Quality management in research and development

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of research topics and methodologies employed in existing studies of quality management (QM) in research and development (R&D).Design/methodology/approachUsing a systematic review methodology (SRM), this paper analyzes the literature to identify major themes, shortcomings, and key management practices.FindingsThe literature review reveals that researchers have mainly explored only how to implement quality principles and practices in the R&D environment and made little effort to explore other aspects of QM. QM practices discussed in the literature consist of top management commitment, R&D workforce involvement, training, a process‐based approach, teamwork and cross‐functional teams, fact‐based measurement and feedback mechanisms, R&D client focus, and good communication with suppliers. The dominant methodology employed in existing studies is either a case study or conceptual approach.Originality/valueThe paper provides researchers with valuable information about how this research area has evolved, what main themes have been discussed in the literature, and what management practices are effective in pursuing quality efforts in R&D. This study also makes a contribution to the development of quality theory in R&D by pointing out significant gaps in the current literature and suggesting important areas for future study.