Abstract Toyotas TQM is embedded in its famous and widely-researched TPS.

It is a management principle and production system that embraces people and productivity measures. Toyota also actively applies kaizen company-wide. Quality management system is also standardized and open to continuous improvement efforts. Finally, services and quality concepts revolve around customer satisfaction. Toyota is open to suggestions from internal and external customers, which makes it highly competitive across diverse markets and labor pools.

Table of contents I. II. III. Introduction History of Toyota Toyotas total quality management A. B. IV. Leadership Employee motivation 4 4 5 6 6 7 9 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16

How Toyota maintains quality A. B. Foundation of the quality How quality is important for Toyota

V. How do they improve quality in Toyota A. VI. Tools used for quality improvement

Toyotas customer relations A. Services provided for the customers

VII. VIII. IX.

How managers measure the performance of the company Conclusion References

I.

Introduction

Todays global automobile production system is historically molded by the paradigm shift from mass production to total quality management production system (Kakuro, 2004, p.3691). Japanese enterprises led the quality management revolution during the 1950s, when it adopted quality management principles from western quality management gurus, such as Deming, and when they developed production systems and principles that have a comprehensive approach in the management of its people, products, and production facilities (Toyota, 2010). Though Toyota did not originally develop the fundamental concepts of total quality management (TQM), such as just-in-time production (JIT) and jidoka (in-station quality), its production system become widely studied and imitated across the globe (Gonzalez-Molina, 2003, p.1). TPS is based on kaizen or continuous quality. Kaizen is enforced across the company, so that every employee is committed to cutting costs and making incremental forms of improvement in processes and products. This paper explores Toyotas total quality management system, which has been famously called as the Toyota Production System (TPS). It begins with the history of Toyota, and describes its total quality management system in human resource (HR) management, quality maintenance, quality improvement, customer relations, and performance measurement. II. History of Toyota

Kiichiro Toyoda, founder of Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., is an innovator who started research on small gasoline-powered engine in 1930. In 1937, he established

the Toyota Company and a year after that, production in Toyotas Honsha Plant commenced. In 1951, using its profits, Toyota created a five-year plan for the modernization of production facilities (Udugawa, 1995, p.108). The modernization plan ensured that Toyota could remain productive, even without the adoption of foreign technology. In 1955, Toyota produced its first fully fledged national passenger car, the Crown and a small four-wheel truck, the Toyoace (Udugawa, 1995, p.109). Several more plants opened as demand for Toyota cars increased. In 1959, Toyota reached the production of 100,000 units, the first time that a Japanese manufacturer reached that number (Udugawa, 1995, p.109). When Toyota decided to export to the United States (U.S.), it faced several challenges, namely satisfying the procurement requirements of the U.S. Army Procurement Agency (APA), automotive problems became evident (i.e. body weight problems and high-speed instability), and liberalization of foreign imports increased competition, which forced Toyota to withdraw from the export business temporarily (Udugawa, 1995, pp.109110). To respond to these product problems and competition, Toyota implemented two programs, Total Quality Control (TQC) and company-wide adoption of kanban (Udugawa, 1995, p.110). During this time, Taiichi Ohno and his technical peers, which included Shigeo Shingo, asserted that the Japanese industry could only effectively compete globally through devising a continuous flow of small-lot production, where dozens of product copies were used, instead of millions (Towill, 2006, p.20). Instead of following Fords manufacturing system of mass production, they developed a system that was more flexible to changing customer needs. They also changed equipment and layout to ensure the efficiency and flexibility of production. By 1961, Total Quality Control (TQC) is adopted throughout company.

In 1965, these quality management efforts were rewarded when the company received the Deming Prize for widespread efforts in quality improvement. Production of Toyota products spread globally. In 1988, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. started its production. In 1991, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (U.K.), Ltd. (TMUK) began producing Toyota automobiles. Soon, even American automobile makers were scrambling to adopt TQM; however, they adopted one or a few components only, and not many were effective in replicating the TPS success (Pardi, 2007, p.3). Up to now, with numerous brands that cater to different market segments (i.e. offering less costly and luxury car lines), Toyota continues to improve quality management efforts, until it toppled the Big 3 in terms of cars sold using lean thinking and lean production. Lean thinking pertains to eradicating all the waste in the system, so that only value-adding activities endure, which can be attained by realizing what the company seeks to accomplish in terms of quality and customer services (Amasaka, 2009, p.6). III. A. Leadership Toyotas total quality management system is more than a production system; it is also a management and leadership philosophy (Bodek, 2008, p.40; Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.9). The management is trained to think of quality in a holistic manner, which encompasses the hard and soft side of management (Udugawa, 1995, p.111). The hard side of management involves technical capabilities, wherein innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction goals are deeply intertwined, while the soft side of management concerns motivating employees to work for common quality management goals (Bodek, 2008, p.40; Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.9). Toyotas total quality management

