Total Quality Management (TQM) Survey Paper

Total Quality Management (TQM) Survey Paper

Total Quality Management (TQM) is seen as the "fix-all" for any company suffering problems with providing quality products or services to their customers. TQM is a system that focuses on the problems at hand and addresses them through employee education and training. It is a long-term solution to the company's problems of low performance. Management is trained to prevent errors before they even occur thus allowing a quality product to be created and sold to the customer. Six Sigma is a way to measure this quality performance and it is used by many companies today as a guidepost. Several sectors of the business world employ TQM to enhance their company's performance and to remain competitive in today's marketplace.

The manufacturing sector is made up of companies "engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products" (Monnot, 2004). Anything that is transformed from random parts into a usable product for the consumer is considered a manufactured product. Wausau Windows is an example of an organization that is a member of the manufacturing business sector. Wausau Windows' main goal is produce quality windows and accompanying products that satisfy their customer's needs. "For more than 45 years, the company and its extended team of manufacturers have worked with architects, building owners, and contractors to design custom windows and wall systems for customers" (Monnot, 2004). Wausau Windows handles everything from the initial design to installation and quality is the key to their success.

Wausau Windows is committed to superior customer service and their achievement is shown in their financial success. They have been able to improve their manufacturing capabilities over the years to remain competitive and provide the quality products that their customers desire. They listen closely to the voice of their customers and try to anticipate their needs. Their efforts focus on achieving better quality at a lower cost. "TQM and Six Sigma provide them with a process that uses fact based analytical tools and methodologies to prevent defects and eliminate unnecessary excess in products, processes, and services. This further reduces cycle times and helps them manage costs, which ultimately allows them to generate a greater value for their customers" (Monnot, 2004).

TQM and Six Sigma have also allowed the contribution of all employees from management on down to machine operators. It is team work that is the key to success and TQM promotes this company wide.