Quality Assurance Practices by Yemeni Manufacturing Organizations: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Investigations

Abstract

The purposes of this study are two-folds. First, critical factors necessary to achieve effective quality management were identified. The second purpose was to obtain Yemen managers' perceptions of the quality assurance programs in their organizations. Seventy-three persons from different organizations participated in this study. The overall conclusion that emerged from this study was that, contrary to what was hypothesized, it is not necessary for all factors to be present to ensure the success of the total quality program of the organization.

1. INTRODUCTION
During the past decade, managerial concern for quality reached unprecedented levels. Today, an increasing number of managers in more organizations than ever before view "quality as of bedrock strategic importance, rather than an abstract to be pulled out of
the platitudes file and given lip service at the annual general meeting" [Guaspari, 1987]. Research has confirmed the strategic benefits of quality. Quality has been shown to contribute to greater market shares and return on investments United States General [Accounting Office, 1991; Cole, 1992 and Morrow, 1997] as well as lower manufacturing costs in the long run and improved productivity [Garvin, 1983]. Although instilling higher quality characteristics in a product may result in higher manufacturing costs in the short run, and there by result in higher prices for a product, this will not necessarily have a negative impact on consumer demand. When confronted with substitutes for products, consumers would prefer to pay moderately higher prices to ensure the purchase of a quality product [Coulson-Thomas, 1991 and Coulson- Thomas, 1992], for a company or country to compete effectively in the global economy, its products must meet a certain standard of quality. Distribution of inferior products can harm firms and nations, both at home and abroad, and can have severe implications for balance of payments [Scagoline, 1988]. In Yemen, too, industrial and service organizations are concerned with the need to upgrade the quality of their products and services in order to keep pace with competition within and outside the country.