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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................ 3
Total Quality Management (TQM)............................................................................4
TQM in Relation to Projects & Project Management..............................................4
Six Sigma................................................................................................................ 5
Six Sigma Types................................................................................................... 5
Six Sigma in relation to Projects and Project Management..................................6
TQM versus Six Sigma................................................................................................ 6
ISO.............................................................................................................................. 7
Conclusion.................................................................................................................. 7
Appendix.................................................................................................................... 8
References................................................................................................................ 11
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Introduction
Before we can approach answering this topic one must understand what is
meant by the term quality standard. There are a slew of definitions for the
term quality standard, but one universal definition is difficult to unearth. If
we dissect the word and merge the meanings of each respective word, we
can have a greater understanding of the term. Merriam-Webster states that
quality is a degree of excellence and a standard is something established
by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or an example. Merging
the two should be simply enough? A quality standard is a degree of
excellence established by an authority as an example. Correct? Maybe, two
formal definitions of quality standard include:
1
http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_nra_foundations_2/163/41977/10746352.cw/content/in
dex.html
2 http://www.ces-vol.org.uk/tools-and-resources/terms-and-definitions/Glossary
If total quality isnt ensured at each and every stage of the project the
success ratio of that project could be negatively affected, hence, assuring
that total quality is ensured at all times instead of some times is a crucial
and should be part of every project managers routine in executing a project.
Not adhering to this principle or strategy could lead to something called the
butterfly effect where problems or issues could arise later down in the
sequence of events relating to that particular project.
4 http://project-management-knowledge.com/definitions/t/total-quality-
management-tqm/
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Six Sigma
In 1986, Bill Smith, a senior engineer and scientist at Motorola, introduced
the concept of Six Sigma to standardize the way defects are counted.5 It was
then popularised after then CEO of General Electric (1995) made it the
central focus of his business strategy in 1995.6
Six Sigma is a thorough and disciplined methodology that uses data and
statistical analysis to measure and improve a company's operational
performance by identifying and eliminating "defects" in manufacturing and
service-related processes. Six Sigma standard is 3.4 defects per million parts
or 99.99966% of products manufactured are defect free.
5
http://web.archive.org/web/20051106025733/http://www.motorola.com/content/0,,3
079,00.html
6 http://www.pqa.net/ProdServices/sixsigma/W06002009.html
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One of the biggest differences between Six Sigma and TQM at Ford is that
previous philosophies focused on fixing the problem and did not worry about
the cost. Thus, the main difference between TQM and Six Sigma is based on
the realisation that doing things effectively and efficiently does not naturally
#20120410Project Monitoring & ControlKirt Lee Baptiste
mean that it is also contributing positively to the bottom line namely profits
and cash flows.
Even though both TQM and Six Sigma have their differences, they also have
many similarities, some of which include:
Databased decision-making
ISO
Since were on the topic of quality standards, its necessary we give an
honourable mention to ISO. ISO is an acronym for International Organization
for Standardization7, which is the worlds largest developer of voluntary
International Standards. International Standards give state of the art
specifications for products, services and good practice, helping to make
industry more efficient and effective. Founded in 1947, ISO have published
more than 19 500 International Standards covering almost all aspects of
technology and business, from food safety to computers, and agriculture to
healthcare, etc.
In relation to projects and project management, ISO standards help for good
practice in project management that will subsequently increase efficiency
and maximize the effect of investments. Two ISO standards in particular
which aids in project management are: ISO 9000 and 21500.
The ISO 9000 Standards are highly helpful for project management. These
standards focus on management and leadership, especially with regards to
quality management and processes. As both of these play a vital role within
project management8. In contrast ISO 21500 standard benefits include9:
7 http://www.iso.org/iso/about.htm
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iii. Enable the flexibility of project management employees and their ability
to work on international projects
Conclusion
Whichever method or technique used as a quality standard could benefit a project,
but it alls depends on the type of project. For instance, short or small projects would
benefit from all quality standards discussed above but would all be truly beneficially
to the success outcome of the project, some methods could sacrifice valuable time.
While this is true it is very important to note that a quality of standard must be
adhered to in any project undertaking as its a true means of delivering quality to a
project.
Appendix
8 http://cobaltpm.com/effective-project-management-through-the-use-of-iso-
standards/
9 http://www.iso.org/iso/home/news_index/news_archive/news.htm?refid=Ref1662
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Figure 1
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Figure 2
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Figure 3
Figure 4
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References
Inc., GOAL QPC, and A. AC02233620]. Total Quality Management Master Plan
Research Report: An Implementation Strategy. Goal Q P C Incorporated,
1990. Print.
Institute, Project Management. A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge: Pmbok Guide. Project Management Inst, 2008. Print.
Wessel, Godecke. "A Comparison of Traditional Tqm Methodologies with the Six
Sigma Approach for Quality Management." Six-Sigma-Quality. de, Hamburg,
available at: www. wesselgo. de/sixsigma/reference/SSQ2_Differ
ence_TQM_SixSigma. pdf (accessed 15 April 2008) (2003). Print.