Methodology
In this chapter, we outline the various research methodologies that were used for our study. The study employed a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies (mixed research strategy) in order for use to realize a realistic outcome of the study. More specifically, the chapter explores the range of techniques employed by the researcher in executing the study, research philosophy, research methods and strategies used in obtaining data and finally, data analysis and interpretation. A review of literature indicates that a several authors have in the employed the mixed research strategy in exploring the impact of TQM on organizational performance (Gherbal et al., 2012; Hansson, 2003; Irani et al, 2001; Nyame-Asiamah & Patel, 2009).
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy adopted for this study is a positivist one. Positivism is a philosophy that has its roots in empiricism. In other words, our study will rely purely on observable and measurable/quantifiable facts. The basic principle or philosophy behind this approach is that all knowledge that is factual in nature is ultimately based on positive information that is acquired from all sorts of observable occurrences and experience. Any idea that falls beyond this philosophy of provable fact is regarded as metaphysical in nature. In this case, only analytical assertions are treated as true via a process of reason as indicated in the work of Davies (2007) . For a positivist approach, a deductive approach that involves the advancement of a theoretical or conceptual framework is adopted prior to the testing of the hypotheses via an elaborate empirical observation. Following a deductive approach the basis for my research is the hypothesis that TQM was successful for XYZ’s business. Based on the data analysis and other findings, the work presented proof for and against the research hypotheses.
Research strategy
A research strategy refers to the actual plan that the researcher adopts in carrying out the research. In this case, the research strategy was case study approach. The research aimed at investigating TQM implementation in an Aluminum manufacturing firm in the Middle East. According to the work of Davies, (2007), case study is the process of developing a detailed, and yet intensive knowledge a single case, or a limited number of related cases. The main advantage of employing a case study technique is the realization or achievements of very detailed observations regarding a given case. This allows us a chance to study different elements while also scrutinizing them relative to one another. This allows us to observe the process within its natural environment. Consequently, case study helps us in realizing a more realistic and holistic view of a given research paradigm.
Research population as well as sample
The study was conducted at the XYZ’s Aluminium manufacturing plant in the Middle East. Since the studies was aimed at reviewing TQM implementation and evaluate the potential benefits it has brought to the facility.The management was used in representing the entire community. The respondent for the sample survey were selected purposefully from the plant and included only staff members who knew a lot TQM requirements, benefits and implementation. The sample was made up a 76 respondents that included XYZ’s quality assurance team, quality as well as production managers, production supervisors as well as a management representative (MR) in the plant’s quality council.
Data Collection techniques
Quantitative
The collection of data for this study involved the use of questionnaires as well as semi-structured interviews. The questionnaires were used in eliciting reactions and investigating TQM implementation in the Aluminum manufacturing facility. The semi-structured interviews were used in carrying out interviews with the plant’s General as well as TQM managers and were therefore, aimed at helping the researcher in gaining a better understanding of the themes that emerged from the earlier supplied questionnaire. For the sake of understanding the plant’s performance, its customers were also interviewed.
Questionnaires were the tools for data collection in this research. These questionnaires had three parts. Demographic details of the respondent made up the first part. The second part was specially designed in order to measure the extent of TQM implementation in the facility. The third part of the questionnaires was specially designed to capture the facility’s productivity index.
The questionnaires for measuring the implementation of TQM at the facility were designed on the basis of ten factors that were to be investigated. These included the commitment of top management, existence of quality structure as well as excellent communications structures, employee training and empowerment, quality control and benchmarking, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, organizational culture, quality information systems, nature of supplier’s relationships and policy and strategic planning.
Qualitative
For the qualitative part of this study, unstructured interviews with the facility’s managers, customer service representatives, supervisors, financial controllers as well as operators were conducted in order to evaluate their views on TQM implementation. The interviews were useful for understanding from each one’s perspective how they view TQM and it will help capture significant information such as body language and tone of voice which would have be missed in the surveys.The interviews were conducted in peaceful environments and were at comfort of the interviewees to avoid making them feel intimidated.
The personal interviews were aimed at eliciting the participants’ reactions and views on;
The possible options considered before it was decided to implement TQM at XYZ
The challenges and hindrances faced during this process and how were they overcome
To evaluate if Quality Information System (QIS) implemented as part of TQM and how it helped
The interviews were mainly unstructured in order to allow the research to obtain various clarifications on certain variables that demanded an in-depth analysis and investigation. Due to the sensitivity of some of the issues (due to trade secrets in the aluminum manufacturing industry and other legal issues), the interviews were carried out informally. This also helped in eliminating bias on the respondents’ part.
Data presentation as well as analysis
Quantitative
In this study, SPSS was employed in analyzing the quantitative data. The data analysis was conducted in three distinct stages. The initial stage involved the checking of reliability by means of Cronbach’s Alpha . This method was employed in measuring the degree of internal consistency and to gauge the correlation of all items in our survey instrument. The second stage involved the use Persons correlation. This was used in assessing the strength of the association or relationship between the study’s dependent and independent variables. The third and last stage involved the use of multiple regressions in checking of multicollinearity (the association among the variables) as well as the degree of variance.
Qualitative
Ideally, qualitative data analysis took place concurrently during the data collection process. This allowed the researchers an opportunity to generate an emergent understanding of the various research questions. These reactions are what informed the sampling as well as subsequent questions that were asked. This was done iteratively until such a point that no new theme emerged. This point was referred to as a saturation point and it marked the end of data collection in this study. The main challenge that was faced while applying qualitative data analysis techniques from the unstructured interviews was the fact that different questions led to different answers. This meant that that the researcher had to apply great effort in systematic analysis of the responses in order for a patter to be identified (Patton, 2002)
Data Triangulation
The use of the various methods above coupled with literature review amounts to ‘triangulation’ which is increasingly being used to refer to a process of cross-checking findings deriving from both quantitative and qualitative research (Deacon et al, 1998). The use of qualitative and quantitative research in conjunction may often allow the researcher access to different levels of reality (Bryman and Bell, 2007). Thus, the researcher was able to focus the research from multiple angles and present conclusions and findings in a structured manner.
Results
