Impact of Implementing TQM in RMG Manufacturing Units in Bangladesh

Abstract

Total quality management is the application of quantitative methods and human resources to improve all the processes within an organization and exceed customer needs once for all. Readymade garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh is well qualified with exceptional growth since 1995. It contributes 77% to the country's net exports, which is more than 25% of GDP growth. Bangladesh has got 5150 export, oriented factories, but, none of these units is following total quality management (TQM). All factories must understand that the customers will be satisfied, if they receive products and services that accomplish their needs, are delivered at the right time and are priced for value. A couple of hypothesizes of this study are, there is a positive correlation between suppliers and manufacturers of RMG of Dhaka, if least amount of efficiency in input will result in the most output of RMG of Dhaka. The significant objectives are, to analyze TQM in RMG manufacturing units of Dhaka, to find out TQM in satisfaction of internal and external customers, to explore the possibilities of effectiveness. The research tools are used such as questionnaire, face to face interview, discussion on case studies, published reports. The samples are 37 respondents from 33 different RMG organizations. They have been selected on random sampling method. This study divulges, quality is the strongest competitive weapon for RMG industry. All manufacturing units should set the factories to meet the compliance standard, to meeting the "zero defects" products, to train the middle level managers and supervisors as leaders, to follow "House of Quality" matrix, to strengthen the communication between purchase and quality departments with suppliers, RMG units should provide employee empowerment, satisfy the customer needs, establish research and development, continuous improvement process and finally ensure TQM model. Government and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) needs immediate action to provide training and seminar to RMG employees on proposed TQM.