Nikunj Rana

Darshak Desai

Abstract

During the last decades, different quality management concepts, including total quality management (TQM), six sigma and lean, have been applied by many different organizations. Although much important work has been documented regarding TQM, six sigma and lean, a number of questions remain concerning the applicability of these concepts in various organizations and contexts. While TQM, six sigma and lean have many similarities, especially concerning origin, methodologies, tools and effects, they differ in some areas, in particular concerning the main theory, approach, and the main criticism. The lean concept is slightly different from TQM and six sigma. However, there is a lot to gain if organizations are able to combine these three concepts, as they are complementary. Six sigma and lean are excellent roadmaps, which could be used one by one or combined, together with the values in TQM. The purpose of this paper is to describe the similarities and differences between the concepts, including an evaluation .The paper provides the guidance to an organization regarding the selection of concept which can become successor for their organization .The paper also discusses the barriers to implementing the concept and success stories of all three quality management concept .

Keywords- Six Sigma, Quality management concepts, Lean manufacturing, TQM