TQM Fact Finding Mission to Japan

Abstract

Discusses how a group of European manufacturing executives had the opportunity of seeing, first hand, the Japanese approach to TQM. Provides insights into their quality practices and identifies the key to TQM elements common to all successful Japanese organizations. Describes the emphasis placed on increasing the average knowledge base of the workforce. Contends that Japanese companies have invested more resources in production engineering, documents, and TQM observations. Summarizes that the group learned a lot about TQ but recognised that this “way of life” may not be so easy to implement within their own plants.

Citation

Atkinson, P. (1989), "TQM Fact Finding Mission to Japan", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 1 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000003001