LAUSR

The objective of this study is to identify the extent of quality management (QM) practices implemented by the food manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Second, is to identify the level of QM practices implemented by the small, medium, and large food manufacturing companies in Malaysia. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between quality management practices with the operational performance and market performance of the food manufacturing companies in Malaysia. This study utilized quantitative approach by constructing a survey questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 22.0. Food manufacturing companies were discovered implementing all the quality management practices components measured. In terms of the types of QM practices, GMP, HACCP, ISO 9001 and TQM were implemented. The implementation level in terms of the components and types of QM practices was found highest in large companies, followed by medium companies and small companies. Statistical different was observed in the implementation level between small companies with medium and large companies. However, no significant difference discovered between medium companies and large companies. It was found that quality management practices were significantly related with the operational performance and market performance of the food manufacturing companies in Malaysia. This study carries an important message in terms of the managerial economics in which a specific company performance can be improved individually by implementing the identified QM practices. This is particularly important to the small sized and medium sized enterprises for effective resources control. This study served as the framework for food manufacturing industries to understand their current position in implementing the QM practices. At the same time, promote continuous improvement in the current practices via benchmarking process.