Evaluation of quality management system for an alcoholic beverage industry

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
JUNE, 2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The QMS of an alcoholic beverage industry was evaluated using a local company as a case study. The research assessed the knowledge of management on the benefits of implementing a QMS. A survey was used as the means for carrying out the study. Data was collected as a means of oral interviews and multiple response questionnaires. The company has a Quality Assurance System based on quality control, process monitoring and end product testing. The system however does not entirely conform to the requirements of ISO 9000: 2005 and ISO 9004:2009. Management commitment is demonstrated in resource provision and training of staff. Management review of quality is not done. The Company’s QA system which is an aspect of QMS is maintained in accordance with best industry practice. The company has a quality manual and documented standard operating procedures (SOP) to promote due diligence in its operational activities. The generation of documents was well under control. These documents are fully supported by the completion of records for planned activities, maintenance and verification. The company conducts end product testing based on the Codex Alimentarius guidelines aimed at assessing the quality and safety level of finished product prior to distribution. Traceability systems have been established and maintained. Non-conforming products are either discarded or reworked based on an internal SOP. With regards to knowledge assessment of managers, majority of the respondents (90%) attribute quality to high cost. Three major barriers or challenges facing the implementation of quality management systems are lack of expertise/resources in quality management system, tendency to cure symptom rather than get to the root cause of a problem and rigid attitude of executive management towards quality. Management however appreciates that the implementation of an auditable QMS will benefit the company in a competitive environment as the company strives to enter the international market. It is recommended that some financial inputs be made to improve their QMS and staff training.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Food Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements Master of Science degree in Food Quality Management.
Keywords
Citation