Benefits and Barriers to implementation of Total Quality Management in Polytechnic Clothing and Textile Production Units in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to establish the benefits and barriers of implementing Total Quality Management in  polytechnic Clothing and Textile Production Units. Systems Theory of management and Resource Based View  formed the theoretical framework of the study. Purposive and stratified sampling were used to select thirty-two National Diploma students, six lecturers, three polytechnic principals and three PMU officers who participated in the polytechnic CTPUs. The study used questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews, document analysis and observation to collect data. The qualitative data collected was coded, categorised and synthesised through the inductive thematic approach.The results of the study revealed that proper implementation of TQM ensures production of high quality products, reduces rejects, increases productivity, inreases sales and profits thereby ensuring survival and growth of the CTPUs. The major challenges that hinder the successful implementation of TQM were use of old machinery, lack of skill, late purchase of raw materials, lack of motivation and poor remuneration system. The overloading and inflexibility of the Clothing and Textile syllabus was found not allowing students and lecturers to participate fully in production activities. The study recommended that the polytechnics provide Clothing and Textiles students with 21^st century state of the art equipment and quality management skills that will enable Zimbabwe to revive the clothing industry and attain its Vision 2030 mantra. Polytechnics should provide timely remuneration payments to CTPU participants and improved procurement systems. The government policy makers in the education sector may play a supportive role by granting the CTPUs the desired structural and institutional support to induce their willingness to implement TQM  through increased funding, grants, incentives and educational programs.

Keywords: Total Quality Management, Clothing and Textile Production Units, quality tools and techniques

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-11-04

Publication date: October 30th 2025