Abstract
M.Tech. (Operations Management)
Total Quality Management is a management philosophy embracing all activities through which the
needs and requirements of customers and the objectives of the organisation are satisfied in a cost
effective way through a drive for continuous improvement. Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy and is
defined as a process of continuous improvement. It reflects a common-sense, low-cost approach to
managing an organisation.
A literature review was undertaken on the subjects of Total Quality Management (TQM)principles
and Kaizen philosophy and a TQM model was developed for the cellhouse at Manganese Metal
Company basedon information from literature review. The cellhouse is part of an organisation that
has ISO 9002 accreditation and produces electrolytic manganese metal for customers world-wide.
The quality assurance system defines guidelines for producing a quality product, on time and
conforming to the required product specifications.
The model is designed to complement current quality control philosophy and provide guidance for
maintaining and improving the quality assurance programme. All cellhouse employees will be
actively involved in participating in a process of improvement on an ongoing basis.