
    (2011) Kain, Cheryl-Anne; Penceliah, Soobramoney; Naidoo, Trevor
    Quality management has not been developed and marketed well in South African based small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME‟s). The focus of SMME‟s has been on product price. In order to improve small business initiatives a culture or the behaviour towards quality needs also to be embraced by SMME‟s. Debenham (2008) finds that focussing on price alone indicates that SMME‟s do not grow and become sustainable. Support from both government and the private sector has focussed primarily on providing financial aid to SMME‟s. Ninety percent of South African small businesses largely remain in the survival stage because of a lack of skills and resources. It has become clear that financial support alone is not enough to grow and sustain SMME‟s. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect that the ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) has on SMME‟s in the Greater Durban Area with the view to determine the contribution it has made in terms of growth and survival of those SMME‟s. This was a qualitative study investigating SMME‟s in the Greater Durban Metropolitan Area. The sampling frame was made up of two groups of SMME‟s. Unstructured interviews were conducted at 40 SMME‟s, comprising of 20 SMME‟s who have implemented ISO 9001 QMS(have the control/case) and 20 SMME‟s who have not implemented ISO 9001. The raw data was coded into categories and themes. Descriptive statistics, using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), was used to analyse the data. The study indicates that the majority of respondents from both groups had a positive perception towards the ISO 9001 QMS contributing to their growth and survival.
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    Employee perceptions of quality at a selected company
    (2007) Naidu, Pradashen; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
    Quality improvement is a fundamental and important attribute of a company’s business strategy and competitive positioning. The Durban-based paint factory of Dulux (Pty)Ltd, is the primary manufacturing and distribution site in South Africa. This site has to ensure that the consumers and customers in the target market, are satisfied with the quality of product and service received from the factory. This research focuses on the determination of employee perceptions of quality during 2006 at the paint factory site. In particular, how could these perceptions be effectively used by management as a basis for improving the quality ethic on the site. An improved quality ethic ensures a value- added product and service offer to the target market. The research investigates employee perceptions for various site departments and job grades within the context of several quality themes. Employee perceptions were determined by means of a quantitative survey conducted on the site population using a survey questionnaire. The study shows a primarily positive perception of quality by the employees. The subsequent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis quantifies these perceptions as statistically significant in relation to the research questions that were used in the research. There were some perceptions of quality that highlited potential areas for improvement within the site quality management system and the scope of application. These areas need to be considered by management in order to restore positive perception and support for the quality management system. It is recommended that an annual survey of employee perceptions be conducted by the Quality Assurance department and feedback discussed at the annual quality management review forum. An effective quality improvement and communications strategy can then be determined for implementation. It is also proposed that future research consider conducting a similar study at the service oriented Dulux Alberton site and another survey for the management team at the Durban factory.