Total quality management (TQM) – what is it?
Total quality management (TQM) is a comprehensive approach to managing an organization that focuses on continuously improving the quality of processes, products and services in order to maximize customer expectations. TQM assumes that quality is not the responsibility of one department alone, but the result of the cooperation of all employees, who join in the improvement processes at every stage of the company’s operations.
The key principles of TQM are customer orientation, involvement of employees at all levels of the organization, data-driven decision-making and the pursuit of excellence through systematic improvement. In practice, TQM uses a variety of tools such as root cause analysis, quality circles and quality monitoring systems to help identify areas for improvement. This makes the organization more flexible and effective in responding to changes in customer requirements and market conditions, leading to higher customer satisfaction, improved operational efficiency and building a competitive advantage in the market.
Frequently asked questions
1 What are the benefits of TQM?
Benefits include improved product quality, increased customer satisfaction and reduced operating costs.
2.How do you implement TQM in an organization?
Implementing TQM requires management commitment, employee training, and continuous monitoring and improvement of processes.
