TQM implementation: a case of a mining company in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the level at which total quality management (TQM) practices have been implemented in a mining company in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken over a six month period and the questionnaire was administered to a sample of 60 employees. The topics for the questions were on senior management commitment to quality, total quality training, customer driven information, and availability of quality data, TQM methods, and supplier involvement. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate percentage distributions and to determine the level of TQM implementation.

Findings

The paper reveals that the company has passed through the introductory stage of the TQM training of top and middle level management and is now at the point of transferring the knowledge to the rest of the employees in the company.

Originality/value

The findings present for the first time TQM implementation in the mining industry in Ghana. The study should be of value to managers who are interested in a comprehensive approach to achieving organizational excellence.

Citation

Boateng‐Okrah, E. and Appiah Fening, F. (2012), "TQM implementation: a case of a mining company in Ghana", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 743-759. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635771211284305