TQM and Six Sigma are two pupils of the same school. They are similar in many ways and different in many ways. Let me elaborate on what I know (which shouldn’t take very long!).
Tools are the same. You use the same 9(?) basic tools as well as a host of statistical tests. Some may be tailored differently and a few new ones may be introduced by Six Sigma.
Methodologies are similar but Six Sigma has caught on because it is more focused on delivering what business leaders want: Numbers and profits instead of “we feel the process is much stronger now.” It was the quantification that was lacking with TQM. Although it worked in many places, the business leaders couldn’t get into it and understand the benefits clearly enough.
;) Amanda
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