An Evaluation of the Effects of Quality Improvement Activities on Business Performance

Research was undertaken on the effects of quality improvement activities on business performance. The investigation began by developing a classification system to ensure all business performance benefits(tangible and intangible) were included for analysis. Questionnaires and structured interviews, involving the participation of over 200 companies, were used as the main tools for the investigation. An analysis of the results enabled a TQM quality activity model to be developed which classify 65 quality activities by their prime effect. This model was designed to assist companies in the planning of TQM and the targeting of quality activities. The research identified the difficulties organizations and researchers have in measuring the effects of quality activities.