Abstract:

Software development projects are often marred with a reputation that they are above budget, out of specification and routinely defective. Typically, project managers’ point to a number of technical problems mostly related to actual software development. This paper attempts to show that Total Quality Management (TQM) can help in improving the quality of the software. Rising cost and defective software have accentuated the need for quality improvement. In this context, this paper explores the application of TQM principles to the software domain and analysis this from three perspectives; the need for quality, the critical nature of the software process and TQM principles, tools and techniques that are of particular relevance to the software process.