Vokurka, Stading, and Brazeal (2000) discuss the importance of quality in the business. The authors remark that organizations are interested in various quality award programs because they allow them to achieve appreciation, experience, and development. Five quality awards administered in different countries are analyzed to see the standard features of candidates’ requirements. The evaluation process includes four elements: submission assessment, consensus score measurement, a site inspection of the finalists with high scores, and awarding the firms identified as complying with all the requirements. The authors consider competitive advantage a significant element for gaining success.
The best lesson I learned from the article is that it is not enough to copy a quality award model to increase its achievements. Every organization’s management team should develop personalized strategies. These tactics may incorporate some quality award criteria, but managers should not forget that every firm needs a separate approach. Total quality management requires a lot of effort and practice, and there is always space for improvement. Quality awards criteria suggest an opportunity to increase the profitability not only for the participants of the contest but for any company who takes care of its image and success.
Reference List
Vokurka, R J, Stading, G L & Brazeal, J 2000, ‘A comparative analysis of national and regional quality awards’, Quality Progress, vol. 33, no. 8, pp. 41-49.