Exploring Relationship Between Tqm and Software Productivity

Abstract

Introduction: This publication is the product of research, carried out in the field of management in year 2018-19, which supports the work of a PhD in Business Management at Chandigarh University.  The purpose of this research is to explore the relation between Total Quality Management (TQM) constructs and productivity in the IT industry. This study has been conducted for organizations operating in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali) and NCR (Noida, Gurgaon and Delhi) regions. Problem: The control of rising operational costs in any organization has become a challenge and is a major aspect in the sustainability of an organization. Implementation of TQM may reduce these costs by improving productivity in the software development process. Objective: The objective of the research is to explore if there any relationship exists between TQM and productivity in software development organization and whether TQM positively impacts productivity. Methodology: The study is based on a descriptive research design. A total of 206 respondents were selected using convenient sampling while 90 responded back on the survey. Exploratory factor Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression techniques were applied to obtain the results. Results: Out of 4 elements of TQM considered in this study, Customer Focus and Continuous improvement were found to be positively related to productivity while Total Management Commitment was found to not be related to productivity.  The hypothesis related to People Management was abandoned because it was highly correlated to other TQM elements. Conclusion: TQM positively impacts productivity in software development organizations. Originality: This study tried to create a causal mathematical model between TQM variables and productivity. Limitations: Sample size and TQM elements were limited based on availability of time and resources.