TQM vs.

Six Sigma
TQM is a management strategy aimed at embedding awareness of Quality in all organizational processes. Six Sigma in business parlance is a measure of quality (as variation) that strives for perfection with benefits to both the business & customer. TQM vs. Six Sigma 1) TQM is a functional speciality within the organization. Six Sigma is an infrastructure of dedicated change agents. Focuses on cross-functional value delivery streams rather than functional division of labour. 2) TQM focuses on quality. Six Sigma focuses on strategic goals and applies them to cost, schedule and other key business metrics. 3) TQM is motivated by quality idealism. Six Sigma is driven by tangible benefit for a major stockholder groups (viz, customers, shareholders, and employees). 4) TQM loosely monitors progress toward goals. Six Sigma ensures that the investment produces the expected return. 5) TQM people are engaged in routine duties (Planning, improvement, and control). In Six Sigma "Slack" resources are created to change key business processes and the organization itself. 6) TQM emphasizes on problem solving. Six Sigma emphasizes on chronic problem solving with breakthrough rates of improvement. 7) TQM focuses on performance standard, e.g. ISO 9000. Six Sigma focuses on world class performance, e.g., 3.4 PPM error rate. 8) TQM is a permanent, full-time job. Career path is in the quality profession. Six Sigma is a stepping-stone for making & sustaining improvement in any industry. One can choose a full time Six Sigma career in any industry or as a consultant or use Six Sigma as a support function for improving performance in one's present job/profession. 9) TQM provides a vast set of tools and techniques with no clear framework for using them effectively.

Six Sigma provides a selected subset of tools and techniques and a clearly defined framework for using them to achieve results (DMAIC & DMADV-DFSS). 10) TQM goals are developed by quality department based on quality criteria and the assumption that what is good for quality is good for the organization. Six Sigma goals flow down from customers and senior leadership's strategic objectives. Goals and metrics are reviewed at the enterprise level to assure that local sub-optimization does not occur. 11) TQM plan is developed by technical personnel. Six Sigma improvement strategy is identified, developed & supported by the company management. 12) TQM focuses on long-term results. Expected payoff is not well-defined. Six Sigma looks for a mix of short-term and long-term results, as dictated by business demands. The object of doing a comparison is not to vouch for or decry either, but to enable a proper understanding in one who is fraught with confusion over which is better of the two.