Based on two quality management self‐assessment survey projects conducted in Europe and Australia, the authors compare practices in these parts of the world. The main questions addressed are: why do organisations use self‐assessment?, how do they implement self‐assessment?, and what are...

Plots a path from a base of ISO 9000 series system registration to the effective use of self‐assessment against the criteria of an excellence model (e.g. the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model or the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) model). Both the ISO 9000...

Business process re‐engineering (BPR) is the latest addition to the armoury of management techniques available. BPR purports to produce quantum improvements in performance by radically redesigning organizational processes. There is, however, some confusion as to what exactly constitutes BPR...

The use of self‐assessment as a basis for evaluating progress with and achievement through total quality is increasing and like many initiatives there are some basic principles for success. Looks at the use of the EFQM Model as framework, outlines a self‐assessment process together with some...

There is currently little published information about the use of total quality (TQ)‐based self‐assessment in the UK despite the increasing interest in the subject. Discusses the findings of a survey into the practice and benefits of self‐assessment to recognized models such as the European...

Based on a recent European Committee‐sponsored survey on quality management self‐assessment. Outlines research methodology and main findings. Details reasons for self‐assessment in companies and methods of self‐assessment, and discusses whether or not self‐assessment is worthwhile....

Self‐assessment using the Business Excellence Model has been in place in Europe since 1990 as a means of obtaining competitive advantage. Describes the history, design and application of the model and self‐assessment in the context of the desire of all organizations to strive for excellence....

Regarding preventive quality management, Germany was lagging behind for many years. Managers relied on the famous mark “Made in Germany” for too long. They did not realize that international competition had tightened. However, times have changed. Starting with the boom in ISO certifications,...

This article aims to stimulate debate from management development practitioners on process and outcomes of techniques by outlining a umber of aspects of the topic. The various aspects of expectations of job seekers, selection criteria via competence, focused development and the link with total...

Explains the Royal Mail approach to self‐assessment. An increasing umber of companies are using a self‐assessment process at an organizational or business unit level, but this often has little impact at a local level. Describes how Royal Mail has increased involvement through unit...