Relationship and Comparison Between In JIT, TQM AND TPM : A Review

Purpose – During the last decades, different quality management concepts, including total quality management (TQM), TPM, six sigma and lean, have been applied by many different organizations. Although much important work has been documented regarding TQM, TPM and lean, a number of questions remain concerning the applicability of these concepts in various organizations and contexts. Hence, the purpose of this review paper is to describe the relationship and differences between the concepts, including an evaluation of each concept. Design/methodology/approach – Methodology is based on a literature review Findings – While TQM, TPM and lean have many similarities, especially concerning origin, methodologies, tools and effects, they differ in some areas, in particular concerning the main theory, approach and the main criticism. The lean concept is slightly different from TQM and TPM. However, there is an lot to gain if organizations are able to combine these three concepts, as they are complementary. TPM and lean are excellent road-maps, which could be used one by one or combined, together with the values in TQM.Originality/value – The paper provides guidance to organizations regarding the applicability and properties of quality concepts. Organizations need to work continuously with customer-orientated activities in order to survive; irrespective of how these activities are labeled. The paper will also serve as a basis for further research in this area, focusing on practical experience of these concepts