Track: Quality Control and Management

Abstract

In most economies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) offer a significant contribution to developed and emerging economies. Unfortunately, SMEs have faced fierce competition in the global market. Consequently, these enterprises strive to implement quality management (QM) practices in order to keep abreast with the ever-increasing global competition. It is therefore critical to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of QM practices, particularly from the perspective of a developing economy. A few studies have focused on QM practices in SMEs from emerging economies. The aim of this study is to present an investigation of CSFs for QM practices in SMES, based on a case study in Namibia. Thus, a unique survey-based approach was used to evaluate the CSFs, as well as the business performance indicators critical to quality (CTQs). Learning from the overall response rate of 26.46%, managerial insights are presented, highlighting insights for policy makers to develop effective policies and strategies for effective implementation of QM tools and techniques for SMEs in a developing economy context.