Total quality management of a production-maintenance system: A network approach

In this paper, we discuss how total quality management (TQM) could be applied to improve the effectiveness of a production-maintenance system. We suggest a general mathematical model providing a timely integration of production and maintenance. The model incorporates conflicting aspects of quality costs, reliability, and production quality. The problem is treated as a multi-criteria mixed-integer mathematical programming problem with network constraints which is solved using a network analysis and computer-expert dialogue.