Managing for quality: The strategic issues

This paper reports the findings of a research study with the theme being the integration and development of Total Quality Management (TQM). From detailed case study work carried out in six organizations, a five-part categorization has been developed which highlights the restraining forces in the process of integrating TQM into the business planning process. This categorization is summarized in this paper, which also gives two case histories of how quality improvement has been integrated with business plans. Amongst the main findings of the study are that TQM will be difficult to sustain if it is not integrated with the business planning process of the organization.