Quality 4.0 – understanding the criticality of the dimensions using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique

How far has research into disruptive innovations in the field of sustainability come to date?

The term 'disruptive innovation' has been on everyone's lips for some years now, both in theory and in practice. This type of innovation is considered promising when it comes to the transition to sustainability. Based on a critical literature review comprising 121 academic articles, this study provides a systematic overview of the state of research on disruptive innovation for sustainability over 20 years. This overview makes it possible to determine whether and how an accumulation of knowledge has taken place in this area. The study reports on the selected theories, methods and definitions of the core concepts used. A thematic analysis was conducted that identified five broad themes, namely business models, people skills, supply chains, product/service development and transformations/transitions. In addition, the evolution of thematic areas over time is presented. The results indicate that there is a significant need for greater knowledge accumulation. This paper proposes concrete directions for future research to come closer to this goal.

The readiness of manufacturing industries to transit to Quality 4.0

Purpose

This research provides the essential aspects of the transition from traditional quality methods like total quality management, quality assurance and quality control to a new quality approach linked with the Industry 4.0 era. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey method to obtain the practitioners' perceptions of the Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) concepts. Both closed-ended and open-ended structured questionnaires assessed the perceptions of respondents regarding manufacturers' readiness and Q4.0 awareness to transition to Q4.0. Non-probability and purposive sampling tactics selected 15 Tanzanian manufacturing industries (TMIs). Garnered data were scrutinised quantitatively and qualitatively utilising Minitab® 20, SmartPLS 3.3.7 and MAXQADA 2020 software packages.

Findings

The results indicate that TMIs are equipped to deploy the Q4.0 approach because industrialists are familiar with the concept's characteristics and dimensions and the benefits of implementing Q4.0. Most TMIs utilise a Q3.0 method for managing quality, while some manufacturing industries have begun to apply Q4.0 leveraging technologies. The study revealed several factors influencing Q4.0 readiness in TMIs, including leveraged technology adoption, training, Q4.0 skills, infrastructures, the government set-up, top management support, Q4.0 strategy and vision, collaboration, awareness, knowledge of Q4.0, customer and supplier centeredness and organisational culture.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this study is on Q4.0 awareness creation so that industries can grab the advantages of Q4.0 leveraged technologies. Another implication is that organisational readiness factors identified in this study are critical for the effective adoption of Q4.0. The highlighted influences may be utilised as indications to determine an organisation's readiness to transition to the Q4.0 approach. This research was limited to TMIs, excluding service firms, mining, and the building and construction industry due to differences in their mode of operation.

Originality/value

Determining readiness factors and awareness for the Q4.0 study is probably the first amongst the seven East African countries, including Tanzania. This study thus bridges a huge gap in fulfilling the need of this research type.