An action-oriented approach to quality management self-assessment in small and medium-sized enterprises

Total quality management is still seen by some as being important for larger organizations, although there are many examples and there is enough research evidence to show that quality principles also apply for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, many tools and instruments that have been developed to assist in the implementation of the quality principles are too complex for smaller organizations. Therefore, for quality to be adopted by more SMEs, tools have to focus on the issues that are of primary importance in SMEs and that suit its quality management maturity level. This paper outlines a self-assessment framework that has potential in SMEs.