Benchmarking competency and quality management practices among SMEs in Uganda: Does ICT robustness matter?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the interaction effect of ICT robustness on the relationship between benchmarking competency and Quality Management Practices (QMP) among Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs). The study adopted a mixed method approach that involved analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data in a cross-sectional survey involving 250 SMEs in Uganda. Results indicate that there exists a positive and significant relationship between benchmarking competency and QMP among SMEs in Uganda. However, ICT robustness has no significant interactive effect on the relationship between benchmarking competency and quality management practices among SMEs in Uganda. Despite this, it was found that adoption of robust ICT applications would revolutionize QMP among SMEs in the developing world if the relevant parties would address the impediments in infrastructural set-ups. There is also a need to establish business networks with those firms perceived better if SMEs are to offer desired quality products to the more informed customers.

Key words: Benchmarking, Quality Management Practices, ICT, SMEs.