Total Quality Management Implementation: Selected Readings
Abstract
Total Quality Management (TQM) is both a philosophy and a set of guiding principles that represent the foundation of a continuously improving organization. By definition, TQM is the application of quantitative methods and human resources to improve (1) the materials and services supplied to an organization, (2) all the significant processes within an organization, and (3) the degree to which the needs of the customers are met, now and in the future. TQM was first applied in the Department of Defense (DoD) in the early 1980's in a few logistic field activities. In 1987, its use began to rapidly expand with the advent of support from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Production and Logistics (OASD (P&L)) (TQM/IPQ). TQM is now one of DoD's primary initiatives. In 1988, in response to the publication of a Department of Defense statement entitled DoD Posture on Quality, managers began to ask for information and examples of TQM implementation. To meet that request, OASD (P&L) asked the Organizational Systems Department of the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center to prepare a compilation of readings and case studies to assist managers in implementing TQM. For ease of presentation, the various articles have been organized into four sections: Management and Leadership Focus (Section 1), Guidelines for the Development of TQM (Section 2), Quality Improvement Strategy (Section 3), and Case Studies: Special Applications of TQM (Section 4).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA208155
Entities
People
- Carol S. Greebler
- J. G. Suarez