64,205 research outputs found

    TQM implementation: An empirical examination and proposed generic model

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    Total quality management (TQM) is considered by many as an important quality and business performance improvement tool. The popularity of the concept has led to an explosion of TQM related literature. A careful review of the literature suggests that most publications recount the experiences or perceptions of the authors or deal with single case organisations. Furthermore, there is a dearth of empirical research and literature dealing with TQM's implementation process. This paper reports the findings of a research project that empirically examined the process of TQM implementation in a sample of organisations widely regarded as leading exponents of TQM. The paper presents a non-prescriptive model of the TQM implementation process derived from the findings and proposes an "outcome driven" approach as an alternative to the more commonplace TQM implementation strategies

    Total Quality Facilities Management and Innovation: A Synergistic Approach

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    The ideas of quality and performance management and innovation in facilities management service provision are not new. Total Quality Management (TQM) is widely recognised throughout the world as a concept capable of providing competitive advantage. Innovation has also received considerable attention as having a crucial role in securing sustainable competitive advantage. However, there has been little consideration of the potential for integration of TQM practices with innovation principles in determining facilities management performance. TQM and innovation appear to corroborate each other and are becoming increasingly important in facilities management. This study takes a theoretical approach to critically review the relationship between TQM and innovation and to determine the relationship between TQM and Innovation in regard to facilities service provision. The theoretical implication is that FM service providers may adopt a synergistic approach to TQM and innovation, leading to sustained competitive advantage in terms of better positioning themselves within the saturated FM marketplace

    Quality management in heavy duty manufacturing industry: TQM vs. Six Sigma

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    ‘Is TQM a management fad?’ This question has been extensively documented in the quality management literature; and will be tackled in this research though a critical literature review on the area. ‘TQM versus Six-Sigma’ debate, which has also been a fundamental challenge in this research filed, is addressed by a thematic and chronological review on the peer papers. To evaluate this challenge in practice, a primary research in heavy duty machinery production industry have been conducted using a case-study on, J C Bamford Excavators Ltd (JCB), the largest European construction machinery producer. The result highlights that TQM is a natural foundation to build up Six-Sigma upon; and not surprisingly the quality yield in a TQM approach complemented by Six-sigma is far higher and more stable than when TQM with no Six-Sigma focus is being put in place; thus presenting the overall finding that TQM and Six Sigma are compliments, not substitutes. The study will be concluded with an overview on quality management approaches in the heavy duty manufacturing industry to highlight the way forward for the industry

    Diagnosing total quality management - Part 2

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    From extensive literature research a total quality management (TQM) model is developed. This model describes the basic elements of the concept of TQM. It also provides the way in which the basic elements can be made operational in practice. Based on this model a quality-diagnostical instrument is developed to establish the actual TQM-situation in an organization. The instrument has been tested in two cases in an existing company and the results look promising for purposes of using the instrument in the process of realizing TQM and 'measuring' and stimulating continuous quality improvement

    TQM and CSR nexus

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    Purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the paper considers the implications of these similarities and differences for the future development of TQM and CSR. Methodological approach: Structured discourse analysis is used to systematically explore these two discursive subjects. Both concepts encompass discursive ideas and practices. Findings: Our analyses suggest that the two concepts share similar philosophical roots, that there is a substantial overlap between the elements of the two concepts, and that the ultimate expected outcomes shows significant similarities. Despite these similarities however, implementation of TQM will not necessarily result in CSR. Practical implications: Our findings lead to the conclusion that it is important to recognise the specific needs of CSR and include them as an implicit part of TQM. This conclusion has an important practical and descriptive theoretical implication and the extent to which CSR is diffused as a part of TQM depends on it. Research implications: Our analysis highlights the need for the development of a descriptive theory, that is to say, the identification of the mechanism(s) through which elements of CSR could be developed and implemented alongside that of TQM. Original/value: The question of the intersection between CSR and TQM has attracted the interest of other researchers. The majority of the previous work is normative. We contribute to this developing literature by adopting a systematic discursive approach using philosophy, elements of TQM / CSR process and outcomes as the framework for the analysis

    Training needs in TQM: the Portuguese perspective

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    A survey to assess training needs in TQM was developed in several European countries, within the framework of a Leonardo’s project named IMVOCED. Beyond a comparison of the results in each country, a global analysis was performed to design a TQM programme to be delivered by WBL (Work Based Learning). Differences were found between countries, and the Portuguese results also revealed that different approaches to TQM training should be adopted according to the organisation’s dimension. Based on this evidence, two different strategies for TQM training by WBL are proposed and discussed.training needs; TQM

    Satisfying customers using total quality management: the mediating role of control systems

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    The premise of this paper is that Total Quality Management (TQM) must be adopted as a way of life for employees and not just as a slogan per se, so that the intended goal of implementing TQM can be fully realised. In order to internalise the philosophy of TQM into each organisational member, control systems play an important role. Control systems, among others, are implemented as systems for aligning the intended objectives of TQM and the individual objectives of each employee. The findings of this study supported the contingency theory that suggested the control systems being practised should be aligned with the strategy pursued to achieve the intended objectives. This paper extends the current existing knowledge by investigating the mediating role of control systems in explaining the relationship between TQM and customer satisfaction

    Quality and TQM at Higher Education Institutions in the UK: Lessons from the University of East London and the Aston University

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    The objective of this article is to investigate the level of implication of Quality in the University of East London and TQM in the Aston University. The elements of Quality and Accountability are the major driving forces in academic institutions in the UK, and in this respect, the total quality management (TQM) movement has exploded, capturing the attention of educators at all levels. Certainly, higher education embraces the concept of TQM as a set of tools for planning continuous improvement. In wider context, TQM have all sought to achieve fundamental change in organizations. The focuses of these two cases are implication of Quality and TQM programme in the University of East London and Aston University respectively.

    Morse Theory in Field Theory

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    We describe correlations functions of topological quantum mechanics (TQM) in terms of Morse theory. We review the basics of topological field theories and discuss geometric and algebraic interpretations of TQM. We prove that correlators in TQM can be expressed via intersection numbers of certain submanifolds of the target space with paths of steepest descent between critical points of a Morse function. In the end we conjecture another correspondence between quantum mechanics correlators and integrals of Massey products of certain cohomology classes.Comment: updated versio
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