Total Quality Management

Impact of Globalization on Quality

The introduction of the internet has broadened the horizon of commerce. Several countries now compete for the same consumers and a larger portion of the market. Should an organization aim to compete in the given product market a high standard for quality will need to be the primary focus. Consumers are looking for quality in the products purchased, therefore, should the quality decline they will begin looking for a provider with the quality of product desired. As the quality of products improves, each organization will have to step up his or her own quality control measures in order to remain competitive in the global market. Some organizations may find the expense of instituting TQM measures too high. Compromising quality of the product is definitely put the product at a disadvantage when compared to product from other organizations and countries.

Defining Total Quality Management

While there are many definitions on TQM, it all leads to great customers service and great products that meet the consumer demands. TQM is a management approach to long-term success, through achieving complete customer satisfaction. TQM is the complete approach to improve organizational performance and effectiveness. Hill describes TQM as, “Total quality management establishes an organization wide focus on quality, merging the development of a quality-oriented corporate culture with intensive use of management and statistical tools aimed at designing and delivering quality products to customers.” (Hill, 2004) What this definition is saying is that Total Quality Management establishes emphasis on companywide quality, continued improvement, a quality oriented culture monitored very closely by management, and statistical tools that are used for designing and producing quality goods to the customer.

Applying Total Quality Management

In order to apply Total Quality Management to an organization one must pursue new strategic thinking, meaning if the organization is not Quality Style Management, then conversion needs to take place. The process initially starts with management commitment and a total quality committee must be established. Employees at all levels need to know the customer and set true customer requirements and expectations (Fraser, 1996). The organization as a whole needs to work on prevention not correction. So strengths and weaknesses need to be identified, eliminate