- Company Size: it is interesting to know how companies of different sizes implement TQM. Large size organisations have more time and resources to implement TQM in a structured way. They invest these resources on process improvement, however small and medium size firms focus on informal and people oriented aspects. Sun and Cheng (2002) argued that large companies invest a lot in IT systems that will help a lot in TQM implementation.
- Quality culture: studies also suggest that companies use TQM in different levels; this depends mostly on quality culture in the organisation. Sandholm (1999) spoke about quality stages and what it takes for an organisation to mature in quality thinking. Researches also suggest that there are different levels when it comes to the implementation of TQM, Dale and Lascelles (1997).
- Quality culture: studies also suggest that companies use TQM in different levels; this depends mostly on quality culture in the organisation. Sandholm (1999) spoke about quality stages and what it takes for an organisation to mature in quality thinking. Researches also suggest that there are different levels when it comes to the implementation of TQM, Dale and Lascelles (1997).
- Adoption stage: some companies are using some of TQM tools, and are qualifying themselves as using TQM; however, TQM implementation has different stages and results depending on reached level, Hill and Wilkinson (1995).
- Recognition: some companies are using TQM tools like quality circle, employee involvement together with Six sigma, agile methods or other methods but they don’t mention using TQM in their reports and qualify themselves as using other methods rather than TQM, Madsen (2020).
- Leadership:leadership and senior management commitment is required in the TQM process. Management has to put quality as a priority and support continuous improvement, Porter and Parker (1993)
- A clear strategy: TQM objectives and requirements have to be determined. A strategy to adopt TQM principles like continuous improvement should be clear.
- Organisational structure: TQM requires an organizational structure, which participates and motivates all employees. The organizational structure provides employees with clear goals and required resources to achieve them.
- Communication: communication is very important to achieve TQM goals; it raises awareness and involvement through a clear message.
- Training: everybody in a company from all levels should benefit from education and training; training should be set according to everyone’s needs.
- Employee involvement: employee contribution is important; everybody should contribute to a TQM program implementation, whether an employee or a manager everybody should contribute with ideas and take part in the application of these ideas.
- Process management and systems: managing the organizations’ processes in a consistent manner is important for a successful total quality strategy.
- Quality technologies: quality tools are important to find opportunities and to solve problems.
