Analysis of quality management strategies on performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies: a case of Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited

Abstract

Quality management entails management approach aimed at incorporating awareness of quality in all organizational processes, quality is identified as one of the competitive strategies for improving business performance. Pharmaceutical industry is a quality driven sector that requires neither less or average products or services. The fact that pharmaceutical manufacturing companies are unique and require strict adherence to quality makes this study significant. The study aimed at examining the influence of quality management strategies on performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing company, specifically Abacus Parenteral Drugs Limited, Uganda. This was a case study design which applied a mixed approach. A sample of 66 respondents comprising top managers, heads of department, and other employees was used, selected upon applying stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using both questionnaire and interview guide, and analyzed using SPSS v.25. Results were presented using frequency tables, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study established a significant and moderate positive relationship between technology and organizational performance (r=.656, p<0.01). On the other hand, the study found that on-time delivery is positively related with organizational performance, although it’s not significant (r=.236, p>0.05). Furthermore, the study found a moderate significant positive relationship between customer focus and organizational performance (r=.627, p<0.01). Training and development were also moderately significant and positively related with organizational performance (r=.698, p<.01). The research concludes that technology, customer focus, and training and development should not be taken for granted as far as organizational performance is concerned. When implemented, companies will be able to improve efficiency and effectiveness, in addition to boosting revenue and market share. The research recommends: 1) embracing technology to stimulate organizational performance, 2) continuously training and development of employees; and 3) adopting customer focus as one of the organizational core values. The areas for further inquiry include: examining the influence of quality management practices of technology, customer focus, on time delivery, and training and development on organizational performance across various pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Uganda; and examining the influence of other quality management practices on organizational performance of pharmaceutical companies in Uganda. This research was only inclined on technology, customer focus, training and development, and on-time delivery.