The Quality Management Division is a member unit of the American Society for Quality. Although it is a subset of the Society, the Division is virtually self-sustaining and has all of the functions and challenges of any global business organization. Among them are product development, production, distribution, marketing, finance, human resources, communications, and operations. The Division relies primarily on volunteers to manage the organization and carry out its projects and activities.

QMD is led by the division chair. The chair is supported by the chair-elect, past chair, audit chair, secretary, treasurer, and five vice chairs. These officers are elected biannually by the division members. Reporting to the vice chairs are committee chairs, committees, and individuals who carry out the Division's projects and activities. For more information on the organization, see the leadership page. For information on the Technology Committees, see that page. The Division is governed by its bylaws. These bylaws clearly state the Divisions purpose. In addition, they identify the key leadership positions and provide for their election. They also include other provisions that are the foundation of the organizations governance.

Although volunteers carry out the great majority of the Divisions work, it does receive substantial support from ASQ headquarters. The Division and Interest Group Relations Department provides advice and council and functions as a key link to other ASQ departments. ASQ also provides member lists for mailings and registration services for our annual conference. The Division does use some outside professional services, primarily in the production of the Quality Management Forum. These services include editing, graphic design, printing, and distribution.

Organizing and managing an organization with worldwide membership and doing so in a cost effective manner presents its challenges. In an effort to consolidate much of the divisions activities into a single event, the division has moved the annual division meeting and banquet from AQC to the QMD conference.

Immediately after the conference, the QMD council members conduct one of two face-to-face council meetings held each year. A subset of the division council meets a third time to develop the Divisions strategic plan. Other than these four face-to-face meetings, the division leadership conducts its business using frequent teleconferences and electronic mail. The Division continues to seek more effective and efficient ways to manage its business functions, projects and activities. In the future, more focus will be placed on using the web site for discussion boards and project management.

The key to the continued success of QMD is a dedicated and committed volunteer base. QMD volunteers have the opportunity to practice their management skills in positions of authority and responsibility. In addition, they can broaden their skills in areas such as human resources, marketing, publications, training and communications. For more information on volunteering for a position in any of the areas shown on the organization chart, contact the respective committee chair.