Integrating total quality principles into an environmental training program

To effectively comply with pressing environmental regulations, Northrop Aircraft Division needed to quickly train 5,000 employees to handle and dispose of hazardous waste properly. To accomplish this environmental cultural change process, Northrop decided to incorporate the principles of another culture change being effected within the company—that of Total Quality Management. The necessary information was delivered to thousands of workers in a limited amount of time through a new Focal Point training program, the effectiveness of which was demonstrated by marked improvement in inspection reports.