Assessment of the implementation of Total Quality Leadership (TQL) on U.S. Navy operating forces and perspectives for future implementation by the Hellenic Navy

Abstract

In a continuous effort to improve the effectiveness and operational readiness of its forces, the Hellenic Navy is seeking for improved quality to meet its future needs. Such a quality improvement could possibly be realized from a Total Quality Leadership (TQL) process that is currently being implemented in the U.S. Navy. This thesis uses the framework of Dr. E.W. Deming's philosophy of management and his fourteen points to assess the ongoing implementation of TQL in the U.S. Navy Operating Forces. Using personal interviews and a survey climate questionaire, selected TQL-educated officers in various parts of the U.S. Navy (Aviation and Helicopter Squadrons, and ships), gave their experiences of TQL. The survey was also given to the Greek Naval Officers studying at the Naval Postgraduate School. The resulting information provided the means to evaluate the performance of TQL in the USN and to determine its possible applicability in the Hellenic Navy.