Definition
Build quality into systems, organizations and tools that deliver the product throughout the process (rather than relying on testing).
In detail
Quality Management comprises the system, organization, and tools used to build quality into the entire product-delivery process rather than relying on inspection. It addresses defect prevention, continuous improvement, and fulfillment of customer requirements. Unlike Quality Control, Quality Management emphasizes organization-wide participation and process improvement instead of after-the-fact inspection. Typical outputs include quality policies, standards, manuals, audit reports, and improvement-project records.
Example in practice
An electronics manufacturing factory noticed an increase in product defect rates, and management decided to implement total quality management. They established cross-functional quality improvement teams, used FMEA to analyze potential failure modes, and developed preventive measures. They also trained employees in self-inspection and peer inspection, reducing reliance on final inspection. After several months of effort, defect rates significantly decreased, customer complaints reduced, and a quality culture gradually formed.