Seven concepts are used for an effective TQM Program. There are 1. Continuous improvement 2. Six Sigma 3. employee empowerment 4. Benchmarking 5. Just in time (JIT) 6. Taguchi concepts and 7. Knowledge of TQM tools.
Continuous improvement
Total quality management requires a never-ending process of continuous improvement that covers people, equipment, suppliers, materials and procedures. A continuous improvement model is plan, do, check and act. And operations manager is a key player in building a work culture that endorses continuous improvement.
Six Sigma is a program designed to reduce defects to help lower cost, save time and improve customer satisfaction. It is a strategy because it focuses on total customer satisfaction. It is a discipline because it follows the formal Six Sigma improvement model known as DMAIC. Which are Defines, Measures, Analyzes, Improves and Control. And also it is set of seven tools. Successful six sigma projects are clearly related to the strategic direction of a company. It is a management directed, Team based and expert-led approach.
Employee empowerment is enlarging employee jobs so that the added responsibility and authority is moved to the lower level possible in the organization.
Bench marking involves selecting a demonstrated standard of performance that represents the very best performance for a process or activity.
JIT system is designed to produce or deliver goods just as they are needed. JIT is related to quality in three ways, there are 1. cut the cost of