Abstract:

The aim of this study is reveal how the Total Quality Management issue is discussed in the literature, with a systematic approach based on scientific mapping techniques. The study also examines the position of the TQM in the future. As a method, bibliometric and document analysis techniques were used. During the use of these two techniques, the softwares such as CiteSpace, Wosviewer and Search Carrot, Google tools (Google Ngram, Google fusion) were used. Common citation networks and word mapping, citation bursts, dual map drawing units are the tools used for analysis. Total Quality Management issue is most widely used in management discipline among the all disciplines. In addition, it was found that TQM is mostly searched with keywords such as quality management systems and product quality. It was observed that interest to the TQM had increased after 1985 and it had reached highest level in 1995, and it has experienced a continuous descent until 2008. The study found that the countries conducting more research on the Total Quality Management issue in the world are the USA and UK. It was generally recommended to investigate the effect of TQM on product quality and company performance (include productivity) in the essential publications which are examined. At this point, it has been concluded that the TQM will lose its popularity as long as stays a management philosophy in the field of management. Instead, this study recommends to focus on operational oriented activities such as lean manufacturing.

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