The correct answer is D. centralized decision-making authority. Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach that aims to improve the quality of products and services in an organization by involving all employees in continuous improvement efforts.

Centralized decision-making authority goes against the core principles of TQM, which emphasize decentralization, employee empowerment, and collaboration. Let’s delve into the details of why option D is the correct answer and why the other options are not as suitable:

D. Centralized decision-making authority:

Centralized decision-making authority refers to a hierarchical structure where decisions are made at the top levels of an organization, typically by a few individuals or a single authority figure. In the context of TQM, this approach contradicts the fundamental principles of employee involvement and empowerment, which are essential components of a successful TQM program.

TQM emphasizes that decisions and improvements should involve all employees, encouraging them to take ownership of their work processes and collaborate to enhance quality. Centralized decision-making authority can stifle these principles and hinder the organization’s ability to harness the collective knowledge and skills of its workforce.

Now, let’s examine why the other options are not as suitable:

A. Continuous improvement:

Continuous improvement is one of the core principles of TQM. TQM advocates for ongoing efforts to enhance processes, products, and services to achieve higher quality and greater efficiency.

Incorporating continuous improvement is a key element of a successful TQM program, as it ensures that the organization remains adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances and customer needs. Therefore, option A aligns with the principles of TQM and is an essential aspect of a successful TQM program.

B. Employee involvement:

Employee involvement is a cornerstone of TQM. TQM acknowledges that employees are the most valuable resource for identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services.

Employee involvement fosters a culture of collaboration, responsibility, and shared commitment to quality. It is a vital component of a successful TQM program, as it harnesses the collective intelligence and skills of the workforce to drive continuous improvement.

C. Benchmarking:

Benchmarking is another key element of TQM. Benchmarking involves comparing an organization’s performance, processes, and practices to those of industry leaders or best-in-class organizations. This comparison helps identify areas where improvements are needed and sets performance standards.

TQM encourages organizations to adopt best practices from benchmarking to enhance their own operations. Benchmarking is a valuable tool for TQM programs as it provides external reference points for improvement and helps organizations remain competitive and innovative.

E. JIT (Just-In-Time):

Just-In-Time (JIT) is a manufacturing and inventory management approach that aligns well with TQM. JIT emphasizes producing and delivering products or materials precisely when they are needed, reducing waste, and improving efficiency. TQM and JIT share common goals of eliminating waste, enhancing quality, and increasing efficiency.

JIT is often incorporated into TQM programs to improve production processes and reduce lead times. While JIT is not a core principle of TQM, it is a complementary approach that can support and enhance the goals of TQM, making option E a relevant and compatible choice.

In conclusion, a successful TQM program incorporates continuous improvement (option A), employee involvement (option B), benchmarking (option C), and JIT (option E). These elements align with the fundamental principles of TQM and contribute to the program’s effectiveness.

Centralized decision-making authority (option D) contradicts the core principles of TQM, as it hinders employee involvement and empowerment. Successful TQM programs emphasize decentralization, collaboration, and shared responsibility, making option D the correct answer in this context.