Supplier quality management in the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this paper is to ascertain the impact of supplier quality management (SQM) on the quality performance of manufacturing companies operating in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) area of Southern China.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis is used to build a model that demonstrates how SQM contributes to quality performance and also the constructive effect of supply quality on organizational quality performance. Data were collected from 138 manufacturing and manufacturing‐related companies in the PRD. Hypotheses were formulated by means of the published literature and interviews with experienced industry personnel.

Findings

The path model indicates that SQM practices contribute significantly to quality performance and also illustrates the constructive effect of supply quality on the overall quality performance of the organization. Results also indicate that TQM philosophies can act as an essential driver in SQM implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined to the PRD of Southern China and only examines the interrelationships between the constructs of TQM values and SQM practices. Several insignificant paths between SQM and quality measures should be further investigated.

Practical implications

The model developed can be used to help companies improve their current supplier management systems and can also aid the implementation of new supplier quality management systems. The findings should also be useful to those companies seeking to source from the PRD.

Originality/value

The paper explores the role that SQM plays in minimizing operating costs, in shortening delivery times, and in improving overall quality performance along a demand chain. The results reinforce the need to enhance the competitiveness of the business units along a demand chain through better management of the supply functions.

Citation

Lo, V.H.Y., Sculli, D. and Yeung, A.H.W. (2006), "Supplier quality management in the Pearl River Delta", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 513-530. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710610664587