The Impact of Quality Management Methods and Tools on the Profitability of Manufacturing Enterprises: Sectoral Differences across Manufacturing Industries
Volume 4, Issue 2
Authors
Pavol Gejdoš • Marek Potkány • Krzysztof Knop • Nikolay Neykov •
Keywords
quality management, quality management methods and tools, profitability, manufacturing enterprises, sectoral differences
Citation in APA style
Gejdoš, P., Potkány, M., Knop, K. & Neykov, N. (2026). The Impact of Quality Management Methods and Tools on the Profitability of Manufacturing Enterprises: Sectoral Differences across Manufacturing Industries. Journal of Business Sectors, 4(2), 42–51. https://doi.org/10.62222/HLOF5221
DOI
Abstract
Research background:
Quality management represents a key strategic approach to improving the performance and competitiveness of manufacturing enterprises. Although numerous studies confirm the positive effects of quality management systems and practices on organisational performance, existing research predominantly focuses on selected tools or individual performance indicators, such as productivity, efficiency, or innovation. Considerably less attention has been devoted to examining the comprehensive use of quality management methods and tools (MTQM) in relation to profitability, particularly with regard to sectoral differences across manufacturing industries.
Purpose of the article:
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the application of quality management methods and tools on the profitability of manufacturing enterprises and to identify sectoral differences in their use across industries classified under SK NACE Section C.
Methods:
The study adopts a quantitative research approach based on a questionnaire survey supplemented by structured interviews conducted in 2024–2025. The research sample consisted of 405 manufacturing enterprises operating in Slovakia, exceeding the minimum required sample size of 360 determined using the Yamane formula. The MTQM variable was operationalised as the number of quality management methods and tools applied by an enterprise, while profitability was measured using return on sales (ROS), categorised into four groups. To verify the representativeness of the sample and test relationships between variables, the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test and the Chi-square test of independence were applied. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATISTICA 12 at a significance level of α = 0.05.
Findings & Value added:
The results confirm statistically significant differences in the extent of MTQM utilisation across manufacturing industries (χ² = 66.98; p = 0.001), indicating that sectoral characteristics, such as technological complexity and regulatory requirements, influence the adoption of quality management practices. Furthermore, a statistically significant association was identified between the extent of MTQM utilisation and enterprise profitability (χ² = 76.84; p = 0.001), with enterprises applying a broader range of quality management methods and tools being more likely to achieve higher levels of profitability as measured by ROS. The findings provide empirical evidence from the Slovak manufacturing sector and contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating a relationship between the comprehensive application of MTQM and enterprise profitability.