Planning and implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) in a Naval service organization : a case study of Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center James Lee Caro.

Abstract

A Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) initiative in 1989 prompted Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center (FNOC) to request that an organizational study of their operations be conducted and a strategy for implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) be developed. This thesis provided that study. The study's goal was to determine FNOC's readiness to accept TQM. And if they were assessed as ready, to tailor a TQM implementation plan to their needs. Furthermore, a case was provided to help others wrestle with the readiness and implementation issues. The study used a two-phased approach to assess FNOC. The first phase was a review of the current practitioner-oriented management literature about TQM, change theory, and strategic management. The second phase was followed by an on- site field study of FNOC itself, including an Organizational Assessment Survey and personnel interviews. This phase provided an organizational assessment of its strengths and weaknesses that might help or hamper TQM implementation.