Classification of Quality Management Methods and Tools in a Functional Approach

Theoretical background: The evolution of the instrumentation of quality management makes the list of methods and tools constantly open and inexhaustible. The problems of dividing and classifying quality management instruments are very often discussed in the literature. The need to have a variety of methods and tools is due to the fact that the development of modern competitive strategies, affecting the strengthening of market position, the need for rapid decision-making, as well as progress, mainly in the field of information technology and continuous changes in markets, pose qualitatively new challenges to managers. Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to present selected quality management instrumentation by process group. Research methods: In this article, literature review was the starting point for empirical research. Finally, a set of fifty new and classic quality management methods and tools in relation to their main functions was analysed. Based on this, data tables were generated. Main findings: In a large collection of methods, tools and solutions, new concepts appear that are multi-disciplinary and require interdisciplinary knowledge. The choice of appropriate quality instruments is determined by the specificity of the organization and many other variables. The correct use of quality management instruments contributes to solving problems at the management and executive levels of production enterprises, while enriching knowledge about processes.