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Article
Publication date: 20 January 2022

Alphonce Nchalala, Tausi Alexander and Ismail W.R. Taifa

The garment factories focus on improving their production systems by involving innovative and advanced production methods and/or techniques to cope with fast-changing trends…

470

Abstract

Purpose

The garment factories focus on improving their production systems by involving innovative and advanced production methods and/or techniques to cope with fast-changing trends. Accordingly, this study aims to establish the standard allowed minutes (SAMs) and sewing efficiencies for Tanzania’s sewing industry, thus improving the production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research deployed a quantitative method. A stopwatch measured each operation for shirts and trousers to compute SAMs and efficiency. The shirt manufacturing processes involved 40 operations. Ten measurements were taken from different SL and LL industries operators for each operation. The trouser comprised 42 operations with 10 measurements taken from a different operator at the same garment factories for each operation.

Findings

SAMs for shirts at SL and LL factories were 29 and 31 min, respectively, while trousers were 30 and 34 min. The sewing efficiencies for shirts at both SL and LL factories were 83.98% and 81.93%, respectively. Similarly, the sewing efficiencies for trousers at both SL and LL factories were 81.25% and 80.95%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Since SAMs results are not established through literature rather a quantitative approach, the findings thus place crucial information for similar factories to benchmark from. Such information are crucial as factories could increase productivity and operational efficiency, reduce costs and non-value adding activities and estimate lead times. Notwithstanding the findings gathered, the study only established SAMs for two garments.

Originality/value

Although the garment industry has been developing over the years, this study was probably among the first studies in Tanzania that established SAMs. Theoretical underpinnings indicate that the factories use the experience to assemble garments, thus the need for this study.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Lucas B. Nhelekwa, Joshua Z. Mollel and Ismail W.R. Taifa

Industry 4.0 has an inimitable potential to create competitive advantages for the apparel industry by enhancing productivity, production, profitability, efficiency and…

823

Abstract

Purpose

Industry 4.0 has an inimitable potential to create competitive advantages for the apparel industry by enhancing productivity, production, profitability, efficiency and effectiveness. This study, thus, aims to assess the digitalisation level of the Tanzanian apparel industry through the Industry 4.0 perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods-based approach was deployed. This study deployed semi-structured interviews, document review and observation methods for the qualitative approach. For the quantitative approach, closed-ended questionnaires were used to ascertain the digitalisation levels and maturity level of the textiles and apparel (T&A) factories and small and medium-sized textile enterprises in Tanzania. The sample size was 110, with participants engaged through the purposive sampling technique.

Findings

Industry 4.0 frameworks evolved into practices mainly since 2011 in several service and manufacturing industries globally. For Tanzania, the findings indicate that the overall maturity level of the T&A industries is 2.5 out of 5.0, demonstrating a medium level of adoption. Thus, the apparel industries are not operating under the industry 4.0 framework; they are operating within the third industrial revolution – Industry 3.0 – framework. For such industries to operate within the fourth industrial revolution – Industry 4.0 – that is only possible if there is significantly well-developed industrial infrastructure, availability of engineering talent, stable commercial partnerships, demand from the marketplace and transactional relationship with customers.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s limitations include: firstly, Industry 4.0 is an emerging area; this resulted in limited theoretical underpinnings in the Tanzanian perspectives. Secondly, the studied industries may not suffice the need to generalise the findings for the entire country, thus needing another study.

Originality/value

Although Industry 4.0 conceptual frameworks have been on trial in several industries since 2011, this is amongst the first empirical research on Industry 4.0 in the Tanzanian apparel industry that assesses the digitalisation levels.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 8 December 2022

Deusdedith Pastory Maganga and Ismail W.R. Taifa

This research provides the essential aspects of the transition from traditional quality methods like total quality management, quality assurance and quality control to a new…

978

Abstract

Purpose

This research provides the essential aspects of the transition from traditional quality methods like total quality management, quality assurance and quality control to a new quality approach linked with the Industry 4.0 era. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey method to obtain the practitioners' perceptions of the Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) concepts. Both closed-ended and open-ended structured questionnaires assessed the perceptions of respondents regarding manufacturers' readiness and Q4.0 awareness to transition to Q4.0. Non-probability and purposive sampling tactics selected 15 Tanzanian manufacturing industries (TMIs). Garnered data were scrutinised quantitatively and qualitatively utilising Minitab® 20, SmartPLS 3.3.7 and MAXQADA 2020 software packages.

