Education and Training for Total Quality Management in the Federal Government

Book excerpt: This booklet provides practical "how-to" information to federal employees on the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM). The booklet is intended primarily for program officials who have begun to think seriously about or have already begun a TQM effort and want guidance on the training effort to support it. Background information on TQM is followed by a list of some key strategic decisions that should be addressed in the implementation plan. Evolving training needs of organizations at various stages of TQM implementation are discussed. Important issues that should be addressed in the training plan are summarized, including funding and assignment of employees to training. Issues are discussed that organizations should consider in phasing training throughout the organization: top management orientation, general organization awareness, and initial focus of indepth TQM training. Training subject areas and courses that many successful TQM organizations provide to meet education and training needs are summarized. A discussion follows of key principles and issues in managing, organizing, and arranging for the delivery of TQM training, including structuring training, selecting trainers, sources of external training, and organizing training staff. Evaluating the training effort is briefly addressed. Appendixes include information on Federal Quality Institute services and a 10-item bibliography. (YLB)