Which concept in TQM focuses on continuous improvement?

The concept that focuses on continuous improvement in TQM is Kaizen. This Japanese term translates to "change for the better" or "continuous improvement" and is integral to TQM practices. Kaizen promotes the idea that small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time, encouraging a culture where every employee is involved in suggesting and implementing changes aimed at enhancing processes, products, and services.

In a TQM context, Kaizen suggests that organizations should foster an environment where ongoing, small-scale improvements are made regularly, rather than waiting for major changes to drive improvement. This mindset helps in achieving higher quality and efficiency in operations.

While benchmarking, Six Sigma, and statistical process control are important tools and methodologies within TQM, they do not solely emphasize the continuous improvement philosophy as directly as Kaizen does. Benchmarking focuses on comparing performance metrics with industry bests or best practices, Six Sigma aims at reducing defects and improving quality through defined methodologies, and statistical process control involves using statistical methods to monitor and control processes. Each of these tools contributes to the overarching goal of quality management but does not embody the continuous, incremental improvement philosophy at the heart of Kaizen.