Old‐fashioned quality? Robust approaches to improvement continue to yield advantage

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The total quality management (TQM) movement emerged from something of a crisis of confidence of western business during the 1980s. A dismissed foe in Japanese industry had by then firmly entrenched itself in the heartland markets of consumer durables, automobiles, heavy machinery and much more besides. A Japanese miracle was seriously discussed. As the simple facts emerged – western producers obsessed with production had been outflanked by their counterpart's rather different obsession with step‐by‐step improvements in process and product improvement – a response was inevitable and much needed.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2006), "Old‐fashioned quality? Robust approaches to improvement continue to yield advantage", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 8-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540610657245