Total quality management (TQM) can be defined as
an effort to build up a climate in which an
organization continuously improves its ability to produce high-quality products or services to customers[1] from the moment its raw materials arrive to
the moment its finished products leave.[2]
TQM aims at conforming to a customer's requirements.
According to the European Foundation for Quality Management, TQM strategies are[3]:
• The
excellence of all managerial, operational and administrative processes.
• A culture
of continuous improvement in all aspects of the business.
• An
understanding that quality improvement results in cost advantages and better
profit potential.
• The
creation of more intensive relationships with customers and suppliers.
• The
involvement of all personnel.
•
Market-oriented organizational practices.
If implemented
well, a company can benefit from TQM since it improves competitiveness and
management communication, increases profits, productivity, customer loyalty and
adaptability to global markets, eliminates defects and reduces waste and
quality costs.
However,
lack of management commitment, inability to change organizational structure,
improper planning, lack of continuous training, isolated
individuals/departments leading to lack of communication, paying inadequate
attention to internal and external customers, insufficient use of empowerment
and teamwork, failure to continually improve might pose threats to TQM implementation.
Motivation
of the employees and development of a strategic plan are the required actions
before TQM is put into practice. Otherwise, how can the companies become
successful in their TQM programs unless their employees are unaware and insensitive
to obstacles concerning implementation, particularly the ones related to
organizational structure?
[1] “Total Quality Managament”.
Web. 01/30/2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_quality_management>.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.