TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a business philosophy rather than a set of quality tools or methods. The TQM concept arose from the principles and practices espoused by the Quality Gurus and the quality tools and methods are employed to achieve a successful implementation. TQM does not have a specific implementation process and while some companies use consultants with proven methods, others create their own deployment strategy. Some organizations rely on Quality Management System requirements like ISO 9001, TS 16949, ISO 13485, etc. and requirements like those found in the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence or CMMI to drive their TQM processes. Ultimately, the key to a successful TQM implementation is the commitment of the management of the organization.
The core principles of TQM are customer focus, continual improvement, participation by all employees, continuous learning, and decision making based on data analysis. Deming’s 14 Points are at the foundation of TQM and the concepts and tools developed by Crosby, Feigenbaum, Juran, Ishikawa, Shewhart, Akao, and others provide the means to transform organizations that have the desire and willpower to change. Certainly, every implementation of TQM touches on the ideas founded by these quality pioneers. But every company and every unique site has its own preferences, leaders, methods, and limitations that effect their TQM implementation.
The key to TQM is the “M”. Management determines how successful the implementation of any activity will be. How much money, which leaders, what objectives, what metrics, what feedback, how much empowerment, and how much management visibility will directly impact the success any TQM implementation.
TQM can be an effective process and can improve an organization if implemented properly, maintained, and matured. By its very nature, TQM promotes the long term growth and stability of a company by spurring improvement and increasing customer satisfaction.
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THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESOURCE
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
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THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESOURCE
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
