Abstract
This document will examine Total Quality Management. More specifically it will cover its definition, the impact of globalization, and compare traditional management styles against quality focused management styles.
Total Quality Management
Total Quality Management, or TQM as it is commonly known as, is more than a method of management or a quality control standard. Total Quality Management encompasses both and extends into all aspects of an organization’s operations. Through TQM both employees and management are constantly involved in continually improving business processes. By doing so TQM increases business and helps to reduce losses through the elimination of wasteful processes (iSixSigma, 2008).
According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce,
TQM is the foundation for activities, which include:
• Commitment by senior management and all employees
• Meeting customer requirements
• Reducing development cycle times
• Just In Time/Demand Flow Manufacturing
• Improvement teams
• Reducing product and service costs
• Systems to facilitate improvement
• Line Management ownership
• Employee involvement and empowerment
• Recognition and celebration
• Challenging quantified goals and benchmarking
• Focus on processes / improvement plans
• Specific incorporation in strategic planning
This shows that TQM must be practiced in all activities, by all personnel, in Manufacturing, Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Sales, Purchasing, HR, etc (2008).
Addit ...