Abstract

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.]

Key elements of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Criteria for Performance Excellence are described, as are their use as the principal instructional tool in an MBA-level total quality management (TQM) course. The Council of Competitiveness asserts that the criteria provide the best framework of TQM. The criteria maintain currency and relevance through an annual improvement process using input from all stakeholders: the U.S. business sector, Baldrige Award examiners, judges, and staff. As such, the criteria reflect the most recent developments in business thinking. Therefore, the criteria are an excellent state of the art tool for teaching the TQM course. The course uses the Baldrige Award case study, and it promotes critical thinking, active learning, teamwork, written and oral communication, and integration of the business disciplines.