TQM as a system for quality management

This article presents an analogy between total quality management (TQM) and systems engineering (SE). The paper demonstrates that TQM has the characteristics of a system such as elements, components, function, hierarchy, and environment. Further, it shows that approaches of SE such as definition of requirements, team approach, top‐down approach, and life‐cycle orientation are inherent in TQM. The usefulness of the analogy between TQM and SE is demonstrated by contrasting attempts that succeed and fail in implementing TQM. The contrast suggests that adhering to concepts and approaches of SE could enhance implementation of TQM.