Quality Management

Knowledge paper

On

Quality Management

By

Soumya Suram

ssoumyareddy@gmail.com

INDEX

Abstract

ABSTRACT

In today's world Project Quality Management is of utmost importance in ensuring that project deliverables meet certain quality standards so as to ensure that all project outputs are ready/fit for use.

It is the management of the processes of the performing organization that determine quality policies, objectives, and responsibilities so that project will satisfy the needs for which it is undertaken.

The basic principles for the Quality Management philosophy of doing business are to satisfy the customer, satisfy the supplier, and continuously improve the business processes.

In this knowledge paper I would discuss about how quality management came into picture, how it is useful for various projects, why should it be employed, and various activities of quality management (quality planning, quality assurance, quality control), total quality management, six sigma.

INTRODUCTION:

One of the most important issues that businesses have focused on in the last 20-30 years has been quality. As markets have become much more competitive - quality has become widely regarded as a key ingredient for success in business.

Producing products of the required quality does not happen by accident. There has to be a production process which is properly managed. Ensuring satisfactory quality is a vital part of the production process.

A frequently used definition of quality is “Delighting the customer by fully meeting their needs and expectations”. These may include performance, appearance, availability, delivery, reliability, maintainability, cost effectiveness and price. It is, therefore, imperative that the organization knows what these needs and expectations are. In addition, having identified them, the organization must understand them, and measure its own ability to meet them.

Quality starts with market research – to establish the true requirements for the product or service and the true needs of the customers. However, for an organization to be really effective, quality must span all functions, all people, all departments and all activities and be a common language for improvement. The cooperation of everyone at every interface is necessary to achieve a total quality organization.

History of quality management:

The scientific revolution (roughly 1600 to 1687), which changed our perception of the universe , was followed by the industrial revolution (roughly 1760 to 1830 and beyond), which changed the way we live our lives. The relationship between science and industry-particularly the relationship between the scientific method and business management – gave rise to quality management. Quality management evolved as engineers, managers, executives , and government officials responded to the problems of their day. It was an evolution, not a planned series of developments. It is fair to say that, as we look back in history, some people and events seem more important to us now than they were thought to be at the time, and others seem less important now than they seemed then. The understanding of quality management is still evolving and incomplete.

What is Quality Management?

Quality management is a method for ensuring that all the activities necessary to design, develop and implement a product or service are effective and efficient with respect to the system and its performance.

With growing global competition, Quality Management is becoming increasingly important to the leadership and management of all organizations. Quality Management Principles provide understanding of and guidance on the application of Quality Management. By applying following eight Quality Management Principles, organizations will produce benefits for customers, owners, people, suppliers and society at large.

Quality Management Principles:

Principle 1 - Customer-Focused Organization

Organizations depend on their customers