Empirical Study of QS 9000 Using Principal Components Analysis and Robust Regression

Abstract

In 1994, the automotive industry took the lead in the development of industry-specific standards to introduce QS-9000 (Chrysler Ford, and General Motors 1998). The study presented in this article addresses the impact of organizational variables on both operational and business performance measurement of automotive suppliers completing QS-9000. A study completed by Curkovic, Vikery, and Droge (1999) focused on different aspects of business performance and competitive dimensions of quality as compared to this discussion. Because there is little empirical research regarding QS-9000 (Johnson 2001), the literature review included quality management systems, ISO 9000 studies, and organizational variables that impact quality initiatives, and served as a basis for the development of a mail questionnaire. A database with more than 6200 U.S.-based QS-9000 registered locations was used to randomly select 1000 individual locations to receive the mail questionnaire. This study was completed during the summer of 2000 with 153 respondents. Final results suggest that companies are focusing on a few organizational variables from a high-level perspective to predict operational and business performance. Management supports the QS-9000 change effort by empowering employees through the use of team-based problem-solving methodologies.

• empirical research
• principal components analysis
• QS-9000
• quality
• robust regression

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana M. Johnson

Dana M. Johnson is an assistant professor of operations management at Michigon Tech University, Houghton, Michigan. Her research interests include integrating manufacturing initiatives with business strategy, impact of standards implementation and organizational change, environmentally conscious manufacturing, and lean manufacturing practices. Johnson earned a doctorate in industrial engineering and business administration and a master's of science degree in manufacturing engineering from Wayne State University. She also holds the following certificates: ASQ CQE, CQA, CQMgr; CPA; CMA; and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Prior to returning to academics, for 15 years Johnson worked primarily within the automotive industry and owned a consulting firm for seven years. Johnson also holds a master of science degree in industrial technology (quality) from Eastern Michigan University, a master's in business administration from Northern Michigan University, and a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Michigan Tech University. She has been published in the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, TQM Magazine, Managerial Finance Journal, Environmental Quality Management Journal, and International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. Johnson may be contacted at School of Business and Economics, Michigan Tech, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931–1295; 906-487-2803; fax: [phone]; e-mail: [email protected].