Success factors, Weaknesses and myths concerning TQM implementation in Australia

This paper reports on the preliminary findings and conclusions of a research project undertaken with several Australian organizations involved in total quality management (TQM). The organizations range in size from less than ten people to several thousand, and involve several industries, including retail, finance, service and manufacturing. Some of these organizations have been involved in TQM for many years and have won national awards for quality, whilst others are still in the initial stages of TQM implementation. The paper discusses the factors which contribute to success in a TQM programme, and identifies improvement opportunities in the approaches adopted by Australian organizations. It also dispels some common myths concerning TQM and its implementation in Australia.