About
The Quality Management Division is a member unit of the American Society for Quality. Although it is a subset of the Society, the Division is virtually self-sustaining and has all of the functions and challenges of any global business organization. Among them are product development, production, distribution, marketing, finance, human resources, communications, and operations. The Division relies primarily on volunteers to manage the organization and carry out its projects and activities.
QMD is lead by the division chair. The chair is supported by the chair-elect, past chair, audit chair, secretary, treasurer, and several vice chairs. These officers are elected biannually by the division members. Reporting to the vice chairs are committee chairs, committees, and individuals who carry out the Division's projects and activities. For more information on the organization, see the organization chart page. The Division is governed by its bylaws. These bylaws clearly state the Divisions purpose. In addition, they identify the key leadership positions and provide for their election. They also include other provisions that are the foundation of the organizations governance.
Although volunteers carry out the great majority of the Divisions work, it does receive substantial support from ASQ headquarters. The Community Development Department provides advice and counsel and functions as a key link to other ASQ departments. ASQ also provides member lists for mailings and registration services for our annual conference. The Division does use some outside professional services, primarily in the production of the Quality Management Forum. These services include editing, graphic design, printing, and distribution.
Organizing and managing an organization with worldwide membership and doing so in a cost effective manner presents its challenges. In an effort to consolidate some of the division’s activities into a single event, the division has moved the annual division meeting and banquet from WCQI to the QMD conference.
Immediately after the conference, the QMD council members conduct a face-to-face council meeting. A subset of the division council meets in July to develop the Divisions strategic plan. The division leadership conducts its business using frequent teleconferences and electronic mail as well as face-to-face meetings. The Division continues to seek more effective and efficient ways to manage its business functions, projects and activities.
The key to the continued success of QMD is a dedicated and committed volunteer base. QMD volunteers have the opportunity to practice their management skills in positions of authority and responsibility. In addition, they can broaden their skills in areas such as human resources, marketing, publications, training and communications. For more information on volunteering for a position in any of the areas shown on the organization chart, contact the respective committee chair.
