Selected Quality Practices of Small Manufacturers

Abstract

This article examines the criteria used in an independent evaluation program to assess 1690 small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) that applied to become suppliers for the national mass merchandising market. Success for firms in this study meant getting their product forwarded for buyer review. Results indicated that the forwarded firms had a higher degree of conformity with the buyers' criteria in each of the quality management areas. The majority of the SMEs participating in this program were not prepared to do business at the national level, but the study shows that adopting quality management practices improves a firm s chances of success.