Limitations of Total Quality Management

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		Robert Korsloot Director, Netherlands
	TQM Limitations As far as I am concerned, no limitations. The main issue I believe are people who cannot handle the absence of limitations. Most problems during implementing or operating TQM, have to do with the definition and approach of the aspect "total". To successfully implement TQM, you need to define a stepwise and well defined change process. There is no such thing as a 'big bang'. Not functionally nor operationally. The essence of TQM is dealing with manageable and predictable outcomes. And this already starts during the preparation of your introduction of TQM. If you are able to establish that principle throughout your implementation and operating processes, there are no limitations to TQM. Where, in specific situations, TQM doesn't bring the optimal solutions, there is not any objection to using related techniques under the umbrella of TQM. Techniques like JIT, Ishikawa or quantitative methods can easily support your TQM environment. The method is not limited. People are.