Total Quality Management: the ASD experience

The author summarizes the evolution and operation of TQM (total-quality management) at ASD (Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-patterson AFB) and discusses the lessons being learned. The discussion includes a short history of how ASD became involved in TQM, a description of the structure, an outline of the duties of the Assistant to the Commander for Total Quality Management, whose job is to facilitate the adoption of TQM, an overview of the Steering Committee that guides the effort, and a summary of progress to date. It is concluded that the experiences of the two pioneer efforts, the Propulsion and Training Systems System Program offices, and the initial reaction of the second wave of organizations are positive. Despite some difficulties, progress is being made and it appears that TQM will work in a government bureaucracy