The Impact of Requirements Identification on the Preventive Approach to Quality Management

Purpose: The aim of the article is to answer the question: Does requirements identification and application positively influence the preventive approach of manufacturing enterprises to quality management? The data analysis considers aspects such as the size of manufacturing enterprises and their perception of the importance and implementation of factors such as F1 – constant tracking of the requirements of the interested parties and F2 – tracking and using the state of technology standardization. Attention is also given to the relationships between requirements identification and factors such as F3 – predicting controlled variability and F4 – raising the qualifications of employees and improving their skills. Answering the research question within the context of the presented variables and their relationships with other factors provides a preliminary insight into enterprises' readiness to implement actions oriented toward preventive quality management. This topic is important due to technological advancements and the resulting changes in technology standardization, as well as the continuously evolving and growing demands of the interested parties. The requirements of interested parties evolve in alignment with emerging concepts such as corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, Industry 5.0, and Quality 5.0. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was conducted on 380 enterprises registered in 2020 located in Poland in the Wielkopolska province, which do not have an implemented and certified quality management system compliant with ISO 9001:2015. Due to the sample size, data collection was conducted using the CATI technique, i.e., computer-assisted telephone interviewing. The article employs the method of quantitative empirical research analysis. Findings: Requirements identification and application positively influences the preventive approach of manufacturing enterprises to quality management, as evidenced by analyses of the significance and implementation of factors such as F1 and F2. This conclusion is further supported by research findings on the relationships between factors F1 and F2, which represent requirements, and the undertaking of actions in areas such as forecasting controlled variability and enhancing employee qualifications and skills development. Practical Implications: The conclusions presented in the article can help to understand the significance of requirements identification and application in decision-making processes aimed at preventive quality management by manufacturing enterprises. The authors view requirements as a driver of organizational development and, to some extent, advocate for a preventive quality management approach based on requirements identification. In this approach, requirements are considered opportunities, as their implementation is associated with specific benefits. Demonstrating to enterprises the importance of requirement identification, its impact on process implementation, and resource preparation is a suitable direction for enhancing their readiness to tackle challenges such as sustainable development and Quality 5.0. Originality/Value: The conducted research and analyses indicate that requirements identification and application positively influences the preventive approach of manufacturing enterprises to quality management. This conclusion takes on new significance when considering that the group of respondents consisted of manufacturing enterprises that do not have an implemented and certified quality management system compliant with ISO 9001:2015.