http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5458 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:08:17 GMT 2026-09-04T10:08:17Z https://digitalknowledge.cput.ac.za:443/retrieve/24765/ http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5458 http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5245 Title: Critical success factors towards the implementation of total quality management in small medium enterprises: a comparative study of franchise and manufacturing businesses in Cape Town Authors: Matsoso, Mamorena; Benedict, Olumide Henrie Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) gained popularity in large enterprises since its inception. However, small to medium enterprises (SMEs) still lag behind when it comes to the successful implementation of TQM in their entities. This study is based on the premise that SMEs do not have adequate implementation of TQM in their business operations. This may negatively impact on their performance and profitability. Therefore the research question that emanates in this study asks: to what extent do SMEs implement TQM in their business operation? The authors adopt a quantitative approach with the use of questionnaires to collect data from SMEs in the manufacturing sector and franchises in Cape Town, South Africa. The major findings indicate that SMEs that implemented TQM in their operations were more successful than those that did not. The majority of the SMEs still need to adopt this approach to enhance their business performances. It is recommended that SMEs should not only focus on cost reduction but also quality improvement, employees’ involvement in decision making and extensive training. These are consistent with extant literature. A novel contribution of this study is the similarity and disparity of responses from a comparison of target groups – the franchises and the manufacturers. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5245 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5242 Title: Inventory management systems used by manufacturing small medium and micro enterprises in Cape Town Authors: Ngubane, Nikita; Mayekiso, Siphokazi; Sikota, Sphelele; Fitshane, Siyanda; Matsoso, Mamorena; Bruwer, Juan-Pierré Abstract: Inventory management is regarded as one of the most important influencers of competitiveness, and is also seen as a key operational performance measure for Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in inventory-intensive industries. Prior research shows that manufacturing SMMEs are confronted with increased competition from businesses that purchase and sell ‘cheaper’ manufactured products from countries such as China and India, among other; resulting in these manufacturing SMMEs to consequently struggle to develop. As such, it is imperative that SMMEs formalise their internal structures and systems in order to become more competitive. Moreover approximately 80% of SMMEs are believed to fail within their first 4 years of existence. Stemming from the latter the authors formulated the perception that SMMEs’ overall existence is adversely influenced as a result of ineffectively managing its inventory, which evidently affects operations, production, customer relations and profitability, among other areas. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the how effectively inventory was managed by SMMEs, specifically in the manufacturing industry; situated in Cape Town. The study was descriptive in nature and was conducted using quantitative research methods. Data were collected by means of questionnaires from 21 SMMEs leaders in the manufacturing industry in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. It was found that although majority of respondents were aware of formal inventory management systems, they did not extensively make use of them. Ironically the inventory management systems which were used by respondents, though informal to a large extent, were found to be working for them. Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/5242 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/2120 Title: Financial performance measures in SMEs’ supply chain management Authors: Matsoso, Mamorena; Benedict, Olumide Henrie Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/2120 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11189/2119 Title: Addressing non-financial performance measures in SMEs’ supply chain management Authors: Matsoso, Mamorena; Benedict, Olumide Henrie Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/11189/2119 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z