Implementing a quality management program – three Cs of success: commitment, culture, cost

This article presents the point of view that there are three fundamental prerequisites that are required for the successful implementation of a quality management approach within any organization ‐ commitment, culture, and cost. The case is made that quality management is not just an extension of other quality‐related initiatives because a distinct shift in culture is needed to embraces its unique precepts that transcend the quality function into strategic and process management. The scope includes people, customers, suppliers, and society in addition to the traditional emphasis on financial performance.