Investigating Implementation Status of TQM Practices in North Karnataka Smes: some Empirical Observations and discussion of ISO 9000 and Non ISO 9000 Standards Certified Companies

In the competitive world market most organizations strive for better quality on the basis of Total Quality Management (TQM). This paper examines and compares the TQM practices in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in ISO 9000 and non ISO 9000 certified companies of north Karnataka. Results based on testing the mean differences between companies of ISO certified and non ISO 9000 certified SMEs indicate that there are significant differences in performances between certified and non-certified companies, supporting the hypothesis that ISO 9000 certification contributes to a higher organizational performance. Having analyzed the survey questionnaire, the results of two tests of significance are described. The factors found lacking in practice are highlighted, and the SMEs' perceptions to successful TQM implementation are identified. The paper concludes with a summary highlighting the important findings from this study and future research directions.