PRINCIPLES OF TQM

The important underlying principles  of TQM are as follows:

1. Customers’ requirements must be met the first time, every time.
2. There must be agreed requirements, for both internal and external customers.
3. Everybody must be involved, from all levels and across all functions.
4. Regular communication (both formally and informally) with staff at all levels is must. Two way communication at all levels must be promoted.
5. Identifying training needs and relating them with individual capabilities and requirements is must.
6. Top management’s participation and commitment is must.
7. A culture of continuous improvement must be established.
8. Emphasis should be placed on purchasing and supplier management.
9. Every job must add value.
10. Quality improvement must eliminate wastes and reduce total cost.
11. There must be a focus on the prevention of problems.
12. A culture of promoting creativity must be established.
13. Performance measures are a must at organisation, department and individual levels. It helps to assess and meet objectives of quality.
14. There should be focus on team work.

Note: The four pillars of the TQM house are: (i) Problem solving discipline; (ii) Interpersonal skills; (iii) Teamwork; and (iv) Quality improvement process.