International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Quality insights: guidance and guardrails for quality advancement in a systems world  
  by Adedeji B. Badiru 
  Abstract: In a systems-based world, it is essential to maintain a systems-thinking approach to managing and advancing quality. This issue's column on quality insight presents a systems narrative for guidance and guardrails for quality advancement. The column cites case examples of products that have flourished under the concept of systems thinking in product development, introduction to the market, and sustainment of the customer base. Several factors can impinge on the performance of a product in the market. For this reason, this column presents an inexhaustive list of some of the factors. Readers are given the assignment of expanding the list to match the specific profiles of the organisation of interest.
  Keywords: systems thinking; quality control; quality management; quality measurement; DEJI systems model; product development; AI.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10077708
   
  
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prediction: analysis for Smart Healthcare System 5.0 for smart cities in South Asia  
  by Rohit Rastogi, Prabhinav Mishra, Rayush Jain, Mohd. Shahjahan 
  Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could be a dynamic respiratory condition characterised by wind current restriction and respiratory side effects. Early discovery and mediation are pivotal for overseeing COPD effectively and progressing quiet results. In this term paper, we display a novel approach to COPD expectation utilising machine learning (ML) strategies coordinates into a web-based framework. Our proposed framework permits clients to transfer voice notes, which are at that point analysed by the ML show to anticipate the probability of COPD nearness. The ML demonstration is prepared on a dataset consisting of voice recordings from people with and without COPD, consolidating highlights such as hack designs, respiratory sounds, and vocal characteristics. Different ML calculations are investigated to recognise the foremost compelling approach for COPD forecast. The web-based interface gives a user-friendly stage for people to survey their COPD hazard helpfully and secretly. Through thorough assessment and approval, our framework illustrates promising precision and unwavering quality in foreseeing COPD nearness based on voice recordings. Execution of such a framework has the potential to revolutionise early location techniques for COPD, empowering convenient mediations and making strides persistent results.
  Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD; prediction system; machine learning; web-based interface; voice notes; respiratory symptoms; early detection; intervention; accuracy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2025.10075809
   
  
• Development and validation of an optical surface quality metric for product inspection  
  by Tamal Ghosh 
  Abstract: Surface roughness (Ra) is a key determinant of machining performance, influencing wear, lubrication, and component life. Conventional stylus profilometers, though accurate, are costly and slow, limiting their suitability for real-time inspection. This study presents a low-cost, non-contact optical pipeline for quantitative surface roughness estimation from microscope images. The system employs a Sony IMX477 camera with coaxial LED illumination and a Raspberry Pi 4 controller, with a total system cost is approximately USD 200-450, compared with USD 1.4k-50k for stylus profilometers. A selected set of GLCM-based texture features including cluster prominence, cluster shade, and sum variance strongly correlated with measured Ra (r = -0.94, p < 0.001). A Kohonen self-organising map (KSOM) - enhanced Random Forest regression model achieved cross-validated R² = 0.82 ± 0.12 and RMSE = 0.078 μm, demonstrating near-profilometer precision. The system processes images within 0.05-0.3 s per ROI, improving two-to-three-order speed over contact-based methods. The work establishes a reproducible, open-source hardware-software framework for rapid surface characterisation applicable to precision machining, tool-wear monitoring, and smart-manufacturing quality control. The paper details hardware design, statistical analysis, predictive modelling, and benchmarking against stylus profilometry.
  Keywords: product quality measure; optical image analysis; feature engineering; non-contact quality inspection.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2025.10077460
   
  
• Interplay of TQM culture on product innovation in the light of a firm's internal capabilities  
  by T. Praveen Kumar 
  Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) has often been underrepresented in academic research, frequently overshadowed by other management innovation tools despite its strategic relevance. This study examines how TQM practices contribute to the development of firm-specific resources that support innovation, grounded in the resource-based view (RBV). The research explores the relationships between TQM culture, product innovation, and process improvement capability in the Indian textile industry. In the first phase, a conceptual model is developed and empirically tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on 320 responses from manufacturing firms. In the second phase, machine learning techniques are employed to test the robustness and predictive validity of the model. The results confirm positive relationships among TQM culture, product innovation, and process improvement capability. The findings indicate that effective TQM investment and resource management foster innovation-driven capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage. This integration strengthens empirical understanding of TQM's role in innovation.
  Keywords: TQM culture; product innovation; process improvement capability; PLS-SEM; machine learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2025.10076645
   
  
• How career identity shapes subjective career success: evidence from early career office employees via protean attitudes and work-life balance  
  by Sangyong Lee, Sarah Yoonsuh Lee, JeongGyu Seo, Insu Cho 
  Abstract: Unstable employment conditions have heightened interest in subjective career success and its early career drivers. This study examines how career identity relates to subjective success through protean attitudes and work-life balance among early career office employees. Using survey data from workers with five years or less total experience, we estimated a structural equation model with validated multi-item scales. Results show that career identity strengthens protean orientations, and via improved balance, relates to higher subjective success; self-directedness displayed broader links than values orientation. Overall, identity formation appears to enable self-directed, value aligned career management that, with better balance, elevates perceptions of attainment and opportunity. Practically, organisations can support identity formation, encourage self-directed development and value congruence, and expand balance friendly practices.
  Keywords: career identity; protean career attitude; self-directedness; values orientation; work-life balance; subjective career success; career satisfaction; perceived employability; early career employees.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2026.10078456