Sowing the seeds of change

Abstract

Examines the adoption of TQM by SGS‐Thomson, which first created a semiconductor user reliability evaluation (SURE) quality policy in the late 1970s. Charts the development of statistical process control (SPC) steering committees and the introduction of failure mode effect analysis (FMEA); covers the publication of corporate standards for quality, manufacturing and service; looks at the suggestion schemes launched at each site. Summarizes the SGS‐Thomson quality journey as of 1991, when the organization formally recognised the need to become a TQM company; includes the problems incurred and the lessons learned.

Citation

Duffin, M. (1992), "Sowing the seeds of change", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 4 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/09544789210034752