RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JIT AND TQM - PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE

We propose that the use of total quality management (TQM) practices wi ll improve just-in-time (JIT) performance through process variance red uction and reduced rework time and that JIT practices will improve qua lity performance through problem exposure and improved process feedbac k. Using data on 42 plants in three U.S. industries, we found that com mon infrastructure practices formed a strong foundation for both types of performance; in addition, we demonstrated that TQM and JIT practic es interacted. Some trade-offs were identified, indicating that JIT an d TQM approaches can be customized to plants. Suggestions for further research are made.