Integrating Total Quality Approaches (TQM) Tools

Integrating total quality approaches (TQM), with ISO 9001:2008
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Introduction
Certification of ISO 9001:2008 is associated with improved organizational performance epically because of the internal processes, and performance also results from improved customer satisfaction. As such, organizations tend to be keener on improving operations, and reducing defects making it likely that there are fewer customer complaints. The total quality management approaches are tools utilized by an organization to enhance continuous improvement. Adopting ISO 9001 provides a framework for which to integrate the TQM tools, and with documentation of ISO 9001: 2008, employees strive to follow procedures. Hence, implementing the ISO standards is crucial to organizational development if well implemented and integrated with the total quality management approaches.
Background on ISO 9001:2008
ISO 9001:2008 is a quality management standard that is implemented globally by diverse organizations. ISO 9001 is one of the TQM approaches that organizations utilize in their strategic improvement plan, as it provides a basis for compliance with a quality management system. The approach focuses on having a strong customer focus, and is mostly applicable in cases where there is a need to meet regulatory and statutory requirements. The ISO principles are generic and can be adapted by diverse organizations making it easier to integrate other total quality management approaches with the standard. Exclusions are also allowed if they ISO standards cannot be duly applicable in an organization due products or services provided and nature of business. The case for adapting the framework is supported by its applicability in aligning organizational objectives with customer expectations (Shafiq, Mirza & Naeeem, 2014 p. 2).
Six sigma and ISO 9001:2008
It may appear as though integrating six sigma with ISO 9001:2008 might not be feasible. However, the ISO standards provide a basic regulatory framework upon which to support organizations as they adopt both approaches simultaneously (Johannsen, 2013 p. 105). The six sigma approach relies on eliminating defects, which then improves quality. In most cases organizations implement organizational improvement based on their needs, with ISO 9001 a good platform to ensure complementarily of Total Quality management techniques. In any case, ISO 9001: 2008 is compatible with six sigma. ISO 9001 certifications have increased the number of accredited auditors and registrars on a global scale, but the six sigma approach has mostly resulted to attestation of belts commercially in organizations in an informal manner. As such to ensure validity of the six sigma accreditation and integration with ISO, one must first determine the basis for the black belt insignia.
Organizations can rely on integrating the various total quality approaches depending on the organizational needs (Johannsen 2013, p. 1003). One such approach is the process which takes into accounts the similarities and differences of different approaches to achieve Capability Maturity Model Integration and development CMMI-DEV (Chinvigai, Dafaoui, & el mhamedi 2010, p2). An approach that also integrates Kaizen and Lean princ...