Articles
INTRODUCTION OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE CULTIVATION OF APRICOTS
Article number
488_4
Pages
57 – 64
Language
Abstract
Competition resulting from abolition of price controls and subsidies as a result of the revision of the Common Agricultural Policy and the GATT agreements has in the interests of survival necessitated a revision of objectives and strategies in the Greek apricot industry.
It is also recognized internationally that quality is a prime component of technical expertise as well as the most basic and most effective strategic weapon for dealing with competition.
The concept of quality has, after a considerable evolutionary development, reached a stage where its touchstone is Total Quality Management (TQM). This is a new philosophy favouring total commitment to customer satisfaction by means of a continual improvement and innovation in all facets of enterprise activity.
The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly to give a thorough description of the present situation in the apricot sector, pointing out the difficulties it faces in applying TQM; secondly to analyze the TQM approach.
From the analysis, it emerges that the existing situation in the apricot industry can be improved.
It is also recognized internationally that quality is a prime component of technical expertise as well as the most basic and most effective strategic weapon for dealing with competition.
The concept of quality has, after a considerable evolutionary development, reached a stage where its touchstone is Total Quality Management (TQM). This is a new philosophy favouring total commitment to customer satisfaction by means of a continual improvement and innovation in all facets of enterprise activity.
The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly to give a thorough description of the present situation in the apricot sector, pointing out the difficulties it faces in applying TQM; secondly to analyze the TQM approach.
From the analysis, it emerges that the existing situation in the apricot industry can be improved.
Publication
Authors
C. Fotopoulos
Keywords
Strategic Management, apricot industry, quality products, cooperatives, training
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