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Quality for Sustainability (Q4S)—The Case of Sweden

In: A Human-Centered Approach to Quality and Excellence in Management

Author

Listed:
  • Raine Isaksson

    (Uppsala University amd Luleå University of Technology, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering
    Luleå University of Technology, Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts)

  • Rickard Garvare

    (Luleå University of Technology, Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts)

  • Stan Karapetrovic

    (University of Alberta, Department of Mechanical Engineering)

  • Christina Mauléon

    (University of Gothenburg, Department of Sociology and Work Science)

  • Cory Searcy

    (Toronto Metropolitan University, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering)

  • Gerson Tontini

    (FURB—Regional University of Blumenau, Department of Business Management)

Abstract

While humanity seems to understand that poor quality and unsustainability are both problematic, making change happen is difficult. We examine how (T)QM could support sustainable development conceptually and then demonstrate the proposed model by assessing national sustainability improvement potential with Sweden as a case study. The work is largely conceptual. We use the Sustainability Opportunity Study (SOS) logic, with an emphasis on its Diagnosing component, in trying to Understand, Define, and Measure what national sustainability could be. (T)QM could support sustainability through system understanding, based on a Pareto guided focus on system purpose. The TQM inspired and system-based change model is named Quality for Sustainability (Q4S). It supports doing the right thing right. Q4S is defined as: Ensuring citizens’ needs are met while remaining carbon neutral and taking global responsibility for sustainability, with a focus on alleviating extreme poverty and promoting peacekeeping. The improvement potential for Swedish carbon reductions has been indicated as an example of how a complex system can be simplified to estimate a measurable improvement potential. Results provide a roadmap for understanding sustainability on a national level.

Suggested Citation

  • Raine Isaksson & Rickard Garvare & Stan Karapetrovic & Christina Mauléon & Cory Searcy & Gerson Tontini, 2025. "Quality for Sustainability (Q4S)—The Case of Sweden," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Maria Vincenza Ciasullo & Jacques Martin & Federico Brunetti (ed.), A Human-Centered Approach to Quality and Excellence in Management, pages 43-67, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-00063-7_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-00063-7_3
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