TQM is central to lean thinking management in Toyota. The JIT system is embedded in the Toyota Production System (TPS), a manufacturing system that was made by Toyota Motor Corporation (Amasaka, 2009, p.6). These are the rudimentary notions of JIT which seeks to obtain quality and productivity instantaneously by effectively applying Total Quality Control (TQC) and Total Quality Management (TQM) to the automobile manufacturing process (Amasaka, 2009, p.6). It also goes after maximum efficiency (optimal streamlining, which is called a Lean System) while also being attentive and responsive to principles of cost reduction, and hence, improving overall product quality (Amasaka, 2009, p.6). In the JIT operation stage, managers are expected to constantly respond to the customers needs, stimulate flawless production activities, apply timely QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) research, and implement research results into practice (Amasaka, 2009, p.6). Toyota also worked closely with suppliers, so that costs are reduced and inventories are kept at a minimum. Strong supplier relations are critical to the success of JIT, because suppliers should also have knowledge of current and future projections for product demand. Through these efforts, Toyota launched TPS and TQM as the primary management technologies for attaining reasonable manufacturing and these management technologies are frequently compared to the wheels on an automobile, which must run smoothly together in order to execute genuine total quality management. Hence, in Toyota, leaders act as quality managers, who are concerned of details in improving production, as well as in leading people to be devoted to TQM principles and practices. B. Employee Motivation

In Toyota, employee motivation is engendered in lean management practices and performance management system. Managers motivate employees to practice kaizen or continuous management (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.434). All employees are motivated to enhance their place of work by contributing their ideas (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.434). Some of the methods used are quality circles and suggestion schemes, so that communication and innovation would be simultaneously improved (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.434). A specific example is that Toyota employees are asked to make things cheaper by a yen, which is equal to a penny (Bodek, 2008, p.40). Toyota encourages employees to constantly think about ways of reducing costs and wastes, because these pennies can be accumulated to millions of dollars. In fact, Toyota asserted that 20% of its profits come from cost savings (Bodek, 2008, p.40). This is a simple but powerful motivator for kaizen, because people think about improvement in their own respective levels. Employees then tend to feel empowered, because they can contribute to kaizen in their own ways. Toyota has also integrated employee motivation into its performance management system. Toyota uses non-financial rewards to motivate employees to attain their full potential as employees (McPhaul, 2005, p.32). "People want to be recognized by their peers. They are willing to exchange the financial incentive for belonging to a circle of people recognized for their excellence," according to Soraya Soto, president of Casa Grande Interactive Communications that uses a recognition system to motivate employees (McPhaul, 2005, p.32). In the sales department where employees used to receive extra money based on the number of cars they sold per month, they are also presently awarded to be part of the elite category of Toyota employees system to motivate employees (McPhaul, 2005, p.32).

Rewards also comprise of membership in the so-called "Circle of Excellence," which allows members to take a cruise with their spouses in the company of fellow Circle members, where they relax (McPhaul, 2005, p.32). The employees or the dealership also employ the Circle of Excellence logos on publicity material. Heriberto Gines, Toyota human relations director said: With the monetary incentive, they just go out and spend the money, but when they are recognized in a special way it gives them more initiative to be part of something they will always remember (McPhaul, 2005, p.32). Hence, Toyota is able to motivate employees through its TQM principles and performance management system. IV. How Toyota Maintains Quality

A. Foundation Of The Quality Toyota maintains quality through TQM, which applies lean thinking in management and production. See Figure 1 for the Toyota Production System House. Figure 1: Toyota Production System House

Source: Liker & Morgan (2006, p.7)

