TQM: Does it Support the Joint Warfighter?

Abstract

The Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is now advocated by the Department of Defense and each of its services. Training programs are underway to implement what is essentially a cultural transformation for each service. TQM originally took root in service and support organizations that resource the warfighter, and is now transitioning to tactical units. However, the application of this philosophy for the Joint Force Commander (JFC) at the operational level of war is not addressed. TQM can enhance the JFC's ability to plan and execute a military campaign. An overview of the Deming TQM philosophy and the separate programs of each service provides a baseline for the JFC. Historical research provides examples and evidence of successful uses of the TQM philosophy. Our modem battlefield will require innovative JFC's who can organize and lead a force using the TQM philosophy. It is recommended that future efforts which offer recommendations on particular techniques for using TQM tools should be documented and published to aid the operational warfighter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 17, 1994
Accession Number
ADA279626

Entities

People

  • Thomas W. Donnelly Jr.

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Army
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Governments
  • Information Science
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Navy
  • New York
  • Organizational Structure
  • Security
  • Total Quality Management
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Systems Analysis and Design