This paper will discuss several aspects related to both Total Quality Management (TQM) and the International Organization for Standards (ISO). This paper is derived from both team discussions and internet sources.
Definition of TQM and ISO
Total Quality Management (TQM) is a comprehensive and structured approach to organizational management that seeks to improve the quality of products and services through ongoing refinements in response to continuous feedback. (searchcio)
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards.
International Standards make things work. They give world-class specifications for products, services and good practice, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. And because they are developed through global consensus, they help to break down barriers to international trade. (ISO)
Loosely translated, TQM is a focus on improvement while ISO is an organization the setting of quality standards.
TQM and ISO used for Improvement
Both TQM and ISO are designed to help better a product, service or process. With a focus on improvement these two entities will provide ideas to better performance of a system or service provided, or to the advancement of product that is being made. These changes will affect either the quality of the product or service e provided or could lower costs of each in order to gain more net profit on the bottom line. These principles can even be applied to safety aspects in order to save money in either workers compensation claims or lawsuits.
Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of TQM and ISO are both obvious and listed in the previous paragraph; they include both monetary savings and improvements in products and/or processes. The challenges vary depending on each. The challenge with TQM is twofold. The first major challenge is to maintain focus with respect towards a TQM attitude. Complacency can easily...