In order to provide readers with a better understanding of China’s approach to quality management, this paper presents China’s quality management history, the main quality management efforts adopted by the Chinese government, the product quality situation, and the reasons for product quality...

Describes how focusing on total product quality (TPQ) can provide a new form of competitive differentiation, bearing in mind the move towards product parity. Considers that the role of marketing is vitally important in building TPQ, as a good quality product can be so easily let down by poor...

Workers can pinpoint defects better and faster than the auditor, sometimes even before they occur. To ensure a regular flow of products, the worker’s quality of workmanship must be very high. Integrated manufacturing self‐control restores job satisfaction. Determines the worker performance...

Describes the origin of TQC (Japanese TQM) and explains the principles of TQC and design quality. Defines the principles of TQC and outlines its primary mechanisms. Concludes that all approaches mentioned are applicable to TQC, but does not provide an exhaustive list.

Introduces the idea of nation equity via a world‐wide quality poll carried out by Bozell‐Gallup; assesses its international implications for the study of manufacturing quality. Outlines implications of the study for the United Kingdom. Highlights the importance of emerging East European...

It has not been enough to include “quality dimensions” into a product or a service and expect the outcome to be world‐class. Total value signifies a set of multidimensional measures towards realizing a competitive product (goods or services) that the customers would like and are willing to...

Industrial experiments have shown an unprecedented success for improving the product and process quality in many manufacturing organisations. This paper provides some useful and practical tips to industrial engineers with limited knowledge in experimental design (ED) for making industrial...

Relates a number of stories with regard to unsatisfactory items purchased by the author, describing his efforts to get satisfaction from the companies involved. Considers common elements of the various stories including factors such as: manufacturers of excellent image and reputation failing to...

Asserts that to maintain the competitive edge, organisations must move quickly to identify and then meet customer satisfaction. Examines methods of identifying customer satisfaction, measuring and using the results to improve the quality of products and services. Sees customer satisfaction as...

Reports on the Thai Foundation Quality System Standard (TFQSS) project which aimed to develop a basic quality management system standard for small Thai manufacturing businesses to assist them in increasing awareness of quality and develop towards the ISO 9000 series standards, without...