According to Burrill and Ledolter (1999), the semiconductor manufacturing technology (SEMATECH) consortium defines total quality management as "a [holistic] business management methodology that aligns the activities of all employees in an organization with the common focus of customer satisfaction [to be achieved] through continuous improvement in the quality of all activities [processes], goods, and services." The words holistic were added by the authors to emphasize that successful TQM systems include all functions in the company. TQM is not limited to one quality assurance department. (Achieving Quality through Continual Improvement, p. 10)
             Total quality management means that a commitment to quality is imbedded throughout the company, from top management to production employees. The characteristics of the effective total quality management system includes upper management commitment and involvement; linkage of quality efforts to clear strategic goals; demand of a financial payback from their quality efforts; a focus on customer requirements; employee involvement; training at all levels; continual quality improvement; and customization of the quality program to fit the organization.
             Globalization has had a tremendous impact on total quality management. As more companies seek to compete globally to expand their market share, the need for quality becomes essential to successful expansion. The importance of total quality management is magnified when entering the global market. Consumers need the assurance of quality even more so when making a decision to buy or not buy a product of a locally unknown company. Since consumer confidence in a product is a driving force in the ability to sell a product, the product quality in the form of good or service is essential to the success of a global company.
             Attempting to ensure quality by inspecting all incoming products for quality can become cost prohibi
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