Quality management in research and development

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of research topics and methodologies employed in existing studies of quality management (QM) in research and development (R&D). Using a systematic review methodology (SRM), this paper analyzes the literature to identify major themes, shortcomings, and key management practices. The literature review reveals that researchers have mainly explored only how to implement quality principles and practices in the R&D environment and made little effort to explore other aspects of QM. QM practices discussed in the literature consist of top management commitment, R&D workforce involvement, training, a process-based approach, teamwork and cross-functional teams, fact-based measurement and feedback mechanisms, R&D client focus, and good communication with suppliers. The dominant methodology employed in existing studies is either a case study or conceptual approach. The paper provides researchers with valuable information about how this research area has evolved, what main themes have been discussed in the literature, and what management practices are effective in pursuing quality efforts in R&D. This study also makes a contribution to the development of quality theory in R&D by pointing out significant gaps in the current literature and suggesting important areas for future study. © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limite