Total Quality Management (TQM) Implementation in the Manufacturing Sector in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Objective- Despite the widespread adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) and its theoretical applicability within the institutional framework, in the Middle East, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the rhetoric in TQM has weakened the practical application and foundation of TQM as a quality management framework. There is also a scarcity of empirical evidence to support the various theoretical meanings.Methods- A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, critically evaluate, and understand the findings of current high-quality TQM implementation literature within the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia.Results- The paper highlights that the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)9000 is the most implemented model within the manufacturing sector. However, this sector is still facing numerous challenges in the adoption of TQM such as; the disagreement as per the importance of TQM, the difference in the professional and technical know-how, weaknesses in the training and development systems, and the limitations that plague the institutional frameworks. Furthermore, there is a lack of financial resources to invest in the TQM processes, as well as the negative implications of the development model.Conclusions- This study provides a systematic review of TQM implementation in the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. The study reveals that ISO 9000 has been the adoptable model in this sector. This systematic review contributes to the understanding of what has been done recently in the field of TQM model implementation, its development and validation in the manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. Also, it uncovers eminent study gaps for future research.