Analysis of roles of IT on quality management

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of a research conducted to test the method developed by Ang et al. in a different environment and setting.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study the approach developed by Ang et al. was used to examine the accrued benefits of using information technology (IT) in quality management. The interview and questionnaire method was mostly used; however, direct observation and archival records data collection were also used to extract more precise data towards a better conclusion. The focus was on the analysis of the use of IT on enhancing quality awareness, improving product quality, and reducing quality‐related costs.

Findings

The findings of the study show that the introduction of IT on quality management has contributed greatly to the enhancement of quality awareness, in the improvement of product quality and in the reduction of quality costs.

Practical implications

The research shows the importance of the existence of the right environment for the implementation of a quality system. It also shows that the introduction of IT has really reduced the quality cost and improved the product quality. The research developed constructs for the eight dimensions of quality, which helps to measure the impact of IT on quality management.

Originality/value

The paper reports systematic investigations on how companies can measure the impact of IT in quality management.

Citation

Mjema, E.A.M., Victor, M.A.M. and Mwinuka, M.S.M. (2005), "Analysis of roles of IT on quality management", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 364-374. https://doi.org/10.1108/09544780510603206