Post-print. This is the authors’ original manuscript of an article published in The TQM Journal, Vol. 26 (2014), Iss. 2, pp. 188-201. For the final version and citation data, please visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/TQM-03-2012-0023. Effects of a production improvement programme on global quality performance: The case of the Volvo Production System Torbjørn H. Netland 1 and Ebly Sanchez 2 1 NTNU, Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Trondheim, Norway 2 Volvo Trucks North America, VPS Director Americas, Greensboro, NC, USA Abstract Purpose: How can multinational companies become more productive on a global scale? This paper investigates whether a production improvement programme can improve quality performance in a global network of factories. Specifically, we analyse the effects of the Volvo Group’s production improvement programme on global quality performance. Methodology: Our research approach is a case study of the Volvo Production System. We analyse the effects of the programme on global quality performance, using data from an implementation audit and a questionnaire survey. We triangulate the analysis with longitudinal quality performance data from three different plants. Findings: We find a significant and strong positive relationship between implementation of the Volvo Production System and improvements in both process quality and product quality. Hence, we suggest that tailored production improvement programmes have clear positive effects on global quality performance. Research limitations: As with all case studies, we should use caution when generalising beyond the specific case. However, the Volvo Group is a broad and diversified corporation, which mitigates this limitation. Originality: While many studies have investigated the effect of production improvement programmes on performance, very few have looked at the effect of a corporate multi-plant programme. This study represents one of the first attempts to do so. We also provide a case description of the Volvo Production System that readers might find valuable in its own right. Keywords: improvement programme; quality management; quality performance; production system; global operations management; lean production; Volvo