Total Quality Management Case Essay Example for Free

Total Quality Management Case Essay Total Quality Management (TQM), is a management philosophy that gained its momentum in the 1980s. W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, and Kaoru Ishikawa are the founders who set forth the fundamentals of total quality management. In a matter of a decades time total quality management turned into a social movement and gained a significant level of acceptance in the U.S management community (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995). The primary authorities of the total quality management movement are of the opinion that being in business is the main objective of any organization. This in turn helps in the stability of the community and provides a platform for the growth and satisfaction of the organization members (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995). Hence we can say that total quality management refers to a management process that involves everyone and all the activities in an organization to ensure that the customer requirements are met at the same time the goals of the organization are satisfied and helps in the self-improvement of employees. Total quality management has radically changed the way in which traditionally quality was handled. A comparison and contrast of the two approaches highlights the advantages of total quality management over the traditional style. Traditionally quality was defined internally in an organization. Products or services were assumed to be of good quality if the organization thought so. But according to total quality management customer satisfaction is the primary criteria to define quality. It was believed that poor quality was a resultant of poor and inefficient work exhibited by the workers but total quality management attributes the quality assurance to the management and not the workers alone. Apart from team building total quality management stresses on the principle that the efficiency of cross-functional teams increases quality. This is in contrast with the traditional thought of building teams and concentrating on high amount of efficient teamwork. Inspection was a common method used earlier to maintain quality but total quality management stresses more on assuring quality by enforcing certain processes. (TQM Vs Traditional management style. Retrieved on 04/27/2007, from http://www.leanmanufacturingconcepts.com/TQMVsTraditionalManagementStyle.htm) For a long period of time quality was localized to the organization where it was determined but in the recent times globalization is the buzzword. Economic globalization refers to the integration of the various markets across the world to promote their respective business. It is the exchange of capital, products and services at a global level. When we look at the impact that globalization has caused on quality the most striking feature is that quality must be demonstrated at a global comparison level. Globalization has led to the development of international trade and new opportunities for any business to grow and expand to become competitive in an international market. To survive in the international market there is a need for constant improvement in quality and other management practices. Globalization has brought with it high levels of competition and progress in technology and innovation that it becomes mandatory to adhere to international standards for quality assurance. The certification of the quality by an international body is one method to achieve it. Businesses involved in international trade rely on the government for developing national quality policies, which shows the nations quality consciousness that in turn, will be reflected in the international scenario. While applying total quality management in any organization, best practices must be developed and followed across the organization to realize the philosophy of total quality management. Some of the most commonly used techniques are described below. â€Å"Formation of short-term problem-solving teams with the overall objective of simplifying and streamlining work practices.† (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995) the problems addressed by these teams include issues in cross-functional involvement and with-in unit workflow problems (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995). While implementing total quality management in an organization there is a need for investing time and money in training the employees of the organization. â€Å"Top-Down implementation† is a very important practice that focuses on the philosophy that quality is the responsibility of top management (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995).   The top management is first introduced to the quality practices that are then passed on to the lower levels in the hierarchy. To know what are the customer preferences greatly helps in satisfying the customer hence it is necessary to device mechanisms to obtain customer data. Methods that can be used to obtain customer data include â€Å"toll-free complaint lines, market research firms and customer focus groups† (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995). â€Å"Competitive benchmarking and employee involvement† are features that are in the most recent times being used in implementing total quality management. Benchmarking is useful to understand customer requirements, In order to meet customer requirements it is some times essential to opt for alternatives in work processes and determining the goals that have to be achieved in terms of quality (J. Richard Hackman, Ruth Wageman, 1995). To aspire the employees of the organization to become more and more quality conscious it’s a good idea to introduce methods by which the employee can be involved in quality. Some of the well-known methods are celebration of quality related events and use of quality days or weeks to stress upon quality improvement. At the same time programs must be developed to ensure employee satisfaction by providing proper appraisals based on performance. Ultimately the implementation of total quality management in an organization should be in-sync with the fundamental philosophy of â€Å"†¦perpetual improvement in everything we do.† (Dexter A. Hansen) References Richard Hackman.J, Ruth Wageman (1995). Total Quality Management: Empirical, conceptual, and Practical Issues. Journal article Administrative Science Quarterly, 40 Total Quality Management Vs Traditional Style, retrieved date 04/27/2007 http://www.leanmanufacturingconcepts.com/TQMVsTraditionalManagementStyle.htm United nations economic commission of Europe, Best Practice in the Creation of Quality Systems for Enhancing Competitiveness of SMEs, retrieved on, http://www.unece.org/indust/sme/quality.html

