Presents the results of a study which examines the implementation of Total Quality Management in small and medium‐sized manufacturing companies. The study is based on personal, structured interviews with the senior manager responsible for quality in 30 manufacturing companies in the Sheffield...

Can a TQM initiative really fail? The primary aim of the article is to convey a more astute understanding of the very essence of TQM. It shows how the TQM philosophy is founded in common sense, and why the infusion of TQM in any organization should result only in a win‐win situation. While...

When managing a total quality programme every practitioner needs to generate and maintain momentum and progress. When progress is suddenly halted, the true reasons why are not always immediately clear. Excuses can be too easily formulated and the wrong reasons identified for what may well be a...

Describes symptoms of a TQM process not working. From eight years experience working with TQM in the service industries, an 11‐point plan has been devised for sustaining the TQM process after the first 12 months

This article presents the point of view that there are three fundamental prerequisites that are required for the successful implementation of a quality management approach within any organization ‐ commitment, culture, and cost. The case is made that quality management is not just an extension...

Discusses the keys to successful total quality management and how total quality management is accomplished. Explains the results of Kepner‐Tregoe′s research into the conditions for successful quality improvement. Describes the total quality management process at the Baxter Healthcare plant...