Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
In recent years, establishment of national total quality management (TQM) models by many countries have become an important catalyst for rethinking quality management principles in their organizations. The national concerted efforts in developing national TQM models, have helped to identify the quality system requirements by introducing a set of standard criteria for understanding quality and a common reference for quality policies and practices. The trend in designing national TQM models and establishing quality awards in national, regional, and local levels represents an important part of the overall quality movement that has swept many countries in the world since mid-1980s. For example, in addition to Japanese and American TQM models, the European Foundation for Quality Management in conjunction with the European commission has launched the European TQM model for self-appraisal in 1992. These initiatives are
playing a key role in the quality revolution in these regions and are effectively raising quality performance standards and expectations throughout the world In light of these developments, the need for developing a framework for a national TQM model for Iran is apparent. This article identifies the principels of TQM and attempts to construct a preliminary TQM framework for Iran.
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