Describes differences between total quality management and self-directed teams in terms of job design, decision making, flexibility, supervision, labor relations, quality, customers, and training. Offers suggestions for which method to choose when. (SK)

The recession, reorganization of work, and total quality management are spurring emphasis on creativity training in the workplace. A wide spectrum of techniques are being used to influence the generation of new ideas, although documentation of the benefits is difficult. (SK)

Describes a case study of an organization that recently began implementing W. E. Deming's Total Quality (TQ). Finds and discusses five framing devices used in routine work conversations between leaders and members to implement the TQ vision: communicated predicaments, possible futures, jargon and vision themes, positive spin, and agenda setting.…

Discussion of the use of Total Quality Management (TQM) assessment tools in educational settings highlights and gives examples of fishbone diagrams, or cause and effect charts; Pareto diagrams; control charts; histograms and check sheets; scatter diagrams; and flowcharts. Variation and quality are discussed in terms of continuous process…

Executives do not always fully understand or support quality improvement initiatives. A four-step model for guiding human resource development practitioners in educating executives about quality involves establishing a quality position; a shared vision; a quality management system; and goals, strategy, and plan. (JOW)

Performance data on 223 customer-service and sales representatives showed that participation in self-managed teams correlated with significant improvement in service quality and 9.3% sales increase. New technology helped teams increase sales 17.4%. Total-quality management did not affect performance. Results show that group collaboration fosters…

A survey of 469 colleges and universities assessed the degree to which colleges and universities have adopted total quality management (TQM) or continuous quality improvement (CQI) techniques. Results suggest use of TQM/CQI is lower than predicted, at about 13% of institutions. Variations in extent of use of the approach are discussed. (MSE)

Describes the application of the continuous quality improvement model, commonly associated with the business sector, to entry-level athletic training education programs accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After discussing historical perspectives on athletic training education programs, the paper…

To overcome problems of assessment and verification of National Vocational Qualifications, the system should move from narrow quality control to total quality management. Situated learning in communities of practice, including assessors and assessees, should be developed. This requires radically different quality criteria and professional…

Evaluation data about extension programs are subject to variation. Program improvement requires control of this variance. Statistical quality control charts provide a means of measuring variation, determining sources, and making modifications. (SK)

Describes a quality management role playing technique designed for use by a virtual or networked organization as a cost-effective tool for staff training. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Discusses barriers to the implementation of quality management in the library and information science sector in Europe. Topics include Total Quality Management and other business experiences, an information quality infrastructure, supplier/customer relations, customer satisfaction, and a European Quality Model. (LRW)

Discusses the core concepts embedded in the total quality management approach. Considers the potential value of bringing these core concepts (customer focus, leadership, communication, the use of data, organizational assessment, and continuous improvement) to higher education communication classes. Offers suggestions for applications in…

Five Australian companies using total quality management (TQM) were evaluated to identify the relationship between learning organization characteristics and Baldrige quality award criteria. Companies' sustained commitment to learning was the most important practice underlying successful implementation of TQM. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)

A nursing school used a continuous quality improvement process to transform its governance, improve curriculum, and increase stakeholder satisfaction. An annual "report card" measures such benchmarks as licensing examination pass rates, certification, graduate employment and satisfaction, and employer satisfaction with graduates' performance.…