A focused system model for strategic quality management

Describes the current industrial scenario which is marked by the proliferation of theoretical ideas and concepts on total quality management (TQM) proclaimed by numerous quality management and engineering experts. Insists on the need to streamline these ideas and concepts so that TQM programmes in manufacturing firms are focused effectively towards quality enhancement strategies. Calls for replacing the traditional terminology, TQM, with that of strategic quality management (SQM) with an updated definition. Presents the main results of investigations made during a long research carried out in this direction which began with the identification of a TQM framework of reference on the basis of the old single manufacturer model and culminated in the evolution of a focused SQM system model. Concludes by briefing the major findings of the research and mentions the possibility of exploiting artificial intelligence techniques like expert systems for carrying out SQM practices more effectively.