Total Quality Management Master - Case Study Example

Given the nature of their responsibilities and the means available to the police department in general, discharge of police functions is found to be more problematic than any other public services. However, it can reasonably be stated that with a proper assessment of the capabilities and readiness TQM can be applied even to the police department to ensure satisfied service to the public. Implementation of TQM in public service departments has always been a difficult and cumbersome process; but the continuing pressures for transparency, accountability and service expectations, TQM requires increased management attention for effecting improvements.

Based on the assessment of eight concepts of TQM, this paper critically analyzes the readiness of the Abu Dhabi Police Department for the implementation of TQM approach as part of the strategic planning initiative of the department to improve the performance of the department. Keeping the maintenance of security and stability as the main goal the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters has framed its strategic initiatives for excelling in its performance. The strategic priorities include (i) effective controlling of the crime, (ii) increasing the confidence of the community in police and public safety services, (iii) maintaining security and safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, (iv) making commuting through the roads safer, (v) improving the performance of the staff of the department by implementing the best international practices and (vi) providing all policing operations with functional support (Abu Dhabi Police Strategic Plan, 2008).

The responsibility for improving meeting these strategic priorities and improving the performance has been entrusted with the Strategic Management and Performance Improvement Department reporting directly to the Commander General of Abu Dhabi Police. Unlike many of the other police forces in the world, the aim of Abu Dhabi Police does not stop with achieving peace by reducing crime. The Department embarks upon much deeper and broader concept of performance, which is more visionary in nature. Therefore the objective of Strategic Management and Performance Improvement Department is to transform the Abu Dhabi Policemen from the conventional symbol of watcher and guardian to the a non-traditional image of the comprehensive employee.

This calls for a critical assessment of the readiness of the department for implementing a TQM approach so that the Department can contribute more to the maintenance of peace, tradition and justice in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.Total Quality Management"Total Quality Management (TQM) is a set of management practices throughout the organization geared to ensure the organization consistently meets or exceeds customer requirements. TQM places strong focus on process measurement and controls as means of continuous improvement.

" (Free Management Library) In the TQM approach, all members of an organization are expected to participate in improving the processes. TQM also facilitates improvements in products, services and the culture in the working environment (ASQ). Edward Deming has