... often defined as "A leadership philosophy and strategy that is based on continuous improvement of every process, empowerment of people, continuous learning, all creating transformations towards an organisation that is providing excellent products and services". (Dr R. Benner, 2001). 1. The costs and benefits which may be associated with the development of long-term partnerships with suppliers. TQM is changing the role of the procurement function within corporations. In a modern organisation which is driven by quality the buyer views the supplier as a customer and will provide them with the technical information required to supply the materials or services that are needed (Sullivan, 1999). Long-term supplier partnerships or alliances within a TQM framework can be very beneficial to companies. The quality guru Deming saw the need to develop loyalty and involvement through the supply chain. By supplier partnerships we do not mean long-term contracts with a 30-day cancellation clause buried in ...

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