Discipline: Engineering
As part of an on-going research on the development of a norming general diagnostic tool for Total Quality Management, a mathematical assessment model was developed to measure the dynamic and multi-attribute characteristics of TQM for large manufacturing companies in the Philippines. From a synthesis of the various quality management approaches in the past, identified current practices and expert opinions, the level of TQM adoption at the organizational level was perceived to be anchored on a systems structure composed of top leadership involvement, customer focus, human resource empowerment, continuous improvement and process vitality as the characterizing attributes. Using quantitative indicators measured from 30 large manufacturing companies with progressive, on-going TQM implementation, relevant indicators were derived through Principal Component Analysis and the sample companies were clustered on the basis of scores on retained factors. Findings demonstrated that the level of TQM adoption by large Philippine manufacturing companies could be grouped into four distinct stages. The stage where a particular company w as classified could be predicted using a functional relationship between categorical clusters and a linear parametric equation based on selected relevant quantitative indicators. This study would provide TQM practitioners and consultants a starting diagnostic tool that could help them determine the status of their organization's TQM implementation and enable them to determine the various possible areas of improvement in their organization.
ISSN 0118-7473 (Print)
Philippine E-Journals
