A research network has examined how quality management is implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The research has taken place within the framework of the Leonoardo Da Vinci pogramme. Managers of SMEs in the metalworking and food processing industries were asked what the consequences of the implementation of quality management were for the qualification needs of employees. This book presents the survey results as two sector studies. Analysed are competitive and specialisation tendencies of the sectors and company concepts of "Quality" and "Personnel" including current profiles of quality-related skill demands on staff as well as current training areas in the companies. Special objectives are: Anticipation of qualification needs for preventive vocational training strategies; Documentation of good practice and typical barriers as support for practitioners within SMEs and training bodies.

A research network has examined how quality management is implemented in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and what the consequences are for the qualification needs of employees. The research has taken place within the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci programme, which is an action programme of the European Commission DG XXII - Education Training and Youth. This book presents conclusions including three parts: "Results" deriving from the sector studies - specialised "Scientific contributions" of network partners - "Action-oriented dialogue" documenting comments of key actors in vocational training from the participating countries. Special objectives are: Support of quality-oriented development of SMEs and their staff; Support of quality-oriented development of vocational education and training; Support of implementation requirements including regional aspects.