The horizontal reading of the EFQM Excellence Model
through the transverse axes allows the important organisational
management concepts to be analysed that are not contemplated
in the vertical reading. Furthermore, it facilitates the identification
of strong points and areas for improvement when
analysing the different processes that cross the functional areas
of the organisation. In addition, it allows the development of
action and improvement plans. Accordingly, when an organisation
makes an EFQM self-assessment it obtains a high
number of improvement actions. The problem arises when we
need to select those actions that have a greater impact on the
important management areas of the organisation. Thus, if the
organisation has identified its key transverse axes, it can design
specific improvement plans based on the sub-criteria of the
selected axes and the results obtained in the self-assessment.
Hence, our study shows that organisations can use the EFQM
Excellence Model as the basis for designing, implementing and
monitoring its KMP. In addition, they can use the synergies
contributed by the criteria of the EFQM Excellence Model and
the critical factors of the TQM so that the implementation is
faster and successful.