Total Quality Management: Theoretical Perspectives, Frameworks & Cases

Quality is key to any business that aims to be competitive in the dynamic business environment. Quality improvement therefore is paramount in the design, development and delivery of innovative products and services. This book is a product of many years of practice, lectures and seminars in quality management systems. The book has been written for undergraduate students taking courses in quality management with a view to giving them a grounded foundation in total quality management concepts, theoretical perspectives, frameworks and models that would enable them design and implement organizational quality improvement programs. The principles, frameworks and models expressed in this book are applicable to any Quality Management System. The book can be used as a stand-alone core text or a complementary text. It introduces the reader to the general principles of quality management and takes him/her through the historical development of quality management to the quality planning process, execution of the quality plans anchored in assurance and control processes. In evaluating quality performance, various tools, quality frameworks and models are discussed as bases for identifying quality system improvement opportunities. Ultimately, the book presents short case studies which takes readers through practical exercises in management environment that will allow them to experience an application – to do something – solve quality management issues as they affect operations.