Just-in-time (JIT). JIT is one of the most popular and widely practiced components of TPS. It refers to making material flow through processes fast enough, by getting the right part to the right place at the right time (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Instructions from the customer, termed kanban, incite the replenishment of materials and parts. This changes the push production approach to the pull approach, by replenishing stores and coordinating closely with raw material suppliers (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Jidoka. Jidoka is a less popular and more complicated concept. This pertains to an intelligent machine that can be stopped any moment, when a worker detects a deviation and halts production (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Toyota uses andon, or

lights and sounds to call for help (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Workers can pull the andon and as a result; music plays and lights are turned on, which calls the attention of the team leader (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). The leader rushes, not in a matter of hours, but mostly in minutes, even seconds, so that he can help the worker resolve the product or production problem (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). This practice and system ensures that problems are contained and solutions are attained at the root of the problem (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). It also supports the essence of quality management, because improvements are made incrementally and at bottom-up levels. Heijunka and standardized processes. The groundwork of the house indicates providing the stability of JIT systems, wherein problems are resolved upon recognition (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Heijunka refers to the process of leveling (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). The main objective is to generate a leveled stream of orders and a level work load (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.7). Leveling creates opportunities to standardize processes. Stable and standard processes simplify production and allows for economies of scale in the TPS across the globe (Lander & Liker, 2007, p. 3681). B. How Quality Is Important For Toyota Quality is important for Toyota because it allowed the company to adopt from and innovate on the quality systems Western automakers. The three main strategic management imperatives that emerged in the late twentieth century are low cost, high quality, and enhanced responsiveness (both delivery time and flexibility of product delivery) (Vokurka, Lummus, & Krumwiede, 2007, p.14). Cost efficiency drove Henry Ford's mass production paradigm, with huge production volumes

providing low per-unit cost (Vokurka et al., 2007, p.14). The studies and ideas of W. Edwards Deming and Joseph M. Juran in Japan underscored the importance of quality as the next strategic imperative (Vokurka et al., 2007, p.14). The marketplace mandated efficiency and low prices, but also stressed the importance of the quality of products and services in product purchasing decisions (Vokurka et al., 2007, p.14). As global competition became steeper in the 1970s, responsiveness turned as the third strategic imperative (Vokurka et al., 2007, p.14). Buyers became more sophisticated and demanded for additional customization and shorter product life cycles (Vokurka et al., 2007, p.14). Just-in-time concepts were used to decrease inventory and cycle times. TPS ensured internal synchronization and integration of operations and enriched relationships with suppliers, which improved the competitiveness of Toyota as a global automaker.

V.

How Do They Improve Quality In Toyota

A. Tools Used For Quality Improvement The basic principle of manufacturing via the TPS is lean system production, which is the primary production tool for quality improvement. In this system, manufacturing is through a one-by-one (single part) production and its objective is to accomplish the synchronized realization of quality and productivity (Amasaka, 2009, p.7). The first principle of lean manufacturing is a thoroughgoing quality control by means of a one-by-one production. It employs a manufacturing line using an assembly conveyor and provides the assembly worker the ability to execute a selfcheck on each piece (Amasaka, 2009, p.7). If a faulty item comes to their assembly point from the preceding process, they can then stop the conveyor and distinguish

the defect without fail (Amasaka, 2009, p.7). This practice enables assembly workers to offer 100% quality products to the downstream processes. The second basic principle of manufacturing is the exhaustive combination of quality into the process via a one-by-one production (Amasaka, 2009, p.8). See Figure 2 for good and bad examples of sequencing. The diagram shows an operation where a worker takes a piece (work) from the parts box, does the machining process operation on it from process #01 to #10 in the order shown, and then puts the completed piece into the completed parts box (Amasaka, 2009, p.8). Through a production process done in a predetermined cycle time, the worker can constantly perform the prepared standard operation in a flowing manner (Amasaka, 2009, p.8). It supports a self-check process, where incorporation of quality leads to the stabilization of production (Amasaka, 2009, p.8).

Figure 2: Good and bad examples of sequencing

Source: Amasaka (2009, p.9)

The third principle is standardization, wherein Toyota standardizes all processes. Standardized processes engender safety precautions also.

