Question

Which of the following is not one of the eight key principles of total quality management?

1) Continuous improvement
2) Customer focus
3) Employee empowerment
4) Supplier collaboration
5) Process optimization

Answer 1

The principle of Total Quality Management (TQM) not listed among the given options is 'Process optimization'. Process optimization is a component of 'Continuous improvement' but not a standalone principle. TQM's key principles guide organizations in quality improvement efforts across products, services, and culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key principle of Total Quality Management (TQM) that is not listed among the options provided in the question is 'Process optimization'. The core principles of TQM include Continuous improvement, Customer focus, Employee empowerment, and Supplier collaboration. TQM is a management approach that seeks to improve the quality of products and services by continuously refining all aspects of the operational processes with the involvement of all employees and partners.

Process optimization could be considered a component of continuous improvement, where processes are improved over time, but it is not typically cited as a standalone principle in the classic understanding of TQM's eight key principles. The principles guide organizations in striving to improve products, services, and the culture of the company.