Running head: TQM PAPER
TQM Paper
University of Phoenix
Livonia Campus
MGT449 – Quality Management and Productivity
August 6, 2008
Week One
Over the years, quality management has evolved from the individual who has produced the product to a company-wide philosophy engaged in the monitoring of the product because the reputation of the company depends on the quality of the product. A definition published in 1990 by SEMATECH (semiconductor manufacturing technology) reads: “Total Quality Management (TQM) is a [holistic] business management methodology that aligns the activities of all employees in an organization with the common focus of customer satisfaction [to be achieved] through continuous improvement in the quality of all activities [processes], goods, and services” (Burrill, 1999). The description of the impact of globalization on quality will be covered as well as a comparison and contrast of traditional management styles with quality focused management styles.
The impact on quality from a global viewpoint can be equated to the Japanese quality strategy. This strategy is effected by combining the marketing strategies of emphasizing quality to decrease cost resulting in increased customer satisfaction. This impact is described in six steps:
Step 1. Quality improvement cuts costs. This step takes time but is worth the investment to achieve long-term results.
Step 2. Lower costs allow lower prices. A large share of savings from the improvement of quality is forwarded to the customer as price reductions or consistent pricing on improved products.
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