Product Based Approach Of Total Quality Management

Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intentions, sincere efforts, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It is an attribute or characteristic whose dictionary meaning is the degree of goodness or worth of a person, place or thing.

In determining the quality of a product, the customer's expectations about the product will be given the top most priority. In the present scenario, customer delight is the need of the hour in order to survive the cutthroat competition.

There are different approaches through which the concept of quality can be under stood. According to the product-based approach, quality is an attribute, which can be measured quantitatively. The manufacturing based approach on the other hand, uses

Total Quality is a description of the culture, attitude and organization of a company that strives to provide customers with products and services that satisfy their needs. The culture requires quality in all aspects of the company's operations, with processes being done right the first time and defects and waste eradicated from operations. Total Quality Management, TQM, is a method by which management and employees can become involved in the continuous improvement of the production of goods and services. It is a combination of quality and management tools aimed at increasing business and reducing losses due to wasteful practices. Some of the companies, which have implemented TQM, include Ford Motor Company, Phillips Semiconductor, SGL Carbon, Motorola and Toyota Motor

This commentary returns to the writings of the movement's founders--W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, and Kaoru Ishikawa--to assess the coherence, distinctiveness, and likely perseverance of this provocative management philosophy. We identify a number of gaps in what is known about TQM processes and outcomes and explore the congruence between TQM practices and behavioral science knowledge about motivation, learning, and change in social systems. The commentary concludes with a prognosis about the future of TQM--including some speculations about what will be needed if TQM is to take root and prosper in the years to