Abstract:
In today’s global competition and economic liberalization, quality has
become one of the important factors in achieving competitive advantages.
Hence, the quality and its continuous advancement has developed a
significant meaning for todays' business. Developed countries often resist
exports from developing countries if the exports do not meet their country
quality standards. Sri Lanka like other developing economies is also trying
hard to exploit business opportunities in international markets and has
succeeded as far as textiles and apparel industry. Purpose of this study was
to examine the impact of Total Quality Management Practices (TQMP) on
Export Performance (EP) of apparel exporters of Sri Lanka. A five point
Likert scale questionnaire was used as the key instrument of data collection
and data were obtained from 65 apparel exporters in Sri Lanka. Eight
dimensions were used to measure TQMP including Leadership, Training,
Employee Management, Information and Analysis, Supplier Management,
Process Management, Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement. The
regression and correlation analysis were used to examine the impact of
TQMP on EP and the relationship between TQMP and EP.
Results of the study clearly indicated that all dimensions except Information
and Analysis were significantly correlated with EP. In addition, Customer
Focus, Continuous Improvement and Supplier Management were found as
the most significant dimensions that impact on EP.
