Evaluate critically Quality Management theories as expounded by Deming and Juran.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Evaluate critically Quality Management theories as expounded by Deming and Juran.

Introduction

Total Quality Management (TQM) has become a key management issue due to the increasing importance of quality. The gurus of TQM define it to suit their beliefs, prejudices and business and academic experiences. There are common elements such as top management support, customer and supplier relationships and employee involvement. "They are all talking the same `language' but they use different dialects" (Oakland, 1989). Oakland (2003) demonstrates the differences and similarities of Deming and Juran under 12 different factors.

I will address the following:

· Definitions of quality.

· Degree of senior management responsibility.

· Improvement basis.

· Cost of quality.

Their definitions of quality

Deming defines quality as, "a predictable degree of uniformity and dependability at low cost and suited to the market". According to Juran quality is, "fitness for use" (Oakland 2003 p.18).

Can either of these definitions on its own be quality?

The consumer needs to be satisfied not only that the product is fit for its purpose but also that s/he gains value and satisfaction by owning and using the product or service