Which of the following is a focus of the total quality management approach?

The total quality management (TQM) approach emphasizes continuous improvement and customer satisfaction as its core philosophies. This focus aims to enhance performance throughout all levels of an organization and fosters a culture of quality that permeates every aspect of operations. The commitment to continuous improvement involves consistently assessing processes, embracing changes to enhance quality, and optimizing efficiency. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, companies seek to fully understand and meet the needs and expectations of their clients, leading to greater loyalty and long-term success.

In contrast, other options highlight strategies that don't align with TQM principles. For instance, focusing on immediate results over sustainable practices may lead to short-term gains but does not foster the long-term improvements that TQM aims for. Defect detection at the end of production reflects a reactive approach rather than the proactive prevention of issues, which is a fundamental principle of TQM. Meeting only minimum regulatory requirements shows a compliance-driven mindset rather than a commitment to excellence and continuous enhancement, which is central to TQM.