Introduction

The result of implementing a total quality management system in any organization is that it continuously serves the needs of its customers (both internal and external) in an efficient and effective manner. Therefore, in order for Total Quality to function as designed (plan), systems must be instituted (do), studied (check), measured, and reviewed (act) for effectiveness. Accomplishing this cycle of improvement requires an interacting set of systems that operate in tandem. These systems are represented by categories in Figure 1 which include human dynamics include personal interactions, employee growth / development, team work, communications, rewards, performance, and The systems under a traditional management approach are quite different from a Total Quality approach. When any one system dominates, TQM effectiveness is challenged.

Figure 1 Categories of Comparison between traditional management practices and those associated with Total Quality (Adapted from McLaughlin, G. (1995). Total Quality in Research and Development. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Directions

Choose three categories (from Figure 1) considered to be the most important and explain why Total Quality is the preferred managerial approach.

The differences between traditional managerial approaches and Total Quality can be extreme. Management must seek a change in the way in which they operate. Select the three most important categories and explain each in terms of a traditional versus total quality approach.

Students are expected to carefully read the assignment directions, then thoroughly and explicitly address each component of the Unit Assignment. The responses should reflect higher level cognitive processing (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation), which is essential for someone being prepared to serve in an operational capacity within the healthcare or business-related industry. There is a minimum of 3 references