TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AS MANAGERIAL TOOL OF COMPETITIVENESS IN ENTERPRISES WORLWIDE

This research paper examines the issue of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a dynamic tool for managing and improving the performance and competitiveness of enterprises. The empirical analysis was focused on the current state of using this concept as well as identifying barriers that prevent its use in practice. In order to verify the hypotheses, defined in accordance to the literature review research, the appropriate research methods were applied. Statistical verification revealed that the size of the enterprise has the statistically significant impact on the use of the TQM and the lack of qualified workforce and financial resources are among the most noticeable barriers to the use of the TQM in managerial practice. Concerning the managerial implications, the suitable model of relationships between human resources and the TQM is presented, with a novelty of the creation a comprehensive digital business model according the challenges of Industry 4.0. The paper also includes research studies, which confirm its relatively frequent use mainly in developed economies. We found that the TQM concept is used by more than 25% of industrial enterprises in Slovakia, and referred to the sustainable growth as well as competitiveness within the market environment worldwide.