Continue to commit to TQM practices

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 57 views

The Relationship of Total Quality Management with Quality Costs at PT. Socfindo Medan: A Study on the Impact of TQM on Quality Cost Reduction

Introduction

In today's competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with quality. One managerial approach that has gained significant attention in recent years is Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM is a holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of products and services thoroughly in a company. By applying TQM principles, companies can improve operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with quality. However, the relationship between TQM and quality costs is not well understood, and this study aims to fill this knowledge gap.

Background of the Study

PT. Socfindo Medan is a leading company in the industry, and it has been implementing TQM principles for several years. The company has been successful in improving the quality of its products and services, but it still incurs significant costs associated with quality. The company's management is keen to understand the relationship between TQM and quality costs and to identify areas for improvement. This study aims to determine the relationship between TQM and quality costs at PT. Socfindo Medan and to provide recommendations for the company to improve its quality cost reduction efforts.

Methodology

This study used a quantitative approach to collect data from 48 respondents who are employees of PT. Socfindo Medan. The respondents were selected using a random sampling method, and they were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured their perceptions of TQM and quality costs. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on the independent variable (TQM) and the dependent variable (quality costs). The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test to determine the relationship between TQM and quality costs.

Results

The results of this study showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between TQM and quality costs at a 5% confidence level. The calculation results showed a T-count value of 5.329, which is greater than the T-t-table value of 2.021. This indicates that the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted, and the zero hypothesis (Ho) was rejected. The results also showed that the relationship between TQM and quality costs is categorized as strong.

Discussion

The negative relationship identified between TQM and quality costs shows that the better the application of TQM, the lower the quality costs incurred by the company. This can be caused by several factors. First, TQM encourages companies to prevent rather than overcome problems after failure. By preventing, companies can reduce costs incurred due to defective products or unsatisfactory services. Second, the implementation of TQM creates a culture of sustainable improvement within the organization. By involving all employees in the process of repairing and controlling quality, the company will not only improve the product, but also improve the process that leads to cost reduction. Finally, through training and employee development in terms of quality, companies can ensure that each individual understands the importance of quality, which in turn can reduce the costs associated with violations of quality standards.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the application of Total Quality Management at PT. Socfindo Medan has a significant impact on quality cost reduction. By applying TQM principles effectively, companies are not only able to improve the quality of products and services, but can also reduce the costs associated with quality. Therefore, it is important for companies to continue to commit to TQM practices as part of their quality improvement strategies. By understanding the relationship between TQM and quality costs, the company can identify the area of improvement and develop the right strategy to achieve greater efficiency and better customer satisfaction.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continue to commit to TQM practices: PT. Socfindo Medan should continue to commit to TQM practices as part of its quality improvement strategies.
Develop a culture of sustainable improvement: The company should develop a culture of sustainable improvement within the organization by involving all employees in the process of repairing and controlling quality.
Provide training and employee development: The company should provide training and employee development in terms of quality to ensure that each individual understands the importance of quality.
Monitor and evaluate quality costs: The company should monitor and evaluate quality costs regularly to identify areas for improvement.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. First, the study was conducted at a single company, and the results may not be generalizable to other companies. Second, the study used a quantitative approach, and the results may not capture the nuances of the relationship between TQM and quality costs. Finally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence the relationship between TQM and quality costs.

Future Research Directions

This study provides several avenues for future research. First, the study could be replicated at other companies to determine the generalizability of the findings. Second, the study could use a qualitative approach to capture the nuances of the relationship between TQM and quality costs. Finally, the study could control for other factors that may influence the relationship between TQM and quality costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the negative and significant relationship between TQM and quality costs at PT. Socfindo Medan. The study shows that the better the application of TQM, the lower the quality costs incurred by the company. The study provides recommendations for the company to improve its quality cost reduction efforts, including continuing to commit to TQM practices, developing a culture of sustainable improvement, providing training and employee development, and monitoring and evaluating quality costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship of Total Quality Management with Quality Costs at PT. Socfindo Medan

Q: What is Total Quality Management (TQM)?

A: Total Quality Management (TQM) is a managerial approach that emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of products and services thoroughly in a company. By applying TQM principles, companies can improve operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with quality.

Q: What is the relationship between TQM and quality costs?

A: The study found a negative and significant relationship between TQM and quality costs at PT. Socfindo Medan. This means that the better the application of TQM, the lower the quality costs incurred by the company.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing TQM?

A: The benefits of implementing TQM include:

Improved operational efficiency
Reduced costs associated with quality
Improved customer satisfaction
Increased competitiveness
Improved employee morale and engagement

Q: How can companies implement TQM effectively?

A: Companies can implement TQM effectively by:

Developing a culture of sustainable improvement
Providing training and employee development in terms of quality
Monitoring and evaluating quality costs regularly
Continuously improving processes and procedures
Involving all employees in the process of repairing and controlling quality

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted at a single company, and the results may not be generalizable to other companies
The study used a quantitative approach, and the results may not capture the nuances of the relationship between TQM and quality costs
The study did not control for other factors that may influence the relationship between TQM and quality costs

Q: What are the implications of this study for companies?

A: The study has several implications for companies, including:

Companies should continue to commit to TQM practices as part of their quality improvement strategies
Companies should develop a culture of sustainable improvement within the organization
Companies should provide training and employee development in terms of quality
Companies should monitor and evaluate quality costs regularly

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: The study provides several avenues for future research, including:

Replicating the study at other companies to determine the generalizability of the findings
Using a qualitative approach to capture the nuances of the relationship between TQM and quality costs
Controlling for other factors that may influence the relationship between TQM and quality costs

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for companies?

A: The study has several practical implications for companies, including:

Companies should prioritize quality improvement efforts
Companies should invest in employee training and development
Companies should continuously monitor and evaluate quality costs
Companies should develop a culture of sustainable improvement within the organization

Q: What are the theoretical implications of this study?

A: The study has several theoretical implications, including:

The study provides evidence of the negative and significant relationship between TQM and quality costs
The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the relationship between TQM and quality costs
The study provides a framework for understanding the relationship between TQM and quality costs

Q: What are the managerial implications of this study?

A: The study has several managerial implications, including:

Managers should prioritize quality improvement efforts
Managers should invest in employee training and development
Managers should continuously monitor and evaluate quality costs
Managers should develop a culture of sustainable improvement within the organization