6 Characteristics of the Total Quality Management

TQM is a new method of quality management processes that involve multiple levels and different functions, but that requires an integrated cooperation. Characteristics of TQM can be listed as follows:

1. Target:

In TQM, the most important goal to achieve is quality, quality policy should be set to customers. Meeting customer needs means meeting each customer's needs, but not trying to reach certain quality standards set in advance. Never stop innovating - never stop improving quality is one of the most important principles of TQM.

2. Scope:

To ensure quality of service and product, the system TQM requires the extension of the production process to suppliers and subcontractors. Normally, the trade in material production may represent 70% of the cost of the final product (depending on the type of product). Therefore, to ensure the quality of the material used, it is necessary to set standards specific to each type of material to control the quality. You also need to change the method to make it suitable for the production process.

3. Form:

Instead of checking the quality of the finished product (after production), TQM establishes plans and programs for the supervision and prevent problems just before the production process. Statistical tools are used to control, analyze the results quantitatively as well as factors that influence the quality, consider the reasons and take appropriate preventive methods.

4. Base of the TQM system:

The basic practice of TQM in the company is Human. Speaking of quality, people usually think of the quality of the product. But is the quality of employees that is the main concern of TQM. Business of the three factors, which are fixed factor (machinery, equipment, money ...), Soft factor (methods, secrets, information ...) and the Human Factor, Human is the first concern of TQM.

The basic principle for the implementation of TQM is that the classification of workers is fully developed and integrated approach through training, delegation and assignment.

5. Organization:

TQM system is organized and worked through in order to manage in an integrated way with different business activities of the system and facilitate teamwork. The implementation of TQM requires the participation of senior managers and the media. Proper organization will help duties to be assigned clearly. Thus, TQM needs new management model, with characteristics different from its predecessor.

6. Management skills and tools:

Methods for implementation must be based on the principle "do it right at the beginning", in research and design to minimize the economic cost. Strict enforcement Demming circle (PDCA) to make the foundation for continuous improvement of quality .......