Key Success Factors and Barriers to the Implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM): State of the Art

This article examines the key success factors and barriers to implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) through an in-depth review of existing research. The analysis begins with a literature review on the key factors determining the success of TQM, followed by the application of the Pareto principle to the results of this review to identify the most critical factors. This approach highlights the priority levers to maximize TQM effectiveness. In addition, the article examines the main obstacles to TQM implementation by conducting a systematic review of the barriers identified in the literature. The use of the Fuzzy DEMATEL method allows for an analysis of the interdependencies among these barriers and the identification of the most influential ones. This comprehensive analysis aims to promote a more sustainable approach to TQM by introducing the concept of GREEN TQM, a new label designed to integrate environmentally responsible practices into quality management systems. In the next phase of this research, the identified key success factors will be further analyzed in terms of their contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This will enable the identification of new sustainability-oriented success factors, so-called “Green” success factors, which will serve as the foundation for defining the Green TQM framework. This forward-looking approach positions Green TQM as a strategic tool to enhance both quality and sustainability in organizational performance.