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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2003

Nael Aly and Daniel Schloss

Assesses the quality management systems of the maquiladoras in the Tijuana region of Mexico. Maquiladoras are manufacturing plants set up by foreign companies in the border zone…

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Abstract

Assesses the quality management systems of the maquiladoras in the Tijuana region of Mexico. Maquiladoras are manufacturing plants set up by foreign companies in the border zone of North Mexico to produce finished goods for export. Information was gathered by survey from companies representing the Pacific Rim, Europe, the USA and Mexico, and from different manufacturing sectors. The survey addressed quality management system certification, quality data collection and analysis, total quality management (TQM) and statistical process control (SPC) implementation, teamwork, communication and training practices, as well as suppliers certification requirements. The results showed that the majority of the responding maquiladoras generally have a decent quality management system, over half indicated that they have a certified quality system, and a large percentage reported utilizing teamwork for problem solving and many SPC charts such as Pareto and control charts. The maquiladoras are creating “quality culture” in Mexico’s manufacturing systems based on the principles TQM. This could be instrumental in transforming Mexico’s manufacturing from being known as a “cheap labor” provider into becoming a global manufacturing power.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2014

Luis Velazquez, Nora Munguia, Andrea Zavala, Javier Esquer, Markus Will and Bernd Delakowitz

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the deepening understanding of the diverging pollution prevention (PP) and occupational and safety practices undertaken in the Mexican…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the deepening understanding of the diverging pollution prevention (PP) and occupational and safety practices undertaken in the Mexican maquiladora industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was outlined by a modified version of the PP Program based on a continuous improvement cycle, which identifies areas of opportunity and then, proposes ideas for solving problems. This study was carried out based merely on a quantitative approach. However, when this was not possible, parameters were determined under a qualitative or semi-quantitative approach.

Findings

Findings in this study have proven that Cleaner Production and Pollution Prevention (CP&PP) programs are successful to obtain not only environmental but also occupational benefits at the same time; therefore, they should not be seem only as an environmental tool but as a sustainability tool that have the potential to make possible the creation of a sustainable production system in the maquiladora industry where products and processes, and operations are designed to be not risky for Mexican workers, communities, and environment.

Practical implications

The study revealed empirical environmental and occupational practices that took place in nine maquiladoras located in the Northwest of Mexico and analyzes how these practices affect Mexican workers in this industry and their environment.

Originality/value

The study evaluated the feasibility and usefulness of CP&PP programs in the maquiladora industry under an integrative approach that takes into account environmental and occupational aspect in order to understand how this industry is changing their production patterns toward sustainability.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1996

Sameer Prasad, Jasmine Tata and Ron Thorn

Examines the total quality management (TQM) programmes of Maquiladora operations located on the Mexican border and benchmarks their quality practices vis‐à‐vis those in the USA…

506

Abstract

Examines the total quality management (TQM) programmes of Maquiladora operations located on the Mexican border and benchmarks their quality practices vis‐à‐vis those in the USA. Six domains of TQM programmes (information and analysis, strategic quality planning, human resource development and management, management of process quality, customer focus and satisfaction, and quality and operational results) were investigated; these domains were based on the Baldrige Award criteria. The results identify areas of improvement for both Maquiladora and US operations. Maquiladora operations need to improve customer focus and satisfaction, and employee training, whereas US operations need to improve quality and operational results, information and analysis, management of process quality, human resource development and strategic quality planning. Overall, the results suggest that US companies relocating their operations to the Maquiladora zone can obtain a competitive advantage in terms of both lower costs and implementation of TQM programmes.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 13 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2008

Melissa Najera

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study in which lower‐level workers employed in maquiladoras were interviewed in an effort to discover what is important to…

549

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a study in which lower‐level workers employed in maquiladoras were interviewed in an effort to discover what is important to them and how it impacts turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative field study was conducted in uncovering maquiladora workers' “intention to stay” at a particular maquiladora plant. Semi‐structured interviews with open‐ended questions were used in gathering responses from lower‐level maquiladora workers. Content analysis and one‐way ANOVAs were used to discover statistical significance.

Findings

Utilizing content analysis and one‐way ANOVAs, the findings indicate this particular level of workers are likely to stay due to work‐related categories: appreciation, bonuses, co‐workers, job, promotion and social events.

Research limitations/implications

Maquiladora sample was limited to a particular region of the Mexican border.

Practical implications

For maquiladora management focused on increasing retention rates, this paper offers suggestions that may be considered in developing adequate retention practices for this level of maquiladora workers.

