Page 29 - Yellow Belt Six Sigma
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Total Quality Management-TQM
• Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach that seeks to optimize
the quality of products and services by involving all employees in continuous
improvement efforts, and by continuously improving the processes that create
products and services. TQM is a customer-focused, data-driven approach to quality
management that emphasizes the involvement of all employees in quality
improvement activities.
• One example of TQM in action is the Japanese automaker Toyota. Toyota has a long-
standing commitment to TQM and is known for its "Toyota Production System" (TPS),
which is based on the principles of TQM. TPS is a comprehensive system of
management that includes techniques such as just-in-time inventory, continuous
improvement, and waste reduction.
• At Toyota, all employees are involved in quality improvement efforts, from the
manufacturing floor to the executive suite.
