K. J. Somaiya

Quality aspect is an important criteria for the SMEs in India to compete in domestic and international markets. ISO 9001 quality system adoption enables SMEs to compete and face emerging challenges. Its compliances develop the base for TQM implementations essential to meet the customer requirements and competitiveness. In order to access the total quality the total quality practices being practiced in ISO 9001 certified SMEs in India this study has undertaken.The practices oriented to culture are consolidated through experts and evaluated using AHP methodology. The perceived total quality practices rated and found that the high weightage practices are related to management control for the quality environment and low priority weightages are for use of statistical tools, problem solving approach, continuous improvement indicating low level of TQM achievement.