Total quality management (TQM) is a
approach that ensures long term success of the organization. The
approach concentrates on managing quality and implementing the
improvement in products/ services, culture and process.
TQM concepts are illustrated in the
DoD in the following manner:
- DoD first highlights the quality
problems faced.
- It than mentions quality and
quality management applied world wide and than specifically in
United States.
- It than illustrates several
principals of TQM and how they are relevant in DoD.
- It illustrates how application of
these principles have helped DoD in overcoming quality issues.
- Chain reaction of quality and
productivity were considered,
- The concept of direction and
prevention were determined.
- The cost of quality were
identified.
- The general strategy of
implementing TQM in DoD was summarized as follows:
- Demonstrate leadership,
- Build Awareness,
- Open and maintain lines of communication,
- Create a consistency of Purpose,
- Focus on customers,
- Select efforts from areas of success
- Develop teams,
- Making available necessary resources like training and
education,
- Providing required environment,
- Keeping a check on quality.