Jordan Quality Award
(King Abdullah II Award
for Excellence (KAIIAE))
Characteristics, assessment
and benchmarking
Ibrahim A. Rawabdeh
Industrial Engineering Department, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the essence of the Jordan Quality Award (JoQA)
that has been developed and implemented in Jordan. The award characteristics, framework,
examination criteria, objectives, benefits and comparative assessment are described. The JoQA is
benchmarked with two international quality awards: Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and
European Quality Award.
Design/methodology/approach – In order to investigate the experiences of companies and gain
feedback on the award’s benefits, achievements, problems, and criteria weights, a questionnaire was
developed. A sample of 49 companies which had applied for the award was selected to test a set of
hypotheses regarding the award’s objectives, benefits, problems, and criteria weights, and to
determine areas of weaknesses and potential improvements.
Findings – The testing of the hypotheses shows that the objectives of the award, externally, and
internally viewed benefit were achieved. However, various implementation problems exist. Based on
the findings, a recommended change is proposed for the weights of the award criteria.
Research limitations/implications – The study is based on a relatively small number of
companies who had participated on one occasion in the award’s process. Although the findings confirm
the theoretical framework, more empirical work is needed to better understand the award’s impact
over a longer time span. Further research should also identify if and how the award influences the
participating companies in managerial, technical and financial aspects.
Originality/value – The paper is unique insofar as it is the first to explore the experiences of users of
the JoQA. It contributes to a better understanding of such awards’ impact on organizations in
developing countries.
Keywords Total quality management, Quality awards, Benchmarking, Business excellence, Jordan
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Total quality management (TQM) is both a philosophy and a set of guiding principles that
represent the foundation of a continuously improving organization. It involves the
application of quantitative methods and the utilization of human resources to improve
organizational performance. TQM integrates fundamental management techniques,
existing improvement efforts, and technical tools under a disciplined approach focused on
continuous improvement. During the last decades many organizations became well aware
of TQM and implemented its principles. They sought quality certification and
standardization, recognition of performance excellence, and comprehensive systems for
every aspect of their organization. The pioneers in TQM, such as Deming, Juran,
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1463-5771.htm
BIJ
15,1
4
Benchmarking: An International
Journal
Vol. 15 No. 1, 2008
pp. 4-24
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1463-5771
DOI 10.1108/14635770810854326