In a manufacturing environment, the 5Ss in practice can result in considerable improvements in environmental performance in parallel with improved housekeeping and health and safety. The 5Ss in theory are a set of straightforward steps to continual improvement. In practice implementation of the...

Reports on the adoption of total quality methods by RNAY Fleetland, a company which undertakes repair and maintenance of military helicopters, and which had to contend with the hurdle of taking the two cultures, military and civilian, within the business and turning them into a quality culture....

Laments the lack of attention paid to communication within a TQM programme, despite the fact that it is of vital importance. States that a good balance of high quality communication is critical and lists seven fundamental principles for achieving effective communication. Makes the point that...

A shot in time appraisal of the development of TQM within a relatively small manufacturing unit (100 people). Details the unit’s original position, what methodology was used and who took responsibility for the implementation. Details the benefit gained by the exercise and a perspective from a...

Highlights the fact that communication plays a fundamental role in achieving continuous improvement in an organization. Uses two case studies, Lockheed Martin and Sun Microsystems, to illustrate the importance of information content and communication technology to provide the feedback needed to...

TQM is a philosophy which emphasizes continuous improvement as a process that places a premium on achievement of customer satisfaction. This requires participation of everyone in the company in the development of shared mission, vision, plans and in the quest for continuous improvement....

Considers the failure of a TQM project in a prominent UK building company, despite considerable efforts to publicise and promote the quality ethos. Argues that it failed because the chief executive officer did not understand or believe in the efficacy of TQM or, indeed, the nature of...