TQM implementation Concepts and Tools/Techniques
Abstract
Quality has become one of the most important competitive strategic weapons and many organisations have realized that it is a key to developing products and services that support continuing success. Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management system that takes into consideration all the areas of the operations in an organization. Quality systems are designed to set a clear direction for organizations to follow, enabling understanding and involvement of employees towards a common goal. The aim of business is long-term profitability and earnings are achieved by satisfying customers while keeping production cost at a minimum. Total quality management (TQM) is a popular management philosophy and practice designed to enhance productivity and quality, reduces waste, and increase customer satisfaction (Powell 1995). There are four major core concepts of TQM that should be well understood. These core concepts are continuous improvement, customer orientation, defect prevention and universal responsibility. TQM tools help organizations to identify, analyze and assess qualitative and quantitative data which are relevant to their business. These tools can identify procedures, ideas, statistics, cause and effect concerns and other issues relevant to their organizations. Each of the tools can be examined and used to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, standardization and overall quality of procedures, products or work environment.