One of the biggest challenges in the textile manufacturing sector is that COVID-19 has severely impacted TQM operations. The main purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TQM within the textile manufacturing sector.
Introduction
Background of the study
It also issued various administrative and legal measures to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Employees' workplace precautions include washing their hands with soap and water and then disinfecting their hands.
Research problem
Research questions
Research objectives
Preliminary literature review
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Principles of TQM
- The impact of past pandemics on TQM
- Operations and supply chain management (SCM)
Therefore, an integrated supply chain is necessary for companies in the textile industry to obtain maximum benefits. As Luthra and Mangla assert, supply chain objectives and performance measurements essentially require understanding to build an efficient supply chain within the textile industry.
The PDCA Cycle
According to Chunduri, operations and supply chain management encompasses a broad field that encompasses manufacturing and service activities, including the functions of sourcing, materials management, operations planning, distribution, logistics, retail, demand forecasting, order fulfillment, and more. The supply chain is also involved in processing materials and providing services to consumers who use these materials (Montecchi, Plangger & Etter.
Research Methodology
The improvement cycle was used as one of the tools to control the quality of goods and services. Therefore, the objective of this study was to implement this continuous improvement cycle in the textile industry.
Limitations of the study
It was used to determine whether cycle phases improve the integration of operations systems when managing an operations disruption.
Significance and importance of the study
The research provides insight into the economic impact of COVID-19 in the textile manufacturing sector. Therefore, the research would enable companies in the textile industry to better understand how to effectively manage disruptions and mitigate risk.
Ethical considerations of the study
The study would improve the textile processing industry and enable companies to effectively manage the effects of COVID-19 on their operations. The findings of this study can help to generate knowledge, so the study has socio-economic value to the community.
Key terms and definitions
Structure of dissertation
Chapter Three: The research methodology guiding the research in data collection is discussed in this chapter, as well as how the research was conducted, particularly in information collection. This chapter will also outline the limitations of the study and ways to overcome those limitations.
Chapter summary
The chapter also introduces the key concepts that built the literature review and the framework that guided the study. Chapter summaries, limitations of the study and areas for future research are presented, as well as recommendations and the overall conclusion of the study.
Introduction
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Principles of Total Quality Management
- Customer focus
- Total employee commitment
- Process approach
- Integrated systems
- Strategic and systematic approach
- Continual improvement
- Fact-based decision-making
- Communication
Furthermore, it can be implemented by continuously improving processes and upgrading the necessary equipment, which enables the company to react quickly and correct bottlenecks in the process. There is a need for employees in the company to understand the plans, strategies and methods used to achieve the goals and desired results.
Past pandemic impacts on TQM in the textile manufacturing sector
Anthrax of 2001
SARS of 2003
Ebola of 2014
Operations and Supply Chain Management
It can also provide an approach to identifying the potential and success of supply management strategies. This awareness can also provide an approach to identifying the potential and success of care management strategies.
Operations and SCM components
- Operations planning and control
- Communicating requirements and priorities
- Measuring performance
- Plan phase
- Do phase
- Check phase
- Act phase
This means that it is important to ensure that performance is measured and that the necessary data is collected to facilitate subsequent evaluation. It is crucial to implement actions, and when nothing changes, the cycle repeats.
Chapter summary
In this phase, Ebrahim (2019) explains that stakeholders are informed about changes in the process and recommendations for future PDCA cycles. Therefore, when the solution is successful, it can be implemented; if not, another problem is addressed and the cycle repeats. The companies in the textile industry need appropriate measures to face the challenges they face and decide on the changes needed to manage the COVID-19 impact within the industry.
Introduction
Research Philosophy
As Gantsho and Sukdeo (2018) explain, on the one hand, positivism is a paradigm that adheres to the view that factual knowledge obtained through observation and measurement is reliable. On the other hand, pragmatism accepts relevant concepts when they support action and is a determinant of the critical inquiry approach. Realism, according to Melnikova, is based on the idea of the independence of reality from the human mind and based on the assumption of a scientific approach to the development of knowledge.
Research design
Exploratory research design
This research design, therefore, serves as a means to validate the theoretical idea of the research problem. Additionally, exploratory research can also be conducted to determine the nature of the problem and develop a better understanding of it. The importance of research design is based on linking arguments and theories that inform empirical data.
Research approach
The qualitative research approach
Mohajan defines the qualitative research approach as "a primary research tool used to understand underlying reasons, opinions and motivations, which provides further insight into the problem". In some cases, this research approach is used to test text responses and collect data from surveys, interviews, observations, conventional analysis and focus groups. as "an unfolding pattern in a natural environment that allows the researcher to develop details from high involvement in actual experiences".
Study site
Target population
Sampling strategies
This study therefore used non-probability sampling, where the elements of the population have no probability associated with being selected as sample subjects. It also adopted a targeted convenience sampling technique, which involves selecting those participants who are available and in the best position to provide the necessary information about COVID-19-related and related operational challenges.
