Six Sigma and Tqm

Ariel Davis

An Analysis of Six Sigma and Total Quality Management

MANA 6333 N1 Operations and Quality Management

Dallas Baptist University

INTRODUCTION

The Six Sigma methodology for process improvement is a relatively new concept in comparison to Total Quality Management (TQM). The approach is being used by industries in every arena in an effort to improve customer satisfaction, business results or both. Both Six Sigma and TQM have many similarities and are well-matched in varied business environments, however if you take a closer examination of each process you will find that there are certain subtle differences within both methods that contribute to the difference in results for organizations.

TQM has helped many companies in improving the quality of manufactured goods or services rendered. Though Six Sigma was not birthed with the intention to replace TQM, after performance assessments, business strategist has suggested that Six Sigma has proven to deliver shaper results. As a result, I have completed my own analysis in effort to dissect: what are TQM and Six Sigma; what are the differences between each process; what are the previous findings for companies who have implemented either method; and finally which process can be concluded as the most beneficial.

Overview of Total Quality Management

Post World War II the shortage of civilian goods caused an increase in the need for production in the United States and conversely served as an exponent for the decrease in production quality from companies. “During this time, two U.S. consultants Dr. Joseph Juran and Dr. W. Edwards Deming introduced statistical quality control techniques to the Japanese to aid them in their rebuilding efforts.” (Evans, Lindsay. 2009) Though it is hard to pinpoint the exact birth of TQM, as there is an array of opinions as to who is responsible for the philosophy, in U.S. the...