Total quality management framework for Libyan process and manufacturing industries

There are many challenges facing Libyan process and manufacturing industries intoday's competitive market. One of these major challenges is the ability of Libyancompanies to effectively introduce quality management approaches such as TotalQuality Management (TQM) that can empower their people and improve their ability torespond to international competition.The main aim of this study was to identify the drivers and barriers to the adoption ofTQM in Libyan process and manufacturing industry and to develop a model throughwhich Libyan companies could implement and maintain improved quality systems.To achieve this aim, the research approach adopted both quantitative and qualitativemethods. A generic framework of the critical success factors for implementing TQMwas developed from the literature and endorsed by practitioners and experts in the field.Structured questionnaires were utilized to elicit the opinions of 400 managers from theLibyan process and manufacturing industries regarding the extent of qualitymanagement initiatives implemented in these companies. Semi-structured interviewswere then used to identify mangers' opinions about the topics related to TQMimplementation in companies in Libya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The research indicates a low level of critical TQM success factors within the Libyancompanies, mostly caused by a minimal awareness of TQM philosophy, methods andtools, especially among top management. It also indicates that quality initiatives andpractices in Libyan companies are still in the early stages and most of the companiesstudied were proceeding with quality improvement programmes without a well-definedvision and objectives.Based on these results the original TQM framework was modified for use within Libyanprocess and manufacturing industries. The framework propagates an approach toimplementation incorporating top-down deployment and bottom-up participation. It prescribes guidelines for introducing TQM in four phases and is designed to helpLibyan companies get started and move step-by-step towards a TQM culture.Moving from one phase to the next depends upon the harnessing of knowledge andexpertise gained during the previous phase and fulfilling each phase assessment criteria.The implementation of this model will work faster and more efficiently if there is strongcommitment from the top management and employees within the Libyan companies.