Findings

The results indicate that TMIs are equipped to deploy the Q4.0 approach because industrialists are familiar with the concept's characteristics and dimensions and the benefits of implementing Q4.0. Most TMIs utilise a Q3.0 method for managing quality, while some manufacturing industries have begun to apply Q4.0 leveraging technologies. The study revealed several factors influencing Q4.0 readiness in TMIs, including leveraged technology adoption, training, Q4.0 skills, infrastructures, the government set-up, top management support, Q4.0 strategy and vision, collaboration, awareness, knowledge of Q4.0, customer and supplier centeredness and organisational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this study is on Q4.0 awareness creation so that industries can grab the advantages of Q4.0 leveraged technologies. Another implication is that organisational readiness factors identified in this study are critical for the effective adoption of Q4.0. The highlighted influences may be utilised as indications to determine an organisation's readiness to transition to the Q4.0 approach. This research was limited to TMIs, excluding service firms, mining, and the building and construction industry due to differences in their mode of operation.

Originality/value

Determining readiness factors and awareness for the Q4.0 study is probably the first amongst the seven East African countries, including Tanzania. This study thus bridges a huge gap in fulfilling the need of this research type.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 24 July 2020

Ismail W.R. Taifa and Gervaz G. Lushaju

Garment making by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has existed for a long enough time to make the sewing culture a mainstream phenomenon today. It is thus essential…

339

Abstract

Purpose

Garment making by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has existed for a long enough time to make the sewing culture a mainstream phenomenon today. It is thus essential to evaluate existing producers, the required information and the key requirements for production. This should consequently forge the way forward. Hence, the purpose of this study was to establish guidelines for the basic requirements as a means of operating garment mass production units in consideration of the unique economic, legal and social environment in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deployed a qualitative approach: interview sessions, questionnaires and observation together with the document review approach. A qualitative approach captured in-depth views, ideas and concepts from participants.

Findings

The study established the requirements for scaling up SMEs into mass production. The requirements include significant investment, well-planned strategies and an implementable industrialisation plan. The country also requires empowered workforces through the existing institutions, international collaborations with foreign investors, implementable policies, among others to excel in this sector.

Research limitations/implications

The identified information together with all factors is leading towards initiating textile-based industries. Thus, information resources concerning garment production in the Tanzanian context are suitable for both individuals and corporations intending to scale up their production.

Originality/value

This is probably among the first studies in Tanzania which explored the basic requirements for setting mass-production units for textile and apparel industries. The uniqueness relies on the involved participants from multi-perspective domains.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Deusdedith Pastory Maganga and Ismail W.R. Taifa

This research aimed at developing the Quality 4.0 transition framework for Tanzanian manufacturing industries.

1778

Abstract

Purpose

This research aimed at developing the Quality 4.0 transition framework for Tanzanian manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method was used in this study to gather practitioners' perspectives. The approach included open-ended and closed-ended structured questionnaires to assess respondents' perceptions of Quality 4.0 awareness and manufacturers' readiness to transit to Quality 4.0. The study's objective was to adopt non-probability and purposive sampling strategies. The study focused on fifteen Tanzanian manufacturing industries. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using MAXQADA 2020 and Minitab 20 software packages, respectively.

Findings

The study demonstrated a high level of awareness of Quality 4.0 among Tanzanian manufacturing industries (i.e. 100% in Quality 4.0 traditional attributes and 53% in Quality 4.0 modern attributes). Individuals acquire knowledge in various ways, including through quality training, work experience, self-reading and Internet surfing. The result also revealed that most manufacturing industries in Tanzania use Quality 3.0 or a lower approach to manage quality. However, Tanzanian manufacturing industries are ready to embrace Quality 4.0 since practitioners are aware of the concepts and could see benefits such as customer satisfaction, product improvement, process and continuous improvement, waste reduction and decision support when using the Quality 4.0 approach. The challenges hindering Quality 4.0 adoption in Tanzania include reliable electricity, high-speed Internet and infrastructure inadequacy to support the adoption, skilled workforces familiar with Quality 4.0-enabled technologies and a financial set-up to support technology investment. Moreover, the study developed a transition framework for an organisation to transition from traditional quality approaches such as quality control, quality assurance and total quality management to Quality 4.0, a modern quality approach aligned with the fourth industrial revolution era.

Research limitations/implications

The current study solely looked at manufacturing industries, leaving other medical, service, mining and construction sectors. Furthermore, no focus was laid on the study's Quality 4.0 implementation frameworks.

