A Study on TQM Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Study of North Karnataka

The prime weapon in a performance oriented market for increasing the customer base and capturing market share for SMEs is 'Quality'. The current tools and methods followed by SMEs for quality practice are becoming outmoded. SMEs must shfft from traditional practices and make major changes in their management philosophy. Even though SMEs follow quality practices it is found that it is on ad hoc basis. There is a need to have a structured approach towards TQM for their sustainability and growth on a continuous basis. The role of Fact based decision making is a crucial element for TQM implementallon.