Manufacturing strategy, total quality management and performance measurement: An integrated model

A challenging task facing manufacturing enterprises today is how to build and sharpen their positions vis-à-vis competitors. A viable manufacturing strategy (MS) is recognised as a plan to achieve corporate objectives, whilst a sound performance measurement (PM) system helps measure, monitor and reward the performances of an organisation. Both MS and PM are built upon the total quality management (TQM) philosophy that fosters continuous improvement in organisations. Aligning MS, PM and TQM strategically thus helps identify opportunities and evaluate strategies and processes for delivering value-added performance. This paper attempts to propose an integrated model that links MS, PM and TQM into a coherent process. The model consists of four sections in line with UMIST's TQM framework and stresses the building of customer (internal and external) and supplier relationships. It is anticipated that the model would provide manufacturers with guidance for aligning viable strategies to planned performance and results.