Abstract

This study analyses the internal dimensions of African quality awards and excellence models, comparing these distinctions to one another and to both the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and the European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model (EFQM EM). The empirical analysis revealed similarities and differences both among them and with respect to the aforementioned major awards. The awards were also measured against a theoretically ideal or universal model. The conclusions drawn from the findings provide the business community and legislators with practical advice on how these awards can provide African companies with management tools that ensure their survival through in-house skill development.

Key words: Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model (EFQM), quality awards, universal quality model.