TQM-like stuff for WC

[User JWERCHAN <jwerchan@osulima2.lima.ohio-state.edu>]

Hi folks,

I've just returned from a big faculty retreat funded by a major grant; 
the program's aim was to "reinvent" instruction practices by applying 
Total Quality Management principles used in business/industry.  I was 
extremely skeptical at first, and am not yet 100% un-skeptical, but I 
am guardedly enthusiastic about most parts of it.  It 
was interesting, though not entirely surprising, since compositionists have 
for quite a while been using portfolio assessment with lots of feedback 
loops to students, letting them "own" their school work better than was 
possible with earlier minutiae-grading-quiz practices.  And portfolio was 
touted at the retreat as one of the best ways to apply TQM-like 
principles to education.

Lots of it made sense.

Here's my query for WCENTER-land:

Have any of you read up on TQM-like stuff in education?  Have any of you 
adopted TQM-like protocols or principles in your day-to-day WC practice?

There were a few English folks at this retreat, but i think i was 
the only writing center person.  So I'm falling back on you folks for 
specifically WC-ish feedback.

thanks in advance.

James Werchan
 OSU Lima