Introduction

This book is the first to seriously consider quality issues in smaller firms, based upon well-conducted research and careful theorizing.

Subjects Covered

the relevance of formal quality standards such as BS 5750 to small firms

definitions and implementations of ''quality'' in a business context, from formal standards to Total Quality Management

interviews with a selected sample of over 150 owner-managers

detailed case studies of small firms

analysis of self-generated quality strategies

the variety of formal methods of quality control