By adopting Total Quality Management (TQM) strategies, business organizations are working smarter and gaining the competitive edge. The authors cite examples of successes of TQM in specific government agencies, including the Treasury Department, to reveal how the principles of TQM can be applied at all levels of government. The book provides numerous charts and diagrams that show concretely how to apply the concepts and techniques of TQM within any governmental organization. The authors offer case examples that detail what organizational changes are to be implemented when TQM is introduced.

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a set of concepts, tools and applications which has been so successful in manufacturing industry that we are now witnessing experimentation in the transference of Total Quality Management to the public sector provision of government, health and education in North America, Europe and elsewhere. TQM is starting to set a new paradigm for management approaches in the public sector and "not for profit" enterprises. All key public service managers should at least need to know the basics of TQM, its possibilities and limitations for the public sector, and particularly the types of applications which could work for them. For all public sector managers this book provides: a clear understanding of the key concepts of TQM; a critical understanding of their relevance to the public sector; empirical evidence of TQM applications in government, health and education; and exploration of the public sector TQM possibilitites yet to be realized. It draws throughout on case examples from Britain, Canada, the USA and continental Europe which illustrate the application of TQM to the public sector.

The principles and methods for implementing a total quality management (TQM) system in all levels of government are introduced in this best-selling book. Topics range from complete overviews of TQM, quality awards, and award criteria to quality leadership in government, implementation, and tools and techniques.

This booklet provides practical "how-to" information to federal employees on the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). The booklet is intended primarily for program officials who have begun to think seriously about or have already begun a TQM effort and want guidance on the training effort to support it. Background information on TQM is followed by a list of some key strategic decisions that should be addressed in the implementation plan. Evolving training needs of organizations at various stages of TQM implementation are discussed. Important issues that should be addressed in the training plan are summarized, including funding and assignment of employees to training. Issues are discussed that organizations should consider in phasing training throughout the organization: top management orientation, general organization awareness, and initial focus of indepth TQM training. Training subject areas and courses that many successful TQM organizations provide to meet education and training needs are summarized. A discussion follows of key principles and issues in managing, organizing, and arranging for the delivery of TQM training, including structuring training, selecting trainers, sources of external training, and organizing training staff. Evaluating the training effort is briefly addressed. Appendixes include information on Federal Quality Institute services and a 10-item bibliography. (YLB)

"Principal author ... was Charles Steinecke III"--P. [3] of cover.