Total Quality Management

Despite the quantified, clear value of Total Quality Management (TQM), manufacturers and service providers continue to be challenged to get the most value out of these programs. Barriers to implementing TQM can slow down even the most focused enterprise, causing literally billions of dollars in wasted productivity and resources. The intent of this analysis is to define the barriers to TQM implementation, citing examples from general Electric (GE) a company who at one time faced significant barriers yet overcame them to achieve exceptional results (Hendricks, Kelbaugh, 1998).

TQM Barriers Abound

Of the many reasons why TQM projects fail and the barriers they encounter over time, the greatest is the lack of support from top management. This barrier can stop a TQM program quickly, despite the advanced planning and business case that those championing the effort may advance internally (Alpander, Lee, 1995). Lack of top management support will...
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