Importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) in plant science and molecular biology

Title : Importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) in plant science and molecular biology

Abstract:

This paper discusses importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) in plant science and molecular biology. The traditional view of viewing an organization is by surveying the vertical dimension by keeping eye of an organization chart. However, work gets done (or fails to get done) horizontally or cross functionally, not hierarchically. A process focus is continuous improvement efforts and a sequence of activities that is intended to achieve result. A function focus is vertical dimension and events intended to achieve some desired result. In the seven years of continuous improvement, quality and productivity in plant genetics and genomics, molecular breeding strategies, crop biotechnology, bioinformatics, sustainable agriculture, plant physiology, and environmental plant science have improved and defects per 100 plants were decreased. Plant molecular biology is concerned with the processes with information encoded with genome with respect to structural and functional components for sustainable agriculture. TQM aims to ensure excellence in quantity and quality as per PDCA (Plan-DoCheck-Act) and SDCA (Standardize-Do-Check-Act) cycles with all plant science and molecular biological individuals and organizational management levels through the continuous improvement of processes, products and services. The TQM components encompass quality planning, quality control, quality improvement, employee participation, and quality management system practices. The TQM ensures quality in the end products or service. The plant science and molecular biological organizations integrate quality in its operations and processes for long term success. It reduces defects and eliminates process waste. TQM improves crop yield, stress and strain resistance, and nutritional value through genetic engineering, gene editing, and omics. The future trends in TQM in plant science and molecular biological organizations involve the adoption of quality management practices with quality focus on planning and decision-making process and integration of TQM with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. The upcoming trends in TQM involve the adoption of quality management practices with a focus on data-driven decision making and the integration of TQM with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation including quality management system standards and environmental management systems standards for staying in competitive environment and to comply with QMS.
Key words: Environment, Gene, Microbiology, Omics.

Biography:

Dr. Iyer Vijayan Gurumurthy (b. 10 June 1964, Mayuram, India) is a Professional Engineer, academic, and Director of Techno-Economic-Environmental Study and Check Consultancy Services, Chennai, with over three decades of experience in environmental science, mechanical engineering, and education. He holds multiple qualifications across engineering, law, and management, including a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, along with international doctoral and postdoctoral recognitions. He has served in key academic and administrative roles such as Professor, Principal, and Dean at several institutions in India and abroad, including Haramaya University, Ethiopia, and has also worked as a Technical Officer with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Dr. Iyer has authored over 360 research publications and 60 eBooks indexed in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science, and has delivered plenary and keynote lectures internationally in China, Greece, and Thailand. He is an editor and reviewer for several international journals, a member of leading professional bodies including the Institution of Engineers (India) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a recipient of multiple honors such as Bharat Jyothi, Rashtriya Ratna, and the Tamil Nadu Government Best Environmental Research Award, with listings in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering and Who’s Who in the World.