Comparing quality management practices in the Australian service and manufacturing industries

Presents a comparative analysis of the attitudes to and the use of quality management practices (QMP) in Australia’s manufacturing and service industries. Outlines the survey methodologies, lists questions asked and summarizes responses to them. Identifies and comments on statistically significant differences in the use of quality management practices between the two sectors. Discusses the attitudes towards the use of and factors which encourage or discourage the implementation of QM practices in Australia’s manufacturing and service industries. Finds that the manufacturing sector uses quality management practices more than the service sector. Attempts to explain these differences and suggests further research.