Help or hazard

Discusses the extent to which quality improvement standards can help organizations. Asserts that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the European Quality Award and the British equivalent have each established criteria which can be used by organisations to assess progress and tangible results from their quality processes. Asserts that continuous review is essential to total quality success. Contends that Baldrige and the EQA provide a framework against which progress and achievement can be mapped. Looks at the risks associated with models such as the European one and with awards such as the EQA. Discusses the BSI guide to TQM. Concludes that a standard for TQM still has a long way to go.