An Empirical Model for Managing Quality in the Electronics Industry

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

86 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Much of the empirical research in the past two decades has suggested that quality management (QM) is context dependent. This research develops an empirical QM model in a technology-based sector-electronics manufacturing. Based on quantitative and qualitative investigations of 225 electronics firms in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region of China, a path analytic model is developed. The empirical model shows that a typical quality management system (QMS) in the electronics industry is composed of four major modules, namely leadership, cultural elements, operational support systems, and process management. These modules create a series of chain effects on organizational performance, rather than acting as parallel elements with an equal impact. By quantifying their effects on organizational performance and comparing the model to others in the literature, we identify those QM constructs that are context dependent. In electronics manufacturing, process management and customer focus are more important than other elements (e.g., cultural factors) for garnering business results. This study contributes to contingency theory and research by identifying the key constructs and their relationships in a competitive, volatile, and technology-based industry with complex supply networks.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-204
Number of pages16
JournalProduction and Operations Management
Volume14
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2005

Keywords

  • Electronics industry
  • Empirical research
  • Organizational performance
  • Quality management models

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management Science and Operations Research
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An Empirical Model for Managing Quality in the Electronics Industry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this