An exploratory study of total quality management challenges during coronavirus disease: a case of Durban textile companies.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
This research focused on Total Quality Management (TQM) as an operations challenge
in the textile manufacturing sector during the era of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-
19), with the focus on textile manufacturing sector companies. South African textile
companies based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, include Best Branding South Africa
(BBSA) and Textiles Express (TE) were selected for the study.
TQM is a philosophy that seeks to integrate all organisational functions such as
marketing, finance, supply chain, and engineering, as well as production, and customer
service, to focus on meeting customer needs and company objectives. Customer
satisfaction is the main driving force in TQM and involves top management.
One of the biggest challenges in the textile manufacturing sector is that COVID-19 has
severely affected TQM operations. Some of the operational challenges include, but are
not limited to such as, machine failures, materials, and rejects. The COVID-19
pandemic had an immediate effect on textile sales, trade, and production. TQM
operational challenges include shutting down business operations, the decline in
revenues, and a reduction in production.
The main study aim was to determine the COVID-19 pandemic impact on TQM within
the textile manufacturing sector. The objectives of the study include: determining
operations challenges faced in TQM attributable to COVID-19, regarding planning at
the two textile companies, BBSA and TE. Second, to examine strategies employed in
the textile manufacturing sector by BBSA and TE to solve these TQM operations
challenges. Third, to explore which strategies were used by BBSA and TE to assess the
COVID-19 impact on TQM. Last, to determine mitigation measures BBSA and TE
employed to alleviate TQM operations challenges during the era of COVID-19.
Exploratory research design was employed to obtain more information on the current
textile manufacturing industry status and evaluate the COVID-19 impact on TQM. A
qualitative approach was used to collect primary data through interviews. Seven
employees were selected from BBSA to participate, with eight employees selected from
TE. Collected data were captured and analysed through thematic analysis, using NVivo
version 12. The research findings from in-depth interviews revealed serious challenges in the textile
industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the identified challenges at BBSA
include disruption of operations, reduction in sales, and delays in orders. At TE the
challenges during COVID-19 include inadequate training of employees, lack of
resources, and ineffective communication.
The study recommends textile companies stay informed regarding the COVID-19
situation; this will assist in making informed decisions about business operations, while
also securing cash flow, such as having a contingency budget in place.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.