Application Of Total Quality Management To Research And Development: An Historical Perspective

This paper discusses the historical applications of Total Quality Management (TQM) to Research and Development (R&D). Research aimed at establishing an effective model for the application of TQM philosophies and tools to the R&D environment must start from this historical perspective. The emphasis of this paper is on the relationship of quality tools and techniques to the application of TQM in R&D, providing the foundation for further model development. The scope and definition of R&D is presented and is followed by an overview of the TQM philosophy and its associated tools and techniques. Special attention is given to defining performance measures for R&D as a back-drop to measuring the success of TQM actions in an R&D organization. Implementation models for TQM in R&D, which are derived from an extensive review of the open literature, are also examined. Industry controversies surrounding the applicability of TQM philosophies and tools in professional work environments is discussed. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of future work that will be necessary to develop a complete model for the application of Total Quality Management to R&D