Impact of information technology on quality management dimensions and its implications

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate into the usage of information technology (IT) to support the various quality management (QM) processes through empirical analysis. Design/methodology/approach - This research has analysed in depth the data collected through questionnaire survey consisting of 180 ISO 9001: 2000 certified organisations, so as to assess the impact of IT on the various QM dimensions. Factor analysis and other statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software. Findings - It was found that IT does actually have a substantial impact on QM. Subsequently other analysis was conducted to understand better how IT actually impacts on QM and to investigate the situation in Mauritius through a comparative study, such as between manufacturing and services firms, among others. Research limitations/implications - There is scope to assess in more depth the impact of IT on QM by conducting case studies, in support of this empirical study and there is scope also to go more in depth in this research by analysing the usage of IT in specific QM tasks and IT applications. Originality/value - This research has empirically demonstrated the impact of IT on the different QM processes; it is thus hoped that it will contribute by increasing awareness of the actual importance of IT in the success of QM initiatives and encourage intelligent investment in IT which is geared towards effective use in supporting QM processes.