4 COMPONENTS OF A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Before thinking about implementing a Quality Management system it is essential to undertsand how the components of Total Quality Management, and related systems work. These are summarised in the video 'Total Quality Management (TQM)'
STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTING A QUALITY SYSTEM
SUCCESSFULLY
SUMMARY by Emma, Susan and Sienna
SUCCESSFULLY
SUMMARY by Emma, Susan and Sienna
Once a company is committed to quality management, they must understand the steps needed for successful implementation.
Please refer to the video below, 'Benefits of Total Quality Management'.
As outlined in the article 'Jackson,S. (2001) Successfully implementing total quality management tools within healthcare: what are the key actions?', http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=841106&show=html, implementation is reliant on strong leadership and teamwork, communication and decision making.
The company must change their approach with a strong customer focus and commitment to continuous improvement. The quality systems will likely fail if the approach is not well planned, executed, assessed and reviewed for future improvements.
The article recognizes 5 key actions that are need to implement a successful quality management program, as outlined below. Although the article focuses on quality tools in healthcare, these are actions that can be followed through in any industry, with adaptations and the correct approach.
1. Set up a steering committee.
2. Develop a vision for total quality management.
3. Agree a strategy for implementation.
4. Implement the strategy.
5. Assess and review progress.
(Refer Table 1)
TOOLS FOR CONTINOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
SUMMARY by Susan, Emma and Sienna
Chapter three of ‘Fundamentals of Quality Control and Improvement 2nd Ed, M,Amitava’,(Refer Appendix 1) briefly covers the tools which can be used for analysing quality control data as part of a Total Quality management system and the main purpose of these tools. Examples of how these tools are used in practice are provided, illustrating the effectiveness of charts and graphs in finding meaning from data collected.
The tools mentioned include check sheets, Pareto diagrams, cause and effect diagrams, Histograms, control charts and scatter plots. The main uses of each tool are summarised below:
• Check sheets – record data to identify patterns or trends.
• Pareto diagrams – prioritise problems – what to address first.
• Flow charts – valuable process information to identify bottlenecks etc.
• Cause and effect diagrams – what are the problems and what causes these.
• Histograms – how to show lots of data in an effective visual way.
• Control charts – used to control and monitor a process on an ongoing basis.
• Scatter plots –relationship of cause with a quality issue.
Each tool shows different aspects of quality control and individual assessments should be made as to which demonstrates the data in the best way for the task at hand.
In conclusion, achieving total quality management is a long term endeavour and requires teamwork from the entire organization. Implementing quality management systems is not easy, and commitment to continuous improvement is vital if the company is to truly improve.
 |
| TABLE 1 |
APPENDIX 1
Amitava, M. (1998) Fundamentals of Quality Control and Improvement 2nd ed. Prentice Hall New Jersey, Chapter 3 pg 112-117
