Quality management: history, evolution and aspects

Abstract

After the Industrial Revolution, the growth of mass production allowed the export of products. From this context, it is crucial to mention the evolution of the concept of quality and the efforts made to understand and apply this parameter. So, this paper aims to rescue the history of quality management, by historical contexts and the main theorists of quality. Bibliographic research was conducted and compiled the various branches and theories of quality, as well as its path over the decades until the present moment. As a result, it is important to highlight the contribution of quality gurus and essential elements, like total quality control, quality management system and good manufacturing practice. The search for quality by companies can be summarised into one reason: its clients. Therefore, customers are a fundamental part of this history and that quality is a continuous process of constant improvement and adaptation to current needs.