Preparing the enterprise for total quality management: defining, planning, and empowering

The authors discuss the need for an enterprise to begin the development of a TQM (total quality management) process by better understanding its structures, functions, and performance in the context of a total/integrated operation. From this knowledge-base the enterprise can set objectives, define strategies, and plan an effective application of the TQM process and the use of resources that match an enterprise´s strengths and weaknesses. The methodology, techniques, and tools for analyzing, planning, and changing management that empower an enterprise to effectively apply TQM are presented and discussed. It is noted that when planning and developing a new enterprise special care should be taken to design-in TQM