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The similarities between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Six Sigma are that they both aim to improve the quality of products and services, reduce defects, and enhance customer satisfaction. Both TQM and Six Sigma emphasize the importance of continuous improvement and the involvement of employees in the quality improvement process. Additionally, both approaches utilize statistical tools and techniques to analyze data and identify areas for improvement (Heizer et al., 2023).

The differences between TQM and Six Sigma lie in their focus and methodology. TQM is a broader approach that encompasses the entire organization and emphasizes a commitment to excellence in all aspects of products and services. It incorporates various concepts such as continuous improvement, employee empowerment, benchmarking, and just-in-time (JIT) among others. On the other hand, Six Sigma is a specific program designed to reduce defects and improve processes. It follows a disciplined approach known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) and utilizes a set of seven tools for process improvement (Heizer et al., 2023).

In summary, while both TQM and Six Sigma aim to improve quality and customer satisfaction, TQM is a broader approach that encompasses various concepts, while Six Sigma is a specific program with a defined methodology and set of tools.

Reference:

Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2023).Operations management: Sustainability and supply chain management with MyLab operations management(14th ed.). Pearson.