Title: Sustaining quality management: case study at Sanyo Semiconductor (Thailand)

Authors: Kongkiti Phusavat, Sakulrat Songnisai, Bordin Rassameethes, Tauno Kekale

Addresses: Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' University of Vaasa, FIN 65101 Vaasa, Finland

Abstract: The study illustrates the application of the System Engineering-Capability Maturity Model (SE-CMM) for sustaining and improving quality-management practices. This study takes place at Sanyo Semiconductor Thailand (SSTH) during June–December 2007 with extensive support and cooperation from its top management. The checklist, adapted from the SE-CMM and uniquely designed for the SSTH, is developed to evaluate the strength of ISO 9001:2000 practices among the company|s functional units. The results show that the production function exceeds the SE-CMM level 4. The overall findings are generally consistent with top management|s viewpoint. The research benefits include knowledge sharing and transfer in regard to ISO 9001:2000 practices across the SSTH functions. Furthermore, the SE-CMM framework can potentially strengthen its supply-chain management. In conclusion, the SE-CMM helps sustain and strengthen the SSTH|s quality management.

Keywords: CMM; capability maturity model; knowledge management; quality management; sustainability; Sanyo Semiconductor; Thailand; system engineering; sustainable economy; sustainable development; ISO 9000:2000; ISO 9001; quality standards; knowledge sharing; knowledge transfer; supply chain management; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2008.020018

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2008 Vol.1 No.1, pp.85 - 99

Published online: 21 Aug 2008 *

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