Abstract

• This study aims to analyze the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and operational performance of micro, small and medium enterprises in Panglong. Customer focus, employee knowledge and education, employee quality management, process management and quality practices of top management all play critical roles in improving the operational performance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) of Myanmar. Micro, small and medium sized firms must overcome several obstacles in order for the country's economy to thrive. This study addresses this issue. A quantitative technique is used in this research. Data were acquired through personal interview with structured questionnaire. Data are collected from April 2023 to May 2023. To reach research objectives, multiple linear regression analysis is applied. Among the total quality management practices, the findings of the study suggested that only process management and quality practices of top management have positively significant effect on operational performance of MSMEs in Panglong. The study's findings have a number of implications for MSME management including the importance of production process and quality practices of top management or owners in achieving better performance standards.