Challenges and Barriers Affecting the Success of Total Quality Management

Abstract

This thesis is a compilation of two papers. The first provides an overview of TQM from its beginnings through today's business climate. The fundamental principles of TQM are explored and the benefits identified. A review of the challenges and barriers that prohibit most companies from achieving these successes is conducted to understand why well intentioned companies are not always able to sustain this management technique. The second paper analyzes these challenges and barriers of TQM attempting to quantify their impact on the success of a TQM program. This study analyzes survey data using Structural Equation Modeling. The findings indicate the challenges associated with some of the TQM Principles are correlated and a few of them have an impact on the success of a TQM program. This research is unique in its attempt to apply quantifiable measures to the challenges faced by organizations that endeavor to implement TQM programs.