Before delving into the core principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) in its specific sense, it is essential to first understand the concept, its requirements, and its overall meaning. Once we grasp these fundamentals, we can clearly identify what constitutes the principles of TQM and what belongs to other departments or teams.
At the heart of Total Quality Management lies the concept of quality itself. Quality, in this context, refers to the final level that management aims to achieve in a product, ensuring it meets the desires and satisfaction of customers. Achieving this requires substantial efforts and costs associated with the quality management team, including monitoring customer needs, keeping an eye on competitors and their latest developments, and overseeing the internal processes related to the company's products.
From the above, we can infer that many of the principles of TQM are closely tied to the concept of quality and the responsibilities of the team overseeing quality management. Some of the most important core principles include:
Quality, both in its general and specific sense, is the foremost principle of TQM in any company. While the general idea of quality may seem straightforward, the specific quality standard for each individual product must be thoroughly discussed within the management team and the quality management team. Each organization needs to establish measurable standards that meet the unique needs of its products, ensuring that these standards align with both company-wide and industry-specific definitions of quality.
Customers are the central focus when it comes to quality. Hence, one of the key principles of TQM is the consideration of customer needs and preferences. It involves consistently studying customer requirements, addressing their concerns, and monitoring complaints. Ensuring customer satisfaction is crucial in creating a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations. The ability to actively listen to customer feedback and adjust products or services accordingly is an ongoing commitment for quality management.
Another vital principle of TQM is overseeing the workflow to ensure that the product reaches the required level of quality that has been agreed upon. This does not mean enforcing strict control over teams but rather observing the processes and methods that can be improved to achieve higher quality levels. Quality managers focus on refining these processes rather than merely supervising or controlling, which helps in fostering innovation and efficiency in production.
Studying competitors in the same market sector is another essential principle of TQM. Competition plays a crucial role in pushing companies to enhance their quality. By analyzing competitors' strengths and weaknesses, a company can identify areas where it can improve its own products. Market competition serves as one of the most important drivers of quality improvement, as companies strive to offer better products to maintain or increase their market share.
These are the core principles of Total Quality Management, as outlined in a training framework provided by the British Academy for Training and Development. The Academy's courses and educational articles align with these TQM principles, ensuring that participants gain a thorough understanding of how to integrate quality management into their organizations. The Academy offers a comprehensive approach that emphasizes not only the general concept of quality but also the specific actions required to maintain and improve quality at every stage of production.
In summary, Total Quality Management is a continuous process that demands a systematic approach to maintaining high standards across all facets of an organization. By adhering to these core principles—focusing on quality, customer satisfaction, work process optimization, and competitor analysis—companies can ensure sustained success in meeting the demands of today's competitive market.