Loading...
Quality assurance framework for small manufacturing companies in the clothing industry in the Cape Metropolitan area
Author(s)
Norton, Ingrid
Date Issued
2007
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
An assessment undertaken by the Clothing and Textile Centre in the Western
Cape (Clotex) during 2002 revealed that there was a great need for quality in the
clothing sector. Furthermore, the research undertaken by the Department of
Science and Technology (2004) supports and recommends the development of
simple, paper-based systems for implementation and measurement for quality
and production systems.
An analysis of the macro- and micro-environmental factors confronting the
clothing industry revealed that substantial pressure was placed on the clothing
industry due to unfavourable exchange rates, increased pricing and illegal
imports. The result has been a decline in sales, profits and exports, which has
lead to the closure of many clothing companies in the Western Cape during the
period 2003 to present. Furthermore, this has resulted in the increase of SMME
companies that have been established due to the increase in unemployment.
A combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques was applied
during this study, namely focus-group sessions and survey questionnaires. Six
focus-group sessions were held with participants from the retail sector, large
manufacturers and small manufacturers with the purpose to establish the quality
needs in the clothing industry and the type of quality systems utilised. The
outcome of the focus group was the development of a questionnaire, using both
a combination of scale response questions as well as dichotomous questions. As a result a research survey was conducted amongst the small manufacturing
companies in the Western Cape who conform to the provisions contained in the
National Business Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996).
The research revealed that all the respondents had implemented quality control
systems. Quality control systems are viewed as preventative systems in ensuring
that goods not conforming to customer specifications are prevented from
reaching the customer. The research analysis further revealed that
communication between buyer and seller was an integral part of the success of
the business.
The research provides small-business with a framework, which will facilitate the
evaluation of the current quality practices with the view to improving or
implementing an effective quality assurance system.
Cape (Clotex) during 2002 revealed that there was a great need for quality in the
clothing sector. Furthermore, the research undertaken by the Department of
Science and Technology (2004) supports and recommends the development of
simple, paper-based systems for implementation and measurement for quality
and production systems.
An analysis of the macro- and micro-environmental factors confronting the
clothing industry revealed that substantial pressure was placed on the clothing
industry due to unfavourable exchange rates, increased pricing and illegal
imports. The result has been a decline in sales, profits and exports, which has
lead to the closure of many clothing companies in the Western Cape during the
period 2003 to present. Furthermore, this has resulted in the increase of SMME
companies that have been established due to the increase in unemployment.
A combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques was applied
during this study, namely focus-group sessions and survey questionnaires. Six
focus-group sessions were held with participants from the retail sector, large
manufacturers and small manufacturers with the purpose to establish the quality
needs in the clothing industry and the type of quality systems utilised. The
outcome of the focus group was the development of a questionnaire, using both
a combination of scale response questions as well as dichotomous questions. As a result a research survey was conducted amongst the small manufacturing
companies in the Western Cape who conform to the provisions contained in the
National Business Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996).
The research revealed that all the respondents had implemented quality control
systems. Quality control systems are viewed as preventative systems in ensuring
that goods not conforming to customer specifications are prevented from
reaching the customer. The research analysis further revealed that
communication between buyer and seller was an integral part of the success of
the business.
The research provides small-business with a framework, which will facilitate the
evaluation of the current quality practices with the view to improving or
implementing an effective quality assurance system.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2007
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
193055716_Norton_Ingrid_mtech_bus_admin_2007.pdf
Description
Thesis
Size
9.62 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):395419d4e14562cd2ffd40569957f350