Strategic Plan Analysis Paper

STRATEGIC PLAN ANALSYS PAPER

Total quality management has become a necessity in today's society amongst businesses and consumers. Organization and consumers believe that quality is very important, and it will make or break an organization. Ensuring quality in products helps eliminate liability that would come from defective products, and it increases the rate of the returning consumer. Companies are liable if there products were made poorly, and if they cause a disaster from the use of their products. According to Achieving Quality through Continuous Improvements, it defines total quality management as:

Total Quality Management is a holistic business management methodology that aligns the activities of all employees in an organization with the common focus of customer satisfaction to be achieved through continuous improvement in the quality of all activities processes, goods and services (1998).

According to Wikipedia, it defines total quality management as:

A management strategy aimed at embedding awareness or quality in all organizational processes. TQM has been widely used in manufacturing, education, government and service industries, as well as NASA space and science programs. Total Quality provides an umbrella under which everyone in the organization can strive and create customer satisfaction. Total Quality is a people focused management system that aims at continual increase in customer satisfaction at continually lower real costs (2006).

Total Quality Management is the philosophy of managing organizations with a set of tools, policies and procedures that ensure quality production, or services. Total Quality Management is the future of management philosophies.

I currently work for Pickrel Construction Inc. There are expectations and responsibilities that go into our organization. It follows the TQM philosophy. The company I will compare management styles with is Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has adopted the TQM management style, and they place customers first.

Management Style Comparisons

The construction organization is a very professional organization. Most construction companies have an intense hiring process, and require the applicants to be of the highest standards. In our construction company, I believe that we utilize total quality principles. We are required to remain physically fit, and be able to respond to any project given to us. The policies and procedures set a standard for us to adhere to. The policies and procedures help guide us with procedures to most of the common projects that are given to us as well. We have many different types of building designs, where we rely on our training and experience to see us through the end of the project.

Wal-Mart is committed to excellence, and the management style they have condones it. They provide great service and products at affordable prices. They strive to satisfy the customer. According to Wal-Mart, The corporate culture of Wal-Mart is one of the biggest contributing factors that make it one of the world's most admired companies. When Sam Walton founded the company, he instilled in his people and his business a belief system that is still very much in place today. From the three basic beliefs to the sundown rule, Wal-Mart respects their customers, associates and suppliers, and Wal-Mart strives to treat them as they want to be treated. In building and nurturing the internal and external relationships, as well as serving the communities where they are, Wal-Mart has helped build a better business committed to excellence (2006).

It seems that Pickrel Construction shares the same philosophies as Wal-Mart. A commitment to excellence, and striving to serve the public the best they can. The philosophy of treating others the way you would like to be treated is a mutual belief. Wal-Mart and Pickrel Construction share the same attitude towards the people they serve.

Characteristics of TQM

Wal-Mart's TQM characteristics are explained through their three basic beliefs, which are respect the individual, service to the customers, and to strive for excellence. Wal-Mart feels that the people make a difference, so they are committed to the consumers. The consumers are ultimately what will make or break the company, so Wal-Mart strives to offer quality products at reasonable prices. Wal-Mart also strives for excellence with new ideas and goals to help make Wal-Mart more successful than ever before.

Pickrel Construction shares some of the same characteristics that Wal-Mart has. Pickrel Construction is committed to providing the peace and security to their customers. Pickrel construction is committed to excellence and efficiency in services and in work. Pickrel Construction holds itself to