Approaches for Quality
In the traditional approach to Quality Control the focus was largely on output of the process. In the TQM approach the interest shifts from just the desired results to an active focus on the process of producing the results as well. Thus focus on the process and output together is a Total Quality requirement.
In the traditional approach through a process of inspection and detection of defects, the output from the firm was usually segregated into good production or bad production. This way customer's satisfaction to a certain extent was achieved because bad production would not get to them. This was an extremely wasteful way of quality control. When competition is intense, it is obvious that TQM approach is definitely a more prudent approach because by continually improving the process to deliver the right kind of output to the customer the very first time and every time the extent of wastage encountered in traditional approach is greatly reduced. It follows from this that while doing things right is essentially a sign of efficiency, doing right things right first time and every time is sign of both effectiveness and efficiency and points to the fact that Total Quality is the result of a completely new strategic direction adopted by choice. Therefore Total Quality has to do with the performance of an organization. It calls for the streamlining the operations so that non-value-added work is eliminated and continuous improvement takes place. The process on which continuous improvement is based in general is known as Deming Wheel, which consists of P (plan) - D (do) - C (check) - A (act)This wheel shows a continuous movement in a certain direction. The idea behind this is that the input which generates activities with measurable output is the process and the perfection of the process is the ultimate objective. In Deming's wheel, the 'plan' defines the process which ensures documentation and sets measurable objectives against it. The 'do' executes the process and collects the information required. The 'check' analyses the information in a suitable format. The 'act' obtains corrective action using TQM techniques and methods and assesses future plans. At the end of each cycle, the process is either standardized or targets are adjusted based on the analysis and the cycle continues.
