The contribution of business excellence models in restoring failed improvement initiatives

This paper contrasts the generally accepted view that quality is a key factor in long-term prosperity with the failure reported by some four out of every five organisations to achieve the expected outcome from Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives; the development and role of Quality Awards and Models in stimulating the attainment of improved quality levels world-wide is assessed. Three industrial case studies demonstrate how the discerning application of a quality model - standard or bespoke - can facilitate the resurrection of an initially ineffective performance improvement initiative.