Deploying Quality4.0 in UK Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) (RDF25/BL/MOS/ANTONY)

Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) played an important role in the economic growth of the countries in Asia and Europe (Ndubisi et al., 2021). Current literature studies reveal that the I4.0 technologies have great potential for creating remarkable value and transforming the supply chain into a digital supply chain (Kamble et al., 2020). Manufacturers are making efforts to embrace this industrial revolution to survive in such a dynamic market (Tao et al., 2018). To have a true essence of the benefits of Q4.0 application in SMEs , there is a need to develop a roadmap for Q4.0 implementation within such industries. Furthermore, industries need to understand the necessary skill sets and competencies that are integral to the successful implementation of Q4.0 in SMEs.

Thus, the objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the successful implementation of Q4.0 in manufacturing SMEs within the UK by exploring the necessary digital technologies and their impact on business performance of SMEs, identifying potential challenges and barriers in the development of Quality 4.0, and determining the future skills and competencies for quality leaders of tomorrow, and organizational cultural readiness factors required for effective implementation. In order to attain the objective, the following research questions (RQs) are established.

RQ1: What are the specific challenges and barriers faced by manufacturing SMEs when it comes to adopting and integrating Q4.0 technologies and practices into their existing quality management systems?

RQ2: What are the phases in the development of a practical roadmap/framework for implementation of  Q4.0 in manufacturing SMEs?

RQ3: What are the hard and soft skills/competencies for the future quality leaders required for Q4.0 implementation in manufacturing SMEs?

RQ4: What are generic vs. specific managerial and leadership implications for Q4.0 implementation in manufacturing SMEs?

RQ5: As per the 5^th Clause of ISO 9001:2015, how the organization’s leadership, top management commitment and organisational culture can play a role in the successful implementation of Q4.0?

Research Methodology

This research will be conducted in three phases to systematically answer the research questions.

Phase 1: Literature Review

A comprehensive scoping or systematic review will be carried out to map the current state of research on Quality 4.0. The purpose of this phase is to identify the research gaps in the literature.

Phase 2: Data Collection and Analysis

To bridge the identified gaps, a mixed-method approach will be employed. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be executed with both academics and practitioners in industry.

Phase 3: Development of a Conceptual Roadmap

Based on the findings from the literature review and empirical data, a tailored conceptual roadmap for implementing Quality 4.0 in SMEs will be developed and tested.

Phase 4: Testing and Refinement of the Conceptual Roadmap

The roadmap developed in Phase 3 will be tested and refined using the Delphi Method using experts in the field.

Research Results

Practical Implications

The output of this research would be a self-assessment and practical framework for practitioners who are keen to implement Q4.0 in SMEs. It will give a strategic plan for the effective allocation of financial and human resources, tools and techniques, core principles, and success factors that are specifically required at different phases of Q4.0 implementation.

Theoretical Implications

Exploring the use of Quality 4.0 within UK SMEs, this study aims to uncover unique challenges, barriers, and skill sets required by quality professionals. The development of a practical roadmap will support SMEs in embracing Quality 4.0. This research will significantly contribute to the existing knowledge on quality management, filling a crucial void in the literature.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Prof Jiju Antony. For informal academic queries, contact jiju.antony@northumbria.ac.uk . For enquiries relating to eligibility or application process, email fc.pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk

Eligibility Requirements:

•       Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

•       Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

•       Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

•       Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

•       Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or

•       have settled status, or

•       have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or

•       have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. 

Applicants will need to be fully enrolled in the UK before stipend payments can commence, and be aware of additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship, such as the immigration health surcharge, visa costs and English Language requirements. More detail can be found under the Funding Notes about these costs on our RDF webpage.

International applicants (including EU) must have valid immigration permissions to live and study in UK if they wish to study on a part-time basis. Northumbria University does not sponsor part-time student visas.

Apply now at https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/  

In your application, include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and also the advert reference (e.g. RDF25/…).

Application Deadline: 24 January 2025

Start date of course: 1 October 2025

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.