Understanding Total Quality Management

What does TQM stand for?

• Total Quality Management

• Total Quantity Management

• Total Quality Measurement

• Total Quantity Measurement

Answer explanation

TQM stands for Total Quality Management, which is a management approach focused on improving quality and performance in organizations. The other options do not accurately represent this concept.

Who developed the process of Total Quality Management?

• William Deming

• William Demi

• Willian Demi

• Willian Deming

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'William Deming', who is widely recognized for developing the Total Quality Management process. The other options contain misspellings of his name.

In which country was Total Quality Management popularised?

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Japan

• Germany

Answer explanation

Total Quality Management (TQM) was popularised in Japan, particularly through the efforts of companies like Toyota and the influence of quality experts such as W. Edwards Deming, who emphasized continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

What is the philosophy behind Total Quality Management?

• Mistakes are inevitable

• Errors are acceptable

• Strive for zero defects

• Defective goods are unavoidable

Answer explanation

The philosophy behind Total Quality Management emphasizes continuous improvement and aiming for perfection, which is encapsulated in the idea of 'strive for zero defects'. This approach seeks to eliminate errors and enhance quality.

What does the concept of "zero defects" imply in TQM?

• Some defective goods are acceptable

• No defective goods should be produced

• Defective goods should be minimised

• Defective goods should be ignored

Answer explanation

The concept of 'zero defects' in Total Quality Management (TQM) means that no defective goods should be produced. It emphasizes the goal of achieving perfect quality and eliminating errors in the production process.

What is the main belief of Total Quality Management regarding mistakes?

• Mistakes are a part of the process

• Mistakes can be eliminated

• Mistakes should be ignored

• Mistakes are unavoidable

Answer explanation

Total Quality Management emphasizes that mistakes can be eliminated through continuous improvement and effective processes, rather than accepting them as unavoidable or ignoring them.

Which of the following is NOT a principle of Total Quality Management?

• Continuous improvement

• Customer focus

• Zero defects

• Accepting errors

Answer explanation

Accepting errors is NOT a principle of Total Quality Management. TQM emphasizes continuous improvement, customer focus, and striving for zero defects, aiming to eliminate errors rather than accept them.

What is the primary goal of Total Quality Management in a business?

• To increase production speed

• To reduce costs

• To ensure no unsaleable products

• To maximise profits

Answer explanation

The primary goal of Total Quality Management is to ensure no unsalable products by focusing on quality improvement throughout the production process, which ultimately leads to customer satisfaction and business success.

Which of the following best describes Total Quality Management?

• A set of tools

• A belief system

• A marketing strategy

• A financial plan

Answer explanation

Total Quality Management (TQM) is best described as a belief system focused on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and involving all employees in the quality process, rather than just a set of tools or strategies.

What is the role of employees in Total Quality Management?

• To follow orders without question

• To identify and correct errors

• To focus solely on production speed

• To minimise communication

Answer explanation

In Total Quality Management, employees play a crucial role by identifying and correcting errors. This proactive approach helps improve processes and ensures high-quality outcomes, unlike merely following orders or focusing on speed.