The adoption and effectiveness of Quality Management practices in Bangladesh

Globalisation, advances in technologies, and the impact of liberalisation have led to significant increases in competition, and resulted in enhanced use of Quality Management (QM) practices in order to remain competitive. Accordingly, this thesis examines the adoption and effectiveness of QM practices in the context of a developing economy. Specifically, the thesis examines the contingency factors,including institutional pressures and organisational related factors that affect the adoption of QM, including Total Quality Management (TQM). This thesis also examines the association between specific organisational factors and the effectiveness of QM practices, assessed in respect to competitive advantage, and the mediating role of Kaynak's (2003) core TQM practices and quality performance in this relationship. Data was collected through interviews with 16 managers of a garment organisation in Bangladesh and a survey of 673 managers in Bangladeshi garment organisations.