*6.1.1 SMMEs' perceptions of a quality management system on the performance*

The first question in the survey was, 'what are the SMMEs' perceptions of a quality management system on the performance of their businesses?' This question used a Likert scale with five options to choose from, ranging from Strongly Agree to Disagree Strongly. The questionnaires designed for certified organisations were different from those of non-certified organisations to ensure that their responses were relevant and interpreted. **Figure 4** below depicts a graphic representation of the responses gathered from the certified organisations. Out of 10 respondents, 70% of them displayed an extreme agreement with the questions, whilst 30% of respondents showed a firm agreement to the assertion that practical implementation of QMS adds value towards effective operations and business improvements. None of the respondents strongly disagreed nor disagreed.

Similarly, **Figure 5** below depicts the responses by non-certified organisations. Out of 10 respondents, 70% of them displayed an extreme level of agreement, whilst 10% displayed a solid agreement to the assertion that their negative perceptions of the effectiveness of a formalised QMS are due to the lack of awareness of its benefits. Whilst the remaining 20% did not agree to any value add. Based on the survey results, it can be concluded that a positive correlation exists between the application of quality standards and improved business performance, and therefore the hypothesis is true.

**Figure 4.** *Represents perceptions by certified organisations.*

*The Impact of Quality Standards on the Business Performance of Small, Medium… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101366*

**Figure 5.** *Represents perceptions by non-certified organisations.*
