Which concept emphasizes building on previous improvements through systematic processes?

Total Quality Management (TQM) is the concept that emphasizes building on previous improvements through systematic processes. TQM is an organization-wide approach to continuous improvement that focuses on long-term success through customer satisfaction. It integrates all members of an organization in improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work.

By using systematic processes, TQM seeks to identify and eliminate inefficiencies while facilitating improvements based on previous successes. This creates a cycle of continuous enhancement where past learnings inform future practices, ensuring that improvements are not just one-time fixes but part of an ongoing strategy for excellence.

In contrast, Quality Assurance typically involves maintaining specific standards and ensuring that products or services meet those standards, rather than focusing on a continuous cycle of improvement. Quality Control is primarily concerned with monitoring and maintaining the quality of outputs against predetermined criteria rather than systematically applying lessons learned through previous improvements. Patient Safety Initiatives focus specifically on reducing errors and adverse events in healthcare settings, which, while essential, do not encapsulate the broader systematic approach to continuous improvement found in TQM.