Abstract
This study is part of the potential supplier evaluation for the Candleshopdublin. In order to obtain an insight of the current status of Total quality management implementation and practices in Chinese candle manufacturing industry, the author looked into the literature of development of Total quality management in China, the argument around ISO 9000 Total quality management system, together with the current candle industry. Then a survey was conducted via emails among Chinese candle manufacturers. The survey was conducted via questionnaires designed with open questions demanding descriptive answers, which focus on different aspects of Total quality management implementation. The qualitative data contained in the questionnaires sent back were justified and interpreted into quantitative data, which were then coded and analysed. The analysis of the data indicates the low level of Total quality management implementation in Chinese candle manufacturing industry, and lack of understanding of Total quality management among Chinese candle manufacturers. Suggestions are made at the end both for Chinese candle manufacturers, and for business buyers who are searching for potential candle suppliers in China.
