An evaluation of the synergic implementation of TQM and TPM paradigms on business performance Mandeep Kaur, Kanwarpreet Singh and Inderpreet Singh Ahuja University College of Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala, India Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contributions of synergic implementation of total quality management (TQM) and total productive maintenance (TPM) paradigms towards improving business performance in the Indian manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a large number of manufacturing organisations have been extensively surveyed, to ascertain contributions made by TQM-TPM paradigms in the Indian manufacturing organisations towards realizing business performance improvements. The correlations between various organisational initiatives towards TQM-TPM implementation and business performance improvements have been evaluated and validated by employing various statistical tools. Findings – The research focuses upon the significant contributions of TQM-TPM organisational initiatives like quality related queries; top level support and level of total employee involvement; culture of continuous improvement; TQM and TPM core strategies; and transfusion of TQM and TPM, towards affecting improvements in business performance. The inter-relationships between various TQM-TPM organisational initiatives with the business performance improvement parameters have been evaluated, to efficiently manage the synergic TQM-TPM paradigms to realize organisational objectives of growth and sustainability. Research limitations/implications – The study establishes that focused TQM-TPM implementation over a reasonable time period can strategically contribute towards realization of significant manufacturing performance enhancements. Practical implications – The study stresses upon the need for improving the synergy between maintenance and quality functions in the organisations for meeting the challenges of highly competitive environments. The study highlights that significant achievements in manufacturing performance can be achieved through strategic synergic TQM-TPM implementation over a considerable period of time. Social implications – The analysis of initiatives adopted by Indian entrepreneurs towards TQM- TPM implementation has been presented in the study to demonstrate the commitment for quality and maintenance aspects of organisations to realize manufacturing excellence through TQM-TPM paradigms. Originality/value – The study highlights the strong potential of synergic TQM-TPM implementation initiatives in affecting business performance improvements. The achievements of Indian manufacturing organisations through proactive TQM-TPM initiatives have been evaluated and critical TPM success factors identified for enhancing the effectiveness of TQM-TPM implementation programs in the Indian context. Keywords Total quality management, Total productive maintenance, Business performance, Manufacturing industries, Competitive strategy, India, Performance management Paper type Research paper 1. Introduction Competition is worldwide, and markets are fast becoming more price sensitive. Achieving manufacturing excellence is seen as essential to survival and economic The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/1741-0401.htm Received 1 January 2012 Revised 20 August 2012 Accepted 21 August 2012 International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management Vol. 62 No. 1, 2013 pp. 66-84 r Emerald Group Publishing Limited 1741-0401 DOI 10.1108/17410401311285309 66 IJPPM 62,1