ACCA Performance Management (F5) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a fundamental feature of TQM?

1. Recognition of the importance of marketing

2. Prevention of errors before they occur

3. Reduction of product lines

4. Emphasis on individual employee performance

The correct answer is: Prevention of errors before they occur

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a comprehensive approach focused on continuous improvement, emphasizing quality in all aspects of an organization, primarily through the involvement of all employees. A fundamental feature of TQM is the prevention of errors before they occur. This proactive approach aims to identify and eliminate the root causes of defects and issues as part of the production process, rather than just addressing problems after they have occurred. By focusing on prevention, organizations can enhance quality, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency. This aspect of TQM highlights the importance of creating robust processes that minimize variation and errors, ensuring that teams focus on quality from the initial stages of development through to the final product. It contrasts with merely reacting to quality problems, which can be costlier and less effective in the long run. In contrast, while marketing can be an important aspect of organizational strategy, it’s not a core feature of TQM. Similarly, reducing product lines may be considered in some contexts to focus on quality, but it is not a fundamental principle of TQM itself. Finally, while individual employee performance is significant, TQM places greater emphasis on teamwork and the collective engagement of all employees in the quality management process, rather than focusing solely on individual contributions. Thus, the emphasis on