Quality management in logistics: an examination of industry practices

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of the study is to examine the extent to which quality management practices, tools and methods are employed and adopted in Australian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the aim of the study, a survey instrument was developed and data were collected from a field research on a sample of manufacturing, retail, and logistics companies.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that the primary obstacles for not implementing quality programs are “establishing employee ownership of the quality process”, “changing the corporate culture”, and “training and education of employees”. The results also show that the most important component that identifies quality in logistics is “on‐time delivery”.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that integration of quality programs with corporate strategy, development of closer links with suppliers, and consistency in order cycle are critical initiatives required for improvement.

Citation

Rahman, S. (2006), "Quality management in logistics: an examination of industry practices", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 233-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540610662130