Originality/value

The most significant feature of this study was the actual conversations with the workers themselves. Their feelings, opinions, and beliefs regarding their intentions to stay in maquiladoras will be of immense value to managers.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1993

Walter E. Greene and Gilberto de los Santos

Although maquiladoras create needed jobs in Mexico which help the country economically, they also appear to create problems in terms of the infrastructure, waste pollution, and…

Abstract

Although maquiladoras create needed jobs in Mexico which help the country economically, they also appear to create problems in terms of the infrastructure, waste pollution, and Mexican family traditional roles. Unless addressed, these problems wilt continue to grow, and might eventually curtail the expansion of maquilas in Mexico. There are important lessons to be learned from these issues. Maquiladoras managers would be wise to promote the orderly planning and development of the infrastructure in the cities in which they operate, they would be wise to dispose properly of their waste materials, and they would be wise to study the changes they are creating among Mexican family traditions.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 3 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1998

Y. Helio Yang

The maquiladora program is an important part of the economy in North America. A significant share of intra‐industry trade has been generated between the USA and Mexico. The…

1313

Abstract

The maquiladora program is an important part of the economy in North America. A significant share of intra‐industry trade has been generated between the USA and Mexico. The imports and exports from maquiladoras to the USA continue to grow under NAFTA. However, non‐maquiladora sectors are growing at a faster pace. Non‐US foreign direct investment, particularly from Asian and European companies, is a current trend in maquiladoras. A cluster concept is now developed among new maquiladoras from Asia and Europe to remain competitive in an increasingly price‐sensitive market, to maintain consistent quality standards in a high‐volume environment, and to fulfill the NAFTA’s rules of origin provision. Maquiladora production is now shifting from lower‐skilled, labor‐intensive assembly to advanced production technologies. Obstacles still remain in Mexico’s infrastructure and regulations to its market. There are some debates on the future of maquiladoras after January 1, 2001, the theoretical expiration date of maquiladoras. However, the complementarity of the US and Mexican economies should nonetheless sustain incentives for production sharing and sourcing.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 98 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Luis Velázquez, Nora Munguía, Maria de los Ángeles Navarrete and Andrea Zavala

The goal of this study is to further the existing understanding of the diverging pollution prevention and occupational and safety practices undertaken in the Mexican maquiladora

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Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this study is to further the existing understanding of the diverging pollution prevention and occupational and safety practices undertaken in the Mexican maquiladora industry in order to promote the creation of a sustainable production system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores in detail the occupational health, safety and environmental practices performed by six electronic maquiladoras located in the State of Sonora, Mexico. The OSHA's program evaluation profile (PEP) and cleaner production and pollution prevention and worker surveys were the instruments used for collecting information. All instruments were complemented with short interviews and walkthroughs in the production lines.

Findings

Evidences from this study suggest that today's trends in maquiladoras production patterns continue to go in an unsustainable direction because of the lack of good environmental and occupational and safety practices.

Practical implications

This study reveals the most telling and significant sustainability themes associated to the maquiladora industry that holds the exciting potential of protecting the environment and labor and strengthening economic growth through more efficient and sustainable production.

Originality/value

Sustainability production is an issue that is often neglected into the actual stock of published material about maquiladoras. This study fills this gap through a broad structural approach that takes into account economic, social, and environment aspects as a way to helping the adoption of sustainability practices in the maquiladora industry.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2010

Shad Dowlatshahi and Soheil Hooshangi

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…

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.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1990

Stanley E. Fawcett

Maquiladora operations have become increasingly popular during the past 10 years. The driving force behind this popularity has been the dramatic devaluation of the Mexican peso…

Abstract

Maquiladora operations have become increasingly popular during the past 10 years. The driving force behind this popularity has been the dramatic devaluation of the Mexican peso, which has made Mexican labour among the lowest cost in the world. However to take full advantage of maquiladora operations additional logistics costs are incurred in supporting the Mexican production/assembly facilities. The logistics/manufacturing cost trade‐offs inherent in maquiladora operations are explored empirically. While logistics costs were found to increase and logistics performance decreased, most of the firms involved in maquiladora operations considered their operations to be highly successful based on product cost savings.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2000

Stephen E. Lunce and Stephanie A.M. Smith

This paper presents the results of a study that investigates the sophistication of the information technology (IT) employed by maquiladoras. The maquiladoras are Mexican…

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study that investigates the sophistication of the information technology (IT) employed by maquiladoras. The maquiladoras are Mexican manufacturing and assembly plants that have been established by non‐Mexican, primarily US, companies to take advantage of several economic factors that should increase the profitability of these non‐Mexican firms. This research is designed to allow the research team to: (1) develop an understanding of the technologies found in the maquiladoras, and (2) assist in the development of an adequate model of IT architectures employed such that comparisons can be made of the architectures used by manufacturing firms located in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (the signatories of NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement). In general, the results of this survey indicate the use of significantly more sophisticated IT than might otherwise be expected as a result of the general perception that maquiladoras should be organized to capitalize on the relatively low skill levels and wages of the hourly Mexican worker.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 100 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

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