EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) DIMENSIONS ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PAKISTAN PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING PLANTS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of TQM dimensions on the operational performances ofthe pharmaceutical manufacturing plant operations in Pakistan. Methodology & Design: Data for this study was collected using self-administered questionnaires that were distributed to 324 respondents of different pharmaceutical companies. The target populations for study are plant technical managers, operational managers (production managers), quality control & assurance managers and other senior experts who are assumed to provide the most relevant information of the respective companies.. Through comprehensive literature review, seven critical success factors of TQM that are relevant to the pharmaceutical industries were identified. This study offers pharmaceutical companies and their managers a better understanding of the relationship and impact that some of TQM elements have on the performance oftheir operations. Thus managers will get an opportunity to take better & more effective decisions about the implementation ofTQM. Due to nature ofthe study, the sample size is small and performance measures were based on the perceptions of respond, therefore generalization should be made with caution. Findings: Continuous improvement, supplier quality management, Process Management, and Top Management support are the TQM dimensions in surveyed Pakistan pharmaceutical Manufacturing industries, according to this study, so pharmaceutical companies should focus on these factors. Limitations: Future research should address the study's limitations, which were identified in this study. Because the data utilized in the survey is insufficient, the study's power may be reduced, and applicability to other scenarios may be limited as a result ofthis. The study also used cioss sectional data, which allowed researchers to evaluate their research model based on respondents' perceptions at a specific moment. Recommendations: It has been shown in this research that supplier quality management and continuous improvement are very important in the operational performance of the Pakistan pharmaceutical industry. As a result, businesses should pay particular attention to these considerations. The Continuous Improvement efforts of businesses should be focused on avoiding avoidable process deviations, minimizing faults and improving the quality oftheir goods. In order to exceed consumer expectations, companies should place more focus on supplier quality control. The findings of this research demonstrate that various areas of operational performance indicators are improved by each TQM components