Total Quality Management (Specialised Short Course)

The purpose of the Total Quality Management (TQM) short course is to provide students with a complete TQM body of knowledge as a holistic approach to managing quality, and to acquire fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in total quality for improving quality of product, quality of service delivery (to internal and external customers), quality of organisation (systems and processes), and quality of work life (QWL).

TQM is a strategic necessity because it positively affects business input costs hence making them believe ‘quality is free’. Besides cost-route benefits, TQM also creates many market-route benefits. Suitably trained personnel are a prerequisite in pursuit of this objective.

Technology-Enhanced Distance Learning
Short courses are completed individually through technology-enhanced distance learning (student collaboration is encouraged) within a flexible timeframe.
Flexible Timeframe
We have monthly starting dates and registration (excluding December and January). Students can register until the middle of the starting month. The 5 monthly assignments can be submitted any time during the duration of the 5 month course.
Course Fee
The fee is R 7, 900.00, which includes your online study material. Persons based outside South Africa can pay in US Dollars, Euros or GB Pounds. Payment of fees must be effected before access to the course. Groups of 10 and more get a discount.
Language Requirements
English
Assessment And Awarding Of Certificates
Students complete 5 monthly online assignments at any suitable time, that combine to yield a final mark. The questions are based on the core of the 20 study units and may involve multiple choice, a brief discussion of an important issue, or solving a short case study. The final course mark is based on the average of 5 monthly scores achieved. The final pass mark is 50%. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the TQM course. Should you achieve a distinction (75% or higher), this will be so indicated on your certificate.
Learning And Lectures
The first month of the 5 months, is focussed on orientation. Note that some content is only for additional voluntary reading. Compulsory learning is based on the 10 preloaded videos of the 20 study units, covering the core of 2 study units per video-lecture. The checklist focuses on the core of each study unit.
Who Is This Course Designed For?
Quality management and making quality a life-skill, is an universal need on all management levels in all organisations in search for best practice. This includes working professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge and application of quality principles in the evolving Industry 4.0 economy.
Study Material & Support
Study materials include two study guides, lecture videos and a tutorial letter. The guides provide a detailed step-by-step approach through the TQM syllabus with practical examples and cases. The important core aspects are listed under a checklist in each study unit.
Your Principal Lecturer
Professor Rigard J Steenkamp BCom, MBA, DCom (UP)