On the Use of the Principles of Total Quality Management in University Engineering Education

This paper describes some considerations for the use of the principles of total quality management (TQM) at universities. A broad discussion on the use of TQM in industry is included. Basic definitions, philosophy of TQM, generic product requirements, and leadership responsibilities are described. The goals are to improve the quality, customer satisfaction, delivery, quantity, responsiveness, cost, etc. of all the university's products (goods and services). The major challenges are for senior leadership to understand TQM and its implications, to redefine organizational goals to include TQM, to obtain faculty support, and to refine organization systems and practices including tenure criteria to facilitate implementation of TQM.