Current concepts in the field of Total Quality Management (TQM) are largely based upon case studies, anecdotal evidence and the prescriptions of leading "gurus." Consequently, there is little consensus on which factors are critical to the success of the approach. Few attempts have been made to scientifically synthesise frameworks for measuring quality management practices, and a methodology for examining the issue has yet to be established. This has meant that current TQM models, such as the Malcolm Baldrige Award, have not been constructed or validated by empirical means. This paper presents a research methodology that can be used to improve self-assessment frameworks, such as the Baldrige Award, to better inform organisations in the development of Total Quality Systems.The research extracts a series of items from the Baldrige model and established literature. These items formed the basis of a questionnaire sent to over 200 managers.Data was examined using several well-established analytical techniques that identified 10 critical factors of TQM. These factors were shown to be reliable and valid, and offer new insights into our understanding of TQM.
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There is currently little published information about the use of total
quality (TQ)‐based self‐assessment in the UK despite the increasing
interest in the subject. Discusses the findings of a survey into the
practice and benefits of self‐assessment to recognized models such as
the European model for Total Quality Management and the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award model. Survey findings indicate that companies
are increasingly using self‐assessment and that benefits from this
approach are quickly realized.
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