New developments in improving quality management in research and development

Since the post‐Second World War era, total quality management (TQM) has spread throughout corporations, including research and development. The first step in developing a total quality system in research and development is identification of the customer. Identifies who the customers are and defines the relationship between marketing and research and development within a TQM environment. Posits that the amount of attention focused on the customer often correlates directly with the success of an end‐product sell‐through. Highlights the importance of continuous improvement in the research and product development cycle.