The Relationships between the Pillars of TPM and TQM and Manufacturing Performance Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

This paper examines the direct and indirect relationships between the pillars of total quality management (TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) and investigates their effects on manufacturing performance (MPR) using structural equation modeling. Three structural models were developed with their corresponding hypotheses. Data were then collected from thirty industrial firms in Jordan. A descriptive statistical analysis was followed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The structural models were analyzed to draw conclusions about the model hypotheses and identify the most influential TPM and TQM pillars on MPR. Significant variations were noticed among firms in the implementation levels of the TPM, TQM, and MPR pillars. Further, it was found that TPM directly and indirectly influences MPR. Furthermore, TPM pillars have a larger impact on MPR than TQM. Research hypotheses are suggested to be tested individually on small-, middle-, and large-sized firms. This research provides valuable information on top management in the industrial sector, on the significant relationships between the pillars of TPM, TQM, and MPR and supports them in identifying important TQM/TPM pillars which they should focus on in order to enhance MPR.