Using The Total Quality Portfolio, follow these seven key steps and you will have in place the framework of a successful – and highly profitable - Total Quality program.

Step 1
Win the full support of the senior management team.
The Total Quality Handbook (in Part 1 of The Portfolio) has a detailed overview for the top executive team, plus exclusive Briefing Papers for key managers on issues like training for Quality, financial implications of Quality, and using Quality to transform customer service.

Step 2
Learn how the "Quality Winners" have made Quality pay. Use their experience to do Quality right in your own business.
Total Quality in Action has case studies from 32 World-Class companies - plus examples of early "failures" and steps taken to put things right. Get these case studies read by every member of the team running your Quality program. They'll also be invaluable for training your staff.

Step 3
Develop a Quality program that's right for your company culture.
The Total Quality Handbook lays out the pros and cons of each main approach to Quality - including the role of ISO 9000 as a building block for Total Quality. Find the one that best suits you, adapt it - then test it on a single project.

Step 4
Identify the present cost of non-Quality and target projects that will deliver the best return on investment.
The Cost of Quality Audit is a unique company self-assessment tool. Use it to uncover hidden costs, target improvements and measure results. It proves the success of any Quality initiative. And it even includes full guidelines on picking the teams to run the Audit in each department or core process.

Put the teams in place and hand them the Audit. In time, they will uncover substantial costs (typically 15%-30% of annual turnover). You should have their first report and recommendations in just 3-4 weeks.

Step 5
Check that every Quality project meets the 12 critical success factors – and delivers results that increase bottom-line profits.
Plan for Maximum Profits explains the 12 keys to success and gives you a checklist for each new Quality improvement project. Every project team should have a copy – as well as the group overseeing your Quality program.

Step 6
Look out for, anticipate and avoid the most common obstacles to a successful Quality program.
The Quality Project Alert examines the 13 warning signals that tell you when any Quality initiative is in danger of costing more than it earns. One Quality Manager compared this Guide to a pilot's "night sights". The companies that pioneered Total Quality were "flying blind" - learning by trial and error. You don't have to.

Step 7
Create a cycle of continuous Quality improvement throughout your organization that is driven by your employees.
As soon as your Quality program is launched you need to measure, record and build-on your early results and successes. Continuous Quality Improvement shows you how best to run your Quality program, redouble commitment, and guarantee a cycle of continuous improvement.