Critical failure factors for Quality 4.0: an exploratory qualitative study

• Adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) in organizations is challenging. Identifying the critical failure factors (CFFs) can lead to more effective implementation of Q4.0 initiatives.
• The interview findings highlight significant CFFs such as resistance to change, lack of understanding of Q4.0, and the absence of adequate training opportunities related to Q4.0.
• Studying the critical failure factors for Quality 4.0 provides essential guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of integrating new digital technologies with traditional quality management practices.

Adoption of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) in organizations is challenging. Identifying the critical failure factors (CFFs) can lead to more effective implementation of Q4.0 initiatives. Researchers used a qualitative research methodology involving in-depth interviews with quality managers and executives to help establish the CFFs associated with Q4.0. This approach enriches the existing literature on Q4.0 by offering insights into organizations’ practical challenges in implementing these modern quality management systems.

The interview findings highlight significant CFFs such as resistance to change, lack of understanding of Q4.0, and the absence of adequate training opportunities related to Q4.0. These factors contribute to organizations’ difficulties in effectively adopting and integrating Q4.0 practices. Additionally, the study discusses the importance of aligning Q4.0 initiatives with organizational strategies and ensuring leadership support to overcome these barriers. By addressing these CFFs, the study suggests that organizations can better position themselves to leverage Q4.0 for enhanced operational efficiency and competitiveness on a global scale.

Exploring the CFFs of Q4.0 is also original and valuable, given that it is a relatively new area of research with limited existing literature. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of Q4.0 implementation and offers practical insights to help organizations plan and execute Q4.0 initiatives more successfully. By identifying and understanding the CFFs, organizations can establish proactive strategies to mitigate these challenges, enhancing the likelihood of successful Q4.0 adoption.

Studying the critical failure factors for Quality 4.0 provides essential guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of integrating new digital technologies with traditional quality management practices. The insights gained can help recognize the barriers to Q4.0 adoption and contribute to developing strategic approaches to overcome these challenges, promoting a smoother transition to advanced quality management systems in various industrial sectors.

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