Evaluation of the status of total quality management in Cyprus manufacturing industry

Abstract

This thesis analyses the present status of the Cyprus Manufacturing Industry (CMI) through identification, analysis and evaluation of all quality parameters related to the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM).This analysis is accomplished through an extensive National Quality Survey, reported through a specially designed questionnaire, which targeted 60 manufacturing industries. Data and information or quality growth in the US, Japan and Europe are presented for comparison with Cyprus.The survey reveals that the Quality Standards of CMI fall short of those of other competitor countries with respect to the following:*Quality policies, manuals, systems and certification;* Suppliers assessment, communication;* Behaviour, culture, Cypriot attitudes;* Usage of Quality techniques/tools;* Who are the customers and what are their requirements;* Insufficient training;* Almost negligible performance measurementIt is shown that in Cyprus TQM can only be implemented by a few large enterprises, which currently possess the right structure, systems, culture and training. It is suggested that the majority of these enterprises, having first understood the concept of TQM, should proceed step by step along the route of restructuring, in accordance with the suggestions elaborated in the conclusions and recommendations chapter of this thesis.<br/