Tqm Model And Methodology

TQM Model/Methodology

Total Quality Management (TQM), is a philosophy that focuses on quality and customer satisfaction. Being an expert in TQM gives numerous opportunities for me to show organizations how to effectively use TQM models. In my present job, I will determine and select a Total Quality method to present to an organization for the incorporation into the strategic planning process. The model will need to be compatible with current organizational strategic plans and increase internal and external customer quality. The chosen method will also benefit the organization financially, effectively, and efficiently while still serving the need of TQM.

TQM Models

There are various models available for an organization to choose from. When there are processes that need to be improved upon, the correct method needs to be used. When choosing the appropriate method the company must know exactly what they want to improve upon, and which steps they need to take. Each model used will need to fit with the organizations mission, vision, goals, and objectives. There are many models available, the following is a list of TQM models and there meanings as explained by Dr. Bob Cook, Quality Assurance Leader:

- Continuous quality improvement (CQI) - a never-ending effort to expose and eliminate root causes of problems

- International Organizations for Standards (ISO 9000 & 14,000) - a set of international standards on quality management and assurance developed to help companies effectively document the quality systems elements to be implemented

- Value chain analysis - the systematic use of techniques that identify a required function, establishes a value, and provides the lowest cost estimate for that function.

- Six Sigma - a term used to indicate that a process is well controlled, meeting tolerance limits at +/- 3 sigma (or standard deviations) from either side of the centerline in the control chart.

- Lean manufacturing or service - a philosophy that focuses on elimination of waste in every area. The wastes that are eliminated include waiting, overproduction, excessive movement or motion, defects, excessive transportation, inventory, and processing.

- Theory of Constraints - a philosophy that focuses on finding the bottleneck constraint of a system and then subordinating everything to this constraint (weakest link), which must be improved to improve the overall system. This model is used for inventory and operating expense.

- Just In Time (JIT) - a manufacturing philosophy based on planned elimination of waste.

Continuous Quality Improvement

CQI's philosophy is that everything can be improved. This stance is what makes Continuous Quality Management a great method to implement in strategic planning of many organizations. With CQI, the improvements never stop, and an organization is able to keep the competitive edge over competition because any process that can be improved will be improved. The concept of continuous quality places focus on the evaluation and reevaluation of organizational processes, allowing for continued superior customer satisfaction. For this presentation, the CQI model will be employed, as it will offer the best and efficiency for the organization. This model will offer the best value and efficiency because the focus is on improving overall customer quality on a continuous basis instead of dealing with crisis as they occur. By increasing overall quality the organization increases image and trust with customers, growing organizational value. This model is most efficient because there are less financial resources required and more of a team building attitude and culture.

Possible Problems

Whenever changes are being made within an organization, the employees or even customers may be reluctant at first. Most people do not like change, even when it is for the best, at least not at first. The changes can potentially increase employee empowerment, morale, and make the overall culture of an organization better. Possible problems facing the implementation of TQM methods can be poor communication, poor implementation, poor project management, and failure to follow up. In order for