Total Quality Management (T.Q.M.)

In an article in Strategy & Business just over twenty (20) years ago titled “Are There Limits to Total Quality Management?” the author highlights that many problems associated with quality management programs are as a result of increased complexity. However, these problems can be overcome by learning which facilitates a continuous improvement process. See the link below for the full article;

https://www.strategy-business.com/article/16188?gko=52d0b

In summary, T.Q.M. is associated with the improvement of all aspects of a company’s operations performance – both internally and externally - and particularly how improvement should be managed.

From both researching this topic and working for a multi-national organization that implemented T.Q.M. principles, I believe there are no limits to continuous improvement. Where some commentators do highlight limits it is my view that these are, in the main, people related i.e. issues associated with attitudes, perceptions, motivation etc.

In conclusion, the following factors are influential in ensuring the success of T.Q.M.;

– The existence of a fully worked-out quality strategy

– Top-management’s support (financial and equally important non-financial related)

– A steering group to guide the initiative

– Group-based improvements (mutually agreed objective measurement related criteria)

– An adequate recognition and rewards scheme

– An emphasis on appropriate training