Originality/value

This is probably the first Quality 4.0 transition framework for Tanzanian manufacturing industries, perhaps with other developing countries.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 11 March 2020

Ismail W.R. Taifa, Steve G. Hayes and Iain Duncan Stalker

This study identifies and ranks the appropriate critical success decision criteria (CSDC) for the bulk order distribution (sharing) amongst multiple manufacturers (suppliers…

554

Abstract

Purpose

This study identifies and ranks the appropriate critical success decision criteria (CSDC) for the bulk order distribution (sharing) amongst multiple manufacturers (suppliers) working as an extended enterprise (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study deploys a qualitative approach to generate the appropriate decision criteria. The balanced scorecard and Pareto's chart (using Minitab® version 18) were used for gathering and analysing the pertinent criteria.

Findings

The process of evaluating and selecting the right manufacturers is essential. Manufacturer (supplier) selection is no longer decided solely based on cost/price criterion; currently, the quality and delivery criteria prevail. Additional incorporated criteria include price/cost, technical capability, production facilities and capacity, customer satisfaction and impression, geographical location, management and organisation, financial position, environmental concern, performance history, repair service, information technology and communication systems, procedural compliance, labour relation record, reputation, flexibility or diversification, attitude, operating controls, business desire, packaging ability, past business records, trust and loyalty, training aids, complaint handling service, warranties and claim policies, reciprocal arrangements, research and development and innovation, modern slavery concern, sustainable capability, collaborative/partnership and responsiveness. The study proposed a conceptual framework of an EE alongside how manufacturers working as a single virtual entity can consider the supply chain operations reference (SCOR®) model.

Research limitations/implications

The identified CSDC are suitable for order allocation to domestic manufacturers. The deployed approaches could be extended to the mixed and quantitative approaches for increasing the generalisability.

Originality/value

The study establishes the pertinent CSDC that are important to execute equitable order distribution to manufacturers in an EE framework.

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2025

Ismail W.R. Taifa and Ibrahim Twaha

The research proposes a customised framework for improving logistics service quality (LSQ) in Tanzania's railway transportation, focusing on customer engagement and integrating…

32

Abstract

Purpose

The research proposes a customised framework for improving logistics service quality (LSQ) in Tanzania's railway transportation, focusing on customer engagement and integrating customer-desired services.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method obtained data from railway customers regarding the LSQ offered. Both probability and purposive sampling techniques were used to get the sample size. The open- and closed-ended questionnaires gathered the pertinent data. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using the IBM® SPSS® 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 software packages, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to analyse data and establish relationships between variables.

Findings

This study anticipated that the LSQ framework during the period of reviewing literature included three variables for freight transporting customers (tangible components, ways of fulfilment and information actions) and eight variables for passengers (tangible, reliability, assurance, responsiveness, comfort, empathy, connection and convenience). EFA and CFA dropped some factors. The retained factors were used as inputs to develop a framework. The qualitative analysis also established the improvement of customer’s desired services (CDS) and LSQ, which were the framework's processes for improving the LSQ. Ultimately, the study developed the LSQ framework for railway transportation.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted on Tanzania’s railways, which incorporated challenges in the Tanzanian context. However, many challenges in the developing countries are relatively the same. Therefore, modifications can be made to adopt the developed framework and be used in other countries to cover the geographical and other challenges in particular countries.

Originality/value

Tanzania’s railway infrastructures are somehow not fully utilised to meet the actual needs of the transportation sector. For example, one of the railway companies has a built capacity of 4 million tonnes carrying capacity per year, but the actual cargo transported by the railway is 200,000 tonnes. This comes from several challenges within the railway companies, including the quality of their services, thus leading to a need to develop a LSQ framework.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 17 February 2022

Deusdedith Pastory Maganga and Ismail W.R. Taifa

Quality 4.0 refers to a modern quality management approach that uses Industry 4.0 technologies, integration and digitalisation. This research explores the current understandings…

3338

Abstract

Purpose

Quality 4.0 refers to a modern quality management approach that uses Industry 4.0 technologies, integration and digitalisation. This research explores the current understandings of Quality 4.0 in various publications. The focus is on Quality 4.0 concepts or explanations, available models, motivation and readiness factors for adoption, enablers and technologies that can be leveraged.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was deployed to collect the findings. This paper employs bibliometric, scientometric and visual analytic tools to identify and analyse articles from Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Google Scholar databases and other sources such as ScienceDirect and Taylor and Francis.

Findings

The bibliometric results revealed that Quality 4.0 publications began in 2016 and increased dramatically in 2020 and 2021, with India leading the way while scientometric analysis found no clear definition of Quality 4.0 hitherto. However, several authors have defined the concept of Quality 4.0, arguing that it is characterised by digitalisation and integration, Industry 4.0 technologies applications and big data management. Some of the Quality 4.0 models published in the theoretical underpinnings include total quality management (TQM) in the basis of Industry 4.0 model, the European Foundation for quality management model, Quality 4.0 model combining operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) through digital transformation and the LSN Research eleven axes of Quality 4.0 model. The research highlights key enablers of Quality 4.0 adoption, such as enabling technologies, big data capability, skilled and competent workers, collaboration and leadership support.

