Essential Tools of Total Quality Management

The literature on total quality management (TQM) has described the various concepts, philosophies, benefits, needs, value, and experiences associated with TQM. However, little has been offered in the every-day management tools so necessary to make TQM work. Also, most of the available literature ignores consulting and design engineering, procurement, construction, and operation of facilities or infrastructure of interest to civil engineers. This paper will attempt to fill some of these needed areas, providing essential management tools for data gathering, process improvement, and problem solving. These tools are essential in the many aspects and applications of TQM in general for use in civil engineering and construction.