Classification of quality tools and techniques: a quality management system approach

Quality tools and techniques (QTT) is the essential element of Quality Management System (QMS). However, some quality tools and techniques are not being adopted widely due to lack of common QTT selection and application guideline. As such, this paper reviews the current literature of QTT classification with the ultimate aim to develop a new QTT classification framework that in line with Quality Management System principles. Finding from literature review suggests that classifications of QTT proposed by prior researchers tend to focus on single classification criteria, such as “fundamental methodology adopted by QTT,” “company strategy,” “QTT application” or “organization functional units.” In addition, the classification approach used by prior research also tend to focus on the element of quality management and quality problem solving, yet, lack of emphasis put on the quality improvement which is vital to organizational quality performance. As such, based on the principle of Quality Management System, this paper proposes a conceptual framework of QTT classification (namely Quality Management System-based classification framework) based on the three key elements of QMS, which are Management, Problem Solving and Improvement.