Research limitations/implications

The findings can benefit Quality 4.0 researchers and practitioners on the available Quality 4.0 models, motivation and readiness factors for Quality 4.0 adoption, enablers and leveraged technologies in Quality 4.0.

Originality/value

This study attempted to explore the current understandings of Quality 4.0 concepts to sediment these emerging quality management concepts for manufacturing industries.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 13 December 2022

Joseph Myoka James and Ismail W. R. Taifa

This research aimed at lowering the non-volatile matter (NVM) of long oil alkyd (LOA) resin to meet the resin requirements in producing Hi-gloss paints. The research also aimed to…

125

Abstract

Purpose

This research aimed at lowering the non-volatile matter (NVM) of long oil alkyd (LOA) resin to meet the resin requirements in producing Hi-gloss paints. The research also aimed to assist Hi-gloss paint manufacturers who require solid resin content below 70%.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilised both the document review and experimental methods. The experimental method, which involved the blending process, was used in lowering the NVM of LOA resin, whereby eight experiments were conducted as reputations to obtain accurate data and results. A factorial design was used in the design of the experiment (DOE), where three factors were required to be evaluated: specific gravity, viscosity and NVM and two levels were required: weight of LOA and white spirit.

Findings

The NVM of LOA resin was successfully lowered, and different shades of paint were produced for reliability testing. The quality parameters of Hi-gloss paints that used the modified LOA were all found within the company's specifications compared to those with unmodified LOA, where some parameters were either above or below the specifications. However, all samples with the NVM of LOA used below 50% were found to be poor in terms of quality during the reliability testing. So, if the company had used the modified LOA resin in the production of Hi-gloss paints, it would have potentially saved 18,925.2 kg and 9,446.4 kg, respectively, of LOA just in producing Hi-gloss black and white paints only. Moreover, the cost of 1 kg of LOA is $2.3, which is equal to Tanzanian Shillings (Tshs) 5,290. The company would have potentially saved Tshs 100.114 million Tshs and Tshs 49.97 million Tshs in producing Hi-gloss black and white paints, respectively, making a total of Tshs 150.08 million per year. This was counted as a loss during that year because they did not use LOA resin with 50% NVM in production.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on LOA resin used in producing Hi-gloss paints. The study also did not consider other categories of alkyd resins used in producing paints and varnishes e.g. epoxy resin and short and medium oil alkyd resins.

Originality/value

This is probably the first alkyd resin improvement study conducted using white spirit as Tanzania's main agent or material. The study utilised vegetable oils such as coconut, sunflower and tobacco seeds.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

G.R. Nisha and V. Ravi

Quality 4.0 is essential to the Industry 4.0 framework, notably in the electronics sector. It evaluates product quality in real-time using automatic process controls, quality…

89

Abstract

Purpose

Quality 4.0 is essential to the Industry 4.0 framework, notably in the electronics sector. It evaluates product quality in real-time using automatic process controls, quality tools and procedures. The implementation of Quality 4.0 criteria in the electronics industry is the subject of this study’s investigation and analysis. In this study, nine Customer Requirements (CRs) and 18 Design Requirements (DRs) have been defined to adopt Quality 4.0, aiming to increase yield while reducing defects. This study has developed a Quality 4.0 framework for effective implementation, incorporating the People, Process and Technology categories.

Design/methodology/approach

Many CRs and DRs of Quality 4.0 exhibit interdependencies. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) considers interdependencies among the criteria at various levels. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) can capture the customer’s voice, which is particularly important in Quality 4.0. Therefore, in this research, we use an integrated ANP-QFD methodology for prioritizing DRs based on the customers' needs and preferences, ultimately leading to better product and service development.

Findings

According to the research findings, the most critical consumer criteria for Quality 4.0 in the electronics sector are automatic systems, connectivity, compliance and leadership. The Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOTs) has emerged as the most significant design requirement that enables effective control in production. It is observed that robotics process automation and a workforce aligned with Quality 4.0 also play crucial roles.

Originality/value

Existing literature does not include studies on identifying CRs and DRs for implementing Quality 4.0 in the electronics industry. To address this gap, we propose a framework to integrate real-time quality measures into the Industry 4.0 context, thereby facilitating the implementation of Quality 4.0 in the electronics industry. This study can provide valuable insights for industry practitioners to implement Quality 4.0 effectively in their organizations.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

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