A methodology for developing a self-assessment tool to measure quality performance in organizations (a Malaysian perspective)

Abstract

This paper summarises the development methodology that uses the assessment criteria of two national quality awards namely, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and Deming Prize as a basis for creating a self-assessment tool to measure quality performance in an organization. Self-assessment is an important tool in any organization since it can be utilized anytime and by anybody in the organization to evaluate past and existing performance and as a guide for future continuous improvement. Too much reliance on a third party assessment is time consuming and expensive. This assessment tool could be used for evaluating quality efforts for both local or multinational companies based on Malaysian working culture to strive for a world class quality. "Thinking Globally, Acting Locally" is adopted as one of the most important ingredients to enable the Malaysian companies especially Small, Medium Industries (SME's), as main players in the global arena.