Implementation of total quality management in the local spare parts manufacturing industry: a case study of fourteen local manufactures.

Fourteen companies involved in the spare parts manufacturing industry were studied. The companies were selected based on their location for easy reach. The intent was to collect and describe the present practices in quality management of the spare parts produced locally and then suggest how they could be improved on by applying TQM techniques. While there can not be universal approach to spare parts TQM implementation, a general sequence of four implementation phases is suggested as offering the best opportunity for successful implementation. These phases include: exploration and commitment, planning and preparation, implementation, anal sustaining. In the exploration and commitment phase, senior management becomes aware of the need for change and selects TQM as the change mechanism. In the planning and preparation phase, a strategic quality deployment process is developed and top-down 'quality training is begun. In the implementation phase, training is expanded and teams are formed to implement pilot quality improvement projects. The sustaining phase is characterized by prevailing conditions in which TQM has been recognized as the way the company is managed.