Enabling quality management systems in the maquiladoras: An empirical analysis
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 12 October 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The maquiladora industry is a manufacturing system that utilizes the Mexican workforce and foreign investment and technology on the border region between the USA and Mexico. This study seeks to explore managerial support and employee involvement as well as quality processes (internal enablers) and supplier selection criteria (external factors) in the maquiladora industry with respect to ISO 9000 certification.
Design/methodology/approach
The enablers of ISO certification were studied through a survey instrument and extensive field interviews with experts of maquiladora plants in El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Based on a 78 percent response rate (171 usable questionnaires) and 11 in‐depth interviews of quality experts in eight industries, statistical analyses including reliability and validity analyses, factor analyses, tests of hypothesis, and ANOVA were performed.
Findings
The four hypotheses developed were verified. Based on the analyses, ISO‐certified companies exemplified better and longer‐term relationships with main/core suppliers, greater top managerial support and employee involvement and communication, and more effective quality processes than those of non ISO‐certified companies.
Practical implications
The results of the study could assist maquiladoras to improve their internal and external enablers in order to have a better chance of achieving ISO certification. Likewise, the headquarters of the maquiladoras could benefit from the identification and recognition of these internal and external enablers.
Originality/value
The quality of products manufactured in maquiladoras should be congruent with the parts and products produced in their headquarters. The paper addresses the role and importance of ISO certification for both maquiladoras and their headquarters. The headquarters could provide the necessary support and resources for achievement or ISO certification in maquiladoras.
Keywords
Citation
Dowlatshahi, S. and Hooshangi, S. (2010), "Enabling quality management systems in the maquiladoras: An empirical analysis", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 27 No. 9, pp. 981-1001. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711011084792
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited