Critical quality factors for successful TQM implementation in Libyan oil and gas sector
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate quality factors that are absolutely essential for successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) in Libyan oil and gas companies (LOGCs).
Design/methodology/approach
In all, 11 quality factors with 42 elements were identified to develop a questionnaire to carry out the survey in order to identify the quality factors that are seen by LOGCs to be critical to the success of TQM implementation. In total, 45 questionnaires were provided by hand to quality-related managers from the Libyan oil and gas sector. A total of 42 were returned sufficiently completed, that gave us a response rate of approximately 93.33 per cent.
Findings
The empirical analysis demonstrates several key findings: the analysis indicated that 24 quality factors are found to be critical and absolutely essential for successful TQM implementation. These factors classify into three levels of criticality. All of the factors were found to be supported by similar studies and cited literatures.
Research limitations/implications
The research is subject to the normal limitations of survey research. The study is using perceptual data provided by quality managers and engineers which may not provide clear picture. It may be suitable to consider gathering information from various stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers and even competitors. However, this can be overcome using multiple methods to collect data in future studies. Interestingly, the findings here may be generalisable outside Libya, i.e. South Mediterranean countries.
Practical implications
LOGCs should consider TQM as an innovative tool for improving business performance in today's competitive environment. The findings suggest that the TQM critical success factors should be implemented completely as a whole package rather than on a fragmented basis to get the full potential of the TQM.
Originality/value
The study investigate the critical quality factors for successful TQM implementation which will direct an organisation towards business excellence and enhancing success of TQM practices in the oil and gas sector. Very few studies have been performed to investigate and understand this issue. Therefore, the research can make a useful contribution.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful for the positive comments made by the reviewers which helped us in improving the quality of the paper. The authors are also thankful to the Libyan Petroleum Institute for their help and support in conducting this research project.
Citation
Munir Ahmad, M. and Elhuni, R. (2014), "Critical quality factors for successful TQM implementation in Libyan oil and gas sector", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 21 No. 5, pp. 713-733. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-06-2012-0045
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited