Total Quality Management (TQM) is an integrative philosophy of management for continuously improving the quality of products and processes to achieve customer satisfaction. It is based on the premise that an organization must build quality into its products and processes and that everyone in the organization has a responsibility in this effort. This paper analyzes the present status of TQM in industries through a structured questionnaire survey. The responses received have been analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS/XI). Total Quality Management is a management style based upon producing quality product and quality service as defined by the customer. TQM is defined as a quality-centered, customer-focused, fact-based, team-driven, senior management-led process to achieve an organization's strategic imperative through a continuous process of improvement.

The word `total' in Total Quality Management means that everyone in the organization must be involved in the continuous improvement effort. The word `quality' shows a concern for customer satisfaction, and the word 'management' refers to the people and processes needed to achieve the quality. Customer is the epicenter of all the efforts of TQM philosophy to improve the quality of the product and service. TQM is applicable to a wide range of organizations regardless of the type. TQM focuses on elements like leadership, quality planning, employee management, supplier management, customer focus, process management and continuous improvement. TQM makes use of both management techniques and analytical techniques.

A simple random sample of 150 companies has been chosen from Chennai and Pondicherry. Survey questionnaires were mailed directly to quality managers and were contacted over phone also. The structured questionnaire consisted of six sections, each emphasizing a certain type of information. The six sections were: The factors influencing for implementation of TQM, level of TQM element implemented, quality techniques implemented, factors related to direct and indirect benefits, obstacles associated with TQM implementation and barriers for TQM implementation.