Examines three market leaders, referred to as RST, XYZ and ABC, and shows their understanding of the quest for quality and the management of employee development. The evidence is that continuous improvement practices are a tribute to the “West” in the face of the Japanese challenge.

Total quality management continues to spread in industry and commerce on a global basis. Despite the various levels of scepticism and doubt expressed on its potential to lead to competive benefits, TQM continues to reshape organizations at all levels. When one looks at providers of education and...