Quality audits as tools for improving production processes in manufacturing enterprises

Abstract

. The aim of this article is to identify and assess the role of quality audits in improving production processes in selected manufacturing enterprises located in south-eastern Poland. The analysis is embedded in the concept of Total Quality Management, which treats quality as the result of customer orientation, employee involvement, a process approach, and continuous improvement. The study was conducted using a methodology based on direct observation, analysis of internal documentation. The qualitative material was then compared with the results of a survey of 40 respondents with experience in audit practice in manufacturing enterprises, thereby enabling triangulation of the findings. The analysis covered three audit practices: 6S audit, final audit