Standards and TQM at the opening of the twenty‐first century

There have been National and International (ISO) attempts to “standardise” TQM and quality improvement activities. Meanwhile, the success of many international businesses has demonstrated a range of “quality related” initiatives that are individually successful, which strongly suggests that “success factors” cannot be standardised. This IAQ project attempts to show that standardisation of all quality concepts would impede business development and be counter productive. It attempts to clear the confusion that often surrounds quality management activity. It concludes that greater attempts should be made to promote truly successful quality strategies, so that developing countries can see what is appropriate for particular situations.