Standardization, however, does not mean that the processes will be static. Instead, they are flexible to changes that will improve quality and cut costs. VI. Toyotas Customer Relations

Toyotas notion of quality is based on quality according to the specifications of customers or kanban. As a result, production and management revolve around bolstering customer relations, so that continuous TQM is based on strong customer relationships. A. Services Provided For the Customers

A case in point is Toyota in Australia. QAD in Toyota Australia have created a customer profile within the company. Information was collected from dealer reports and visits, warranty data, customer surveys, fleet visits and the customer assistance center and used to help control quality policy, high incidence/high cost problem resolution, customer satisfaction issues, plant improvement activity, new model planning issues, plant quality targets and safety issues (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.435). An important measure of customer feedback on TMCA's products, and a gauge of the company's domestic competitiveness is the information collected by the Automotive Research and Marketing Survey (ARMS) (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.435). The data are examined by QAD and findings are provided to the suitable divisions for corrective action (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.435). Quality monitoring becomes systematic and customer-centered, which also contributes to manufacturing competitiveness (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.435). For this plant, the satisfaction of export customers is also significant. The present market is still small

but Toyota seeks to exploit emerging export opportunities. Surveys and feedbacks are regularly collected and used to enhance product competitiveness (Sohal & Samson, 1994, p.435). The services then provided to customers are warranties on repairs and ensuring that their feedback are respected and used to improve TPS. These services also guarantee the quality of Toyota products. There are also service centers where there are mechanics that are expert in maintaining Toyota automobiles and fixing emerging problems. These services enhance the importance of post-purchase customer services. VII. How Managers Measure the Performance of the Company

Managers measure performance of the company through financial indicators, such as profits, revenues and number of automobiles sold. Furthermore, they also measure performance through the actual contribution of employees to the success and development of TPS (Liker & Morgan, 2006, p.9). Toyota management is greatly concerned of the fit between the people and its organizational culture and TPS. The management monitors performance that leads support kaizen and other costmanagement efforts (Kakuro, 2004, p.3699). These efforts are rewarded both monetarily and non-monetarily through a combination of bonuses and recognition rewards. The example provided of elite circle of employees ensures that Toyota responds to the internal needs of achievement and recognition of employees. There is a deal of recognition efforts also that reward employees with praise and elite rewards. VIII. Conclusion

Toyotas TQM is represented by its TPS. It is a management principle and production system that embraces people and productivity measures. Toyota also leads in management by applying kaizen company-wide. Quality management system is also standardized and open to continuous improvement efforts. Finally, services and quality concepts revolve around customer satisfaction. Toyota is open to suggestions from internal and external customers, which makes it highly competitive across diverse markets and labor pools.

References Amasaka, K. (2009). The foundation for advancing the Toyota production system utilizing new JIT. Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Systems, 8 (1), 5-26. Bodek, N. (2008).Toyota managers know the road to Lean is by way of motivation. T & P: Tooling & Production, 74 (1), 40-41. Kakuro, A. (2004). Development of 'science TQM', a new principle of quality management: Effectiveness of strategic stratified task team at Toyota. International Journal of Production Research, 42 (17), 3691-3706.

Gonzalez-Molina, G. (2003, August 14). Toyota applies quality management to people. Gallup Management Journal Online, 1-3. Liker, J.K. & Morgan, J.M. (2006). The Toyota way in services: The case of lean product development. Academy of Management Perspectives, 20 (2), 5-20. Lander, E. & Liker, J. K. (2007). The Toyota Production System and art: making highly customized and creative products the Toyota way. International Journal of Production Research, 45 (16), 3681-3698. McPhaul, J. (2005, February 3). Toyota uses innovative employee evaluation system. Caribbean Business, 33 (4), 32. Pardi, T. (2007). Redefining the Toyota Production System: the European side of the story. New Technology, Work & Employment, 22 (1), 2-20. Sohal, A.S. & Samson, D. (1994). Toyota Motor Corporation Australia: A case study. Total Quality Management, 5 (6), 431-440. Towill, D.R. (2006). Handshakes around the world [Toyota production system]. Manufacturing Engineer, 85 (1), 20-25. Toyota. (2010). History of Toyota. Retrieved December 28, 2010, from http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/ Udagawa, M. (1995). The development of production management at the Toyota Motor Corporation. Business History, 37 (2), 107-119. Vokurka, R.J., Lummus, R.R., & Krumwiede, D. (2007). Improving manufacturing flexibility: The enduring value of JIT and TQM. SAM Advanced Management Journal, 72 (1),14-21.