Sample size
Data collection methods
Semi-structured interview
The process of conducting semi-structured interviews
At the beginning of the interview, the guideline for the interview schedule with all the questions was handed to the interviewees.
Data quality control
Data analysis
Ethical Consideration
Limitations of the study
Chapter summary
Introduction
Research objectives
Company profile of participants
- Gender of participants
- Age of participants
- Race of participants
- Educational qualifications of participants
- Experience of participants in years worked
- Occupation of participants
Participants from BBSA also indicated their race (Figure 4.5), with most participants from Africa: there were four Africans, two Coloureds, and one participant was Indian. As illustrated (Figure 4.7), three participants have a postgraduate qualification, two participants are graduates with degrees, one participant has a technical diploma, while one participant has obtained a school-leaving certificate. The positions held by BBSA participants are indicated in Figure 4.11; determined to ensure they are familiar with the systems and processes related to operations and SCM.
Thematic analysis
- Theme one: Plan – Forecasting
- Theme two: Do – Action
- Theme three: Check – Evaluation
- Theme four: Act – Implementation
This theme determines the operational challenges TQM faces in terms of planning at BBSA and TE in the era of COVID-19. There are many ways to address these challenges, and the research findings from the in-depth interviews revealed that at TE, challenges during COVID-19 include inadequate staff training, lack of resources and ineffective communication. This theme determines the mitigating measures that TE and BBSA employ to address TQM operational challenges in the era of COVID-19.
Chapter summary
By using 3D printing in production, the company not only optimizes its products functionally right from the start, but production steps such as cutting, sewing or gluing functional components to a textile can even be saved that way"(P6, BBSA) . As a result of COVID-19, the company is using technology platforms to support and engage the pyramid base in their supply and distribution chains” (P4, TE). The company has partnered with transportation companies that deliver products using a motorcycle and in some cases don't charge for delivery.
Introduction
Research Questions
Addressing Research Questions
Research Question One
The research results of in-depth interviews revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented major challenges to the textile industry. Some participants indicated that the company shifted its manufacturing focus and focused more on producing face masks and other essential products in response to COVID-19 regulations. However, many companies had to stop production altogether and many employees lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research Question Two
Research findings from in-depth interviews also revealed that “the activities that have been put in place to support planning in the era of COVID-19 are operations planning, production decisions, risk assessment and mitigation” (P4, BBSA). The results revealed that “one of the activities is cross-training to develop skills and contingency plans” (P2, TE). Attaran, Attaran and Kirkl observe that the introduction of new systems and process changes in a company can have productivity and success benefits, with some of the highlighted benefits including streamlining, focus and control (P6, TE).
Research Question Four
However, process change and the implementation of new systems in the business have a positive impact on its long-term success. As a result of COVID-19, new systems and processes are essential for business survival, which requires the necessary resources for implementation to be successful. Some participants emphasized that funds are one of the resources needed to implement new systems and processes in business.
Chapter summary
In addition, through training, we helped employees respond to changes resulting from the restructuring of the company's operations (P7, TE). Implementing new systems and processes is fundamental to business development amid the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to operations and supply chains. It is therefore necessary to allocate resources to the implementation process, and the key is for companies to adequately train employees for the successful implementation and adoption of action plans and maintaining a productive workplace.
Introduction
Chapter summaries
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
In this chapter research methodology was explained as a set of systematic techniques used in research, with the chapter acting as a guide to the study and how it would be carried out. This study has adopted interpretivism as a research approach, is qualitative and followed primary data to gather information. The chapter began with the research questions and addressed each based on primary findings for both companies, and secondary findings with some related literature.
Study limitations
In this chapter, the findings and discussion based on the results of BBSA and TE were given. She discussed the findings of the research topic based on the data collected from the interviews and answered the research questions in accordance with the research objectives. This chapter focuses on the conclusions and recommendations based on the results of the interviews conducted in BBSA and TE.
Areas for future research
The chapter began with chapter summaries followed by limitations of the study and areas for future research.
Recommendations
- Companies need to stay informed
- Securing cash flow (contingency budget)
- The companies need to communicate with their supply chain partners
- The companies need to set objectives and develop a resilient operations
Companies must stay in touch with their stakeholders and maintain good working relationships; the employees are the most critical stakeholders of the company. The situation may seem unclear because of the restrictions imposed by containment regulations; however, the companies must determine their key objectives for the coming months. However, it goes without saying that the companies must draw up an action plan for future operations and supply chains, regardless of their decision.
Conclusion
The need for the digital workplace: increasing workforce productivity in the information age. International Journal of Enterprise Information Systems (IJEIS. Building resilience for food service businesses in times of crisis: a Four-F action plan. International Journal of. Business Impact of Covid- 19 Pandemic on Global Maritime Industry. Journal of Naval Sciences and Engineering.
The impact of quality management systems on company performance. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. Assessment of measures implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 at the construction site. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-19.