Husband vs Wife Essay -- Family Marriage Gender Roles Essays

Husband vs Wife Since the traditional conceptions of masculinity and femininity define man as instrumental and woman as expressive, then it follows that men and women can function in their traditional roles only in conjuction with each other. Each requires the other in order to perform at their peak in the world. A man is incomplete without nurturing and tenderness and when he cannot find these qualities within himself he becomes dependent on the woman in his life to provide them. A woman cannot function well without the self-assertiveness and leadership that she, if traditionally feminine could not develop within herself. For these qualities she becomes dependent on a man. Neither can stand alone and this relationship is formalized within the institution of marriage. Once the relationship is established, tasks and behaviors are assigned along sex-oriented lines. The woman becomes the wife and mother with certain tasks and the man accordingly becomes the husband and father with his own set of prescribed tasks and behaviors. In this relationship, powers are divided rather than shared. The man is allocated the power to make important decisions, achieve status, and material goods. On the other hand, assumes the power to feel, nurture, serve and manage domestic and interpersonal life of the home. Women thus gain power in private in exchange for submission in public. This is the traditional bargain struck between the two sexes. With the acceptance of the role of wife almost all women, especially role-oriented women, accept as well as the role of housewife. The deprecatory phrase ?I?m just a housewife? typifies the low esteem in which this position is held in our society. The housewife?s responsibilities fall under at least twelve occupational titles: nursemaid, housekeeper, seamstress, dietician, cook, dishwasher, laundress, food buyer, chauffer, gardener, practical nurse, and maintenance worker. However, she receives no pay and has to ask her husband for money for basically everything. It is remarkable that most women still rush to fill such a position. The traditional housewife?s main task is putting the interests of her husband and her children first. Her central mission in life is to care for her husband and children, and finds her major satisfaction in her family. In addition, for the traditional wife individual achievement is proscribed tho... ...ir own well being are disdained as ?woman?s work? ? the chores of the inferior sex. Undertaking the responsibilities of the housewife for many men is again an admission of failure, a sign announcing inadequacy in doing men?s work, which, if successful and profitable, would no doubt keep them to busy for insignificant tasks. Men do, however, develop traits often not found in women. In their competitive world men enhance their own logic and rationality and they learn top deal with problems, not people, as they inch their way up the latter of status and prestige external supports in this world are strong and rewards are tangible. They seldom have to wonder if their labor is or is not noticed, appreciated, or of value. At the same time as men?s energies are engaged in this competitiveness they tend top lose touch with their own emotions of with those of others. They are not interested in vital interpersonal communication when they return home after a day?s work. Overworked and preocc upied they desire only relief from those they have left at the office. Very much in need of emotional support they still regard the interpersonal facet and life as secondary to the major business.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Most and Least Important Factors in the Outbreak of Ww1

