Aid for Quality - Quality Assurance in Swedish Party Affiliated Organizations

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of the thesis is to shed light over the relationship between aid organizations, TQM and overall quality assurance. More specifically, we aim to identify the challenges with quality assurance work in the context of Swedish party affiliated organizations. Methodology: Our study is a qualitative study with an abductive approach. Theoretical perspectives: Our theoretical perspectives consist of total quality management and quality assurance in relation to new public management. Empirical Foundation: We have conducted seven interviews with key individuals that have insight in the application of the quality assurance process within the party affiliated organizations. Conclusions: Our purpose to identify the challenges with quality assurance in this specific context has been reached. We have found six areas of challenge that can be divided into two groups. The first group consists of the challenges in relation to create the quality assurance system and the second of a more fundamental character with challenges that must be undertaken to create the right premises for the first group. The six areas of challenge include defining quality, measure quality, create a quality assurance system, finding the proper level of control, establish clear communication and make sure that all involved parties have the right set of competence.