Coverage, Placement and Impact of Quality Control and Assurance on Quality of Products in Zimbabwean Polytechnic Clothing and Textile Production Units

Abstract

This study sought to establish the coverage, placement and impact of Quality Control and Assurance on Quality of Products in Zimbabwean Polytechnic Clothing and Textile Production Units, using the qualitative approach. The population comprised of 103 Clothing and Textiles National Diploma students and 27 lecturers from three polytechnics. Stratified sampling was used to select 32 ND students and 6 lecturers who participated in the study. The study used a questionnaire, FGD and interviews as sources of data. Data was analyzed through the thematic approach. The study established that the component of Quality Control and Assurance contained very important aspects of quality management issues. The quality control component had a positive impact on the quality of products produced in the polytechnic CTPUs as it equipped participants with skills and competences required to produce high quality products that satisfy customers. One of recommendations is that the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology through the Higher Education Examination Council should reconsider the course structure and placement of Quality Control and Assurance component in the Clothing and Textile curriculum. The fundamentals of quality control in garment industry should be taught at National Certificate level as it can be a terminal course for those who do not wish to advance to National Diploma level.