Which was the most important and least important factor in the outbreak of the First World War? In my opinion, the most important cause of the First World War was the Alliance System. By 1914, the main powers in Europe had been divided into two groups. These were: The Triple Alliance – Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, and The Triple Entente – Britain, France and Russia. Although the point of creating these alliances was to avoid war, they meant that any conflict that broke out would increase in scale immediately because the other countries had to support them. The main rivalries were Germany and France over the capture of Alsace-Lorraine, Russia and Austria over the Balkans, and Britain and Germany over their navies and economic power. The Alliance System created a lot of competition between the rival countries, and possibly even the allies themselves, because, naturally, they all wanted to be the most powerful and influential in their group. This just increased the tension between everyone and strengthened each side for the inevitable war. On the other hand, I think the least important cause of the war was the Arms Race. The growing divide in Europe (caused by the Alliance System) had led to an arms race between the main countries. The French and German armies had more than doubled their forces, and all nations were making plans for war. The German Count Alfred von Schlieffen had come up with the Schlieffen Plan, which was to fight France and defeat them within six weeks, and then to turn back and defeat Russia. Unfortunately for them, they relied too much on hoping Russia would take more than six weeks to mobilise, which didn’t happen. Also, as the Germans went through Belgium to get into France, Belgium had a treaty with Britain which meant Britain automatically got involved. Austria was intimidated by Russia and needed Germany to succeed in defeating France, so they could then help them in fighting Russia. Russia had potentially millions of soldiers. This made them very powerful because they could overwhelm the opposition with sheer numbers, although they would have needed Britain’s industrial help because they were badly-equipped. France had a large, well equipped army. They had a plan called Plan 17. This was to charge across the frontiers and deep into Germany, forcing them to surrender. Britain was closely but secretly in collaboration with the French. They set up the BEF (British Expeditionary Force), which was 150,000 highly trained soldiers that could go and support France at any time. Although the Arms Race seems to have developed the preparations for war from each country, I don’t think that it actually caused any more problems between the countries. At this point, war was seen as inevitable and all the nations could do was prepare for what was to come as best as they could.

Barneys Marketing Plan - 1630 Words

BARNEYS MARKETING PLAN Executive summary Barneys is planning to extend the target market by embracing budget fashionistas as well as current target customers who are fashion connoisseurs with a high disposable income and cutting-edge taste. It is because, according to Spending Pulse, Sales of luxury goods fell 27.6% in December 2009 compared with December 2008 including credit cards and cash. The pullback in luxury spending due to the deteriorating economy brought about a sharp slowdown and a torrent of extraordinary markdowns last year. The competitors including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus have been saddled with excess inventories and double-digit sales decrease. In order to do extend target market, Barneys†¦show more content†¦The recent promotion was offering merchandise at a 75% discount last year. S.W.O.T. analysis žStrengths: Hip image of providing unique mix of established designers and new costumers Private labels allowing full control and high markups Co-op offering chances to draw budget fashionistas with its young, experimental, downtown feel merchandise Good store locations appealing to both tourists and locals žWeaknesses: Aggressive expansion strategy derived from the new owner’s desire to recoup the investment: this has greatly increased expenses for opening stores. Lack of leadership: The former president and chief executive, Howard Socol, resigned in 2008 July and hasn’t yet to be replaced. Taste level which is not widely accepted: with its cutting-edge image, Barneys has a narrower appeal and customer base than other luxury department stores. žOpportunities: Growing trends towards contemporary apparel and accessories: customers started to look for practical and wearable items in everyday life rather than expensive statement outfits. Continuing strong growth in online sales: according to the report from the Census Bureau of the US Department of Commerce, online purchases amount has increased by more than 9% to $34.61 billion in the second quarter of 2009 compared with the amount during the same period of 2008, and online sales of apparel has generated $26.6 billion.Show MoreRelatedBusiness Plan of Asian House Restaurant11688 Words   |  47 PagesBusiness/International Marketing Hongmei Zeng Business Plan of Asian House Restaurant Bachelor’s Thesis 2011 ABSTRACT KYMENLAAKSON AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU University of Applied Sciences International Business Hongmei Zeng Bachelor’s Thesis Supervisor January 2011 Key words Business Plan of Asian House Restaurant 45 pages + 3 pages of appendices Ulla Puustelli, Senior Lecturer business plan, restaurant, Asian House, marketing The purpose of the thesis was to make a practical plan for setting upRead MoreManual Of HND Marketing Planning Fina14769 Words   |  60 PagesHND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People UNIT MANUAL (STUDY GUIDE) Marketing Planning Unit 19 HND BUSINESS N E NELSON COLLEGE LONDON L S O N C O L L E G E Copy right Author Editor Version Nelson College London Alfred Mbeteh Nazim Uddin V1-August 2013 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People TABLE OF CONTENT Table of content ...........................................................................................................Read MoreThe Success Of A Company Tesla Garments Strategy1383 Words   |  6 Pageslevels beyond the wildest imaginations. 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