As part of an effort to create a harmonious convergence of thought and behaviour in matters of business performance and principles among Tata companies, the Group has a formal process called the Brand Equity and Business Promotion (BEBP) Agreement. A Tata company, for the pride it takes in being part of the Group and for the right to use the Tata name, signs the BEBP agreement and adopts the Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM) and the Tata Code of Conduct (TCoC) and its adjunct, the Management of Business Ethics (MBE).

Tata Business Excellence Model (TBEM)

Assessment: TBEM is a ‘customised-to-Tata’ adaptation of the globally renowned Malcolm Baldrige model. The TBEM philosophy has been moulded to deliver a combination of strategic direction and concerted effort to maximise business performance. The model, through its regular and calibrated updates, is used by Tata companies to stay in step with the ever-changing business environment.

TQMS helps Tata companies use the model to gain insights on their business strengths and opportunities for improvement. This is managed through an annual process of assessment and assurance.

The model focuses on seven core aspects of operations: Leadership, Strategic planning, Customer focus, Measurement, analysis and knowledge management, Human resource focus, Process management and Business results. Performance is measured in absolute points; companies have to achieve a minimum of 500 points (out of 1,000) within four years of signing the BEBP agreement. Achievements are awarded by recognition across the Group. Each company is assessed by executives belonging to other Tata companies, who are specifically selected and trained as assessors by TQMS.

Improvement: TQMS also provides consultancy in customer-driven excellence, knowledge management (to enhance sharing of resources and best practices), innovation, Total Quality Management, balanced scorecard and other improvement methodologies to help drive improvement within Tata companies.  TQMS has increased its focus on improvement practices in order to provide more value-added and deeper interventions to Tata companies. The Improvement group has been strengthened, and consultants have been placed in multiple locations to enable closer access and convenience to clients.

The TQMS Executive Committee has set up the Tata Group Innovation Forum (TGIF) which works on enhancing the innovation ecosystem and accelerate the focus on innovation in Tata companies.

A new focus area for the Tata group is safety. TQMS is working to assist Tata companies in improving their safety performances.

Management of Business Ethics (MBE)

Another essential requirement of the BEBP is the adoption of the Tata Code of Conduct. Group companies and all Tata employees are expected to conduct themselves and their business according to the precepts and ethical standards prescribed by the TCoC.

MBE is a TQMS practice that helps companies maintain and monitor the ethics code. TQMS operates a survey-based process that captures how executives perceive their own company’s progress on TBEM and MBE. Through this approach Tata companies get feedback from their own employees on lead indicators of excellence and ethics.

Climate Change

TQMS has also been entrusted with facilitating climate change initiatives in all Group companies. Its role is to build awareness on climate change and establish current levels carbon foot prints in Tata companies and help them in identifying and acting on the mitigation measures.

Networking Forums

All these initiatives are conducted and monitored through ten Tata Networking Forums set up in India and across the world. These forums are managed and run with the support of Tata Companies in each of the ten regions.