Vidosav Majstorovic and Tatjana V. Sibalija
The purpose of this paper is to present the current status of a quality management practice in Serbia, in terms of the development and application of integrated managements…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the current status of a quality management practice in Serbia, in terms of the development and application of integrated managements systems (IMS), and research and implementation of Six Sigma and the related techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
Two main aspects of total quality management (TQM) have been considered: institutional (organisational or strategic) aspect that corresponds to standardised management systems and their integration, and technical (quality engineering) aspect whose main contributor is Six Sigma. The findings of a comprehensive study on IMS implementation in Serbia have been presented, based on the results of a questionnaire that was sent to 54 organisations during 2013. Also, the significant technical improvements and tangible benefits of a recently conducted Six Sigma project were shown, including the application of the advanced quality engineering techniques within DMAIC method.
Findings
Good QM practice in Serbia is improving, both in terms of the organisational (IMS) and technical (Six Sigma) aspect, that server as a good basis for the adoption of TQM in manufacturing companies from various sectors. It could be anticipated that these results will facilitate the adoption of an overall TQM culture in Serbia and leverage its future sustainability.
Originality/value
This paper offers key insights into IMS and Six Sigma implementation in Serbia. This could encourage manufacturing organisations in developing countries to adopt IMS and Six Sigma, in order to boost the overall TQM culture and gain a competitive advantage.
Details
Keywords
Valentina Marinkovic, Stana Bekcic, Gordana Pejovic, Tatjana Sibalija, Vidosav Majstorovic and Ljiljana Tasic
The purpose of this paper is to explore the good practice (GxP) and standardised management system integration within total quality management (TQM) paradigm in pharmaceutical…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the good practice (GxP) and standardised management system integration within total quality management (TQM) paradigm in pharmaceutical sector in Serbia. Also, the impact of all interested parties on quality management has been assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
The cross-sectional study was performed, including different stakeholders within the pharmaceutical sector in Serbia: manufacturers, distributors, big pharma representative offices, as well as national regulatory authority. A survey instrument was developed, consisted of 16 questions, which were organised into four groups: questions in relation to implementation of ISO 9001, implementation of good distribution practice/good manufacturing practice, integration of management systems, and impact on TQM and business excellence. Total number of participants was 121.
Findings
Standardised management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001) support companies to improve business environment and management sustainability, but this survey indicated that it was ranked at the lower level then GxP, for pharmaceutical sector in Serbia. Although pharmaceutical companies has faced many challenges in recent years, the survey revealed high level of confidence in quality management systems, as well as the necessity of various management systems integration.
Originality/value
The perception of TQM by the experts in pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authority is wider than the common TQM definition. From pharmaceutical point of view, TQM is a holistic approach to long-term success of organisation, oriented to all interested parties, with focus on a public health. Risk-based approach in new revision of both ISO and GxP will facilitate integration process towards TQM and business excellence.