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Discuss the following points regarding the evolution of total quality management concepts: Prior to the advent of the total quality management concept, what was senior management's typical approach toward quality? In your discussion, provide an example showing management’s typical approach toward quality. What has led to the more comprehensive strategic view of total quality management? What are the benefits of a more comprehensive strategic view? Please support your discussion with an example.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of total quality management (TQM) reflects a significant shift in how organizations perceive and approach quality over time. Before the advent of TQM, senior management generally adopted a reactive and inspection-focused approach toward quality, emphasizing product inspection and defect detection after production rather than proactive prevention. This approach, often characterized by quality control departments conducting final inspections, aimed to identify and eliminate defective products before reaching consumers. For example, in manufacturing industries during the early 20th century, management relied heavily on visual inspections and testing at the end of the production line to ensure quality standards (Oakland, 2014). This method, however, often results in late detection of errors, increased costs, and customer dissatisfaction due to defects slipping through initial inspections.

The shift toward a more comprehensive strategic view of TQM arises from several factors, including the recognition that quality is a shared responsibility across all organizational levels and functions. Advances in management theories and the increasing global competition further emphasize the need for organizations to embed quality into their core strategies. The development of principles such as continuous improvement, employee involvement, and a customer-centric approach has achieved this broader perspective. For example, Deming’s philosophy advocates for management to foster an environment where quality is integrated into every aspect of the organization, leading to long-term competitive advantages (Dahlgaard-Park et al., 2018). This strategic perspective considers quality not merely as a set of inspection procedures but as a holistic process that involves everyone from top management to frontline employees, aligning quality objectives with organizational strategy and culture.

The benefits of adopting a comprehensive strategic view of TQM include improved customer satisfaction, reduced costs, enhanced employee morale, and increased organizational agility. When quality is integrated into core business strategies, companies can better adapt to market changes and customer expectations. For instance, Toyota’s implementation of integrated quality management practices exemplifies this strategic shift. Its focus on continuous improvement (kaizen), employee involvement, and quality at the source leads to higher product reliability and customer loyalty (Liker, 2004). Thus, evolving from reactive quality control to proactive, strategic quality management provides organizations with a sustainable competitive edge and supports long-term success.

References

  • Dahlgaard-Park, S. M., Chen, C. C., & Bredmar, K. (2018). Fundamentals of Total Quality Management. Routledge.
  • Liker, J. K. (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer. McGraw-Hill.
  • Oakland, J. S. (2014). Total Quality Management and Operational Excellence: Text with Cases. Routledge.