Understanding Total Quality Management (TQM)
by Ron Kurtus (updated 17 March 2023)
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a combination of quality and management tools aimed at increasing business and reducing losses due to wasteful practices. An important part of TQM is its a philosophy toward continually improving your business and products.
A number of quality initiatives have arrived since TQM started in the 1980s. The most recent is the Six Sigma program, which is quite similar to TQM. We follow the Kurtusian philosophy of TQM that was developed for the U.S. Air Force space programs.
There is a need for people who will champion the cause of improving the way business is done through effectively implementing TQM within a company. Your knowledge and skills in this area can help advance your career while improving your business.
TQM Contents
Basic principles
Satisfy customer
Satisfy Your Customers to Increase Business and Reduce Losses
Get good work and supplies
Reduce waste and failures
Inspection Methods to Fulfill Quality Requirements
Applications
Case Study of Empowering Civil Servant Secretaries
Quality in the Restaurant Business
Using TQM for a Competitive Advantage in Business - Competition section
Presentations and reports
Industry
Government
Military
TQM in U.S. Air Force Systems Command (AFSC)
U.S. Air Force Space Systems Division Total Quality Booklet
Air Force Weapons Lab TQM Continuous Improvement Plan
TQM in the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO)
Three Phase Approach to TQM in the Air Force's SDI Programs - with audio