Total Quality Management And Continuous Quality Improvement Management Essay

Total Quality Management And Continuous Quality Improvement Management Essay Total Quality Management (TQM) Total quality management refers to organizational functions that denote the quality of products and process is the responsibility of every person involved in the creation and consumption of products and services offered by the organization (Hakes, 1991). The aim of TQM is to increase the product quality to meet the customer expectations. Thus, TQM process requires the participation of management, workforce, suppliers and customers. According to Cua et al. (2001), there are nine common TQM practices such as cross-functional product management,   supplier quality management, product process management, customer participation, customer  feedback, committed  leadership,  strategic planning, cross-functional training, and employee participation. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Continuous Quality Improvement refers to philosophy of organizational product and service quality. This process leads to systematic analysis of organization for decision making process based on the facts and organization activity. It deals with risks involving the quality of the product and service by improving the communication both internally and externally. Through the systematic procedure of CQI employees and workforce are educated and team work relationship is created among them. According to It further creates Seymour (1992), CQI creates a structure conducive to never-ending, incremental improvement by developing cooperative workforce-management relations. Similarities between TQM and CQI As far as similarities between both approaches are concerned, CQI is such management approach which improves maintains the quality by emphasizing the regular internal assessment of causes of quality issues and it is further followed by the undertaken of reducing the quality risk and improving the product quality. CQI is the broader term of TQM they share number of similarities such as TQM similar to CQI is such approach which involves planning and implementing continuous improvements in quality. Thus, TQM utterly involves the employees and demands them to realize requirements of customers and client (Kanji, 1995), the use of data-related tool that assesses and improves the quality of the output produced by team. Both approaches share further following similarities: Non-stop improvement Customer or Client focus Structured and Systematic processes Wide participation of Organization Importance of TQM and CQI TQM and CQI possess an important role in the organizational management activity. Since, the principle task of these approaches is to ensure the quality of the product and service offered by the organization. These management approaches with goals are implemented and proceeded to achieve the quality issues along with the quality standard present in the organization. With the globalization and increased economic competitive environment high customers expectation has been observed. High customer expectation can possibly be met with by controlling the production process in terms of managing and maintaining the quality. Thus, quality management and quality improvement approaches have great importance to organization for a variety of reason. The importance of continuous quality improvement and total quality management can be understood by the following benefits availed by applying them: Product Quality: Quality management and quality improvement ensure that product is being manufactured by applying standard quality procedure. This may include performance of the product, reliability as well as durability. Thus, through these quality management and improvement organization is able to manage and improve the quality of the product by increasing its performance. In this regard, quality management struggle to produce product efficiency according to stated promises. Customer Satisfaction: For every organization it is very important to provide customer satisfaction to increase the organizational productivity. Quality management and quality improvement ensure the customer satisfaction by maintaining the quality such as conducting customer survey to understand what customer really want and who are the customers of the product. Thus, organization is able to have insight of competitors and customers. In this regard, customer survey results are used to target the customers for the product or services. The quality management and improvement programs are helpful use methodology to create particular type of product according to customers desire (Rogers, 1996). Increased Revenues: Quality of products and services maintained with the help of TQM and CQI leads to reputation of company. The reputation of company due to quality provides the company with the opportunity to gain more customers and increase the sale of the products. CQI and TQM increase the efficiency of the production system in the company (Winchell, 1991). The efficiency of production system is improved by the removal of inefficiency and defects in production activities that contribute to the quality of the products. For example, if workforce is not consuming much time on production activities to the products quality, thus, workers are spending more time in production activity but the company does not increase the salary. The application of CQI and TQM helps the company to re-capture the lost investment caused due to inefficiencies. Reduce Waste: The implementation of CQI and TQM in the organization allows the management to reduce the waste caused by the inefficient production activity. Company that house inventory pays for the storage, management and tracking of the inventory. The inventory cost of the company increases the price of the product and implementation of CQI and TQM reduces the cost of the inventory (McLaughlin Kaluzny, 2006). CQI and TQM build a systematic approach that keeps the inventory at the affordable level of waste. Benefits of Implementing CQI and TQM Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) with a systematic approach achieves continuous improvements in a product or service. The implementation of CQI allows defining the problem, mapping the process, identifying improvement opportunities, implementing the improvements and continually monitoring the outcomes for improvement opportunities. Other benefits of CQI are as follows: Use of Data: The implementation of CQI within the company allows using quantitative information such as output, defects rather than subjective information for improving the production process (Hubbard, 1993). The monitoring of the data helps to identify ongoing opportunities for the improvement in the quality process. Improved Morale: The implementation of CQI allows the management in the organization to focus on the improvement of employee morale without blaming the employee for the problems and defects occur in the business operational system. CQI rather focuses on the problem in the process than focusing on the people performing the process (White, 1997). Better Customer Service: Since CQI focuses on the continuous improvement in the performance and removal of the problem from the system, and increases and quality of the product and service, through the means of quality this process increase provision of better customer service by improving customer satisfaction (Dew Nearing, 2004). Increased Productivity: The removal of defects and other problems from the system leads to less waste and repeat of procedure by the employees. Less repetition of activity allows the organization to have increased productivity. Increased Revenue: The removal of errors and increased customer satisfaction provides the organization with the opportunity to increase the sales of the products and services which increases the revenue of the company. Benefits of Implementing Total Quality Management As far as benefits of implementing TQM are concerned commonly it allows the company to build its reputation by removing the faults and leading to zero defects. The management process helps the organization to have good relationship with employees by increasing their morale, team work and involvement in decision making process. As a result of quality control inspections and lower costs to the production process it can result in the following benefits: Higher Quality Products: TQM emphasizes the importance on the quality of product and as a result company is able to focus on the creation of high level quality production. TQM allows the management to be aware of quality level of products and services being provided by quality assurance product testing which is a key aspect of the Total Quality Management. Better Reviews from Customers: As a result of assuring the quality level of product and services, customers are more satisfied. Owing to quality assurance testing by TQM the products and services of the organization constantly meet the quality requirement of the customers. Thus, customer satisfaction as a result of high performance of product and service can lead to have good reviews from the customers and increased better reviews from client and customers further increases the sale of the product and business. Better Production from Employees: TQM stresses on the need to place attention on the fulfillment of employees requirements. The satisfaction of employees in the organization causes the company to achieve the objectives of the Total Quality Management. Employee satisfaction can increase the productivity of the organization as it creates motivation for the employees to work harder to achieve the organizational goals. Components and Factors of CQI There are three main factors or components of CQI i.e. customer satisfaction, scientific approach and team approach. Customer Satisfaction: The implementation of CQI in the organization requires working on the customer satisfaction by improving the internal system. The customer satisfaction may include customers participation, and the participation by employees in the organization performing different functions. Thus, according to Al-Assaf (1993), quality can be achieved when the needs and the expectation of the customers are met. Scientific Approach: The implementation of CQI also requires adopting scientific approach such as data analysis, system thinking, benchmarking and variation. The data analysis allows the management to take decision on the basis of sound proof. Systems thinking involve the process and relationship among the data. Benchmarking is used to identify the beast practice in related and unrelated setting to emulate as process or used as performance targets (MCLaughlin and Kaluzny, 1994) as results of the benchmarking are important in CQI (Buccini, 1993). Team Approach: The implementation of CQI process is better done if it is undertaken in team work than done by an individual. Thus, team approach is the main factor of the implementation of CQI and it needs support from the management, employees and other unit of the organization. As a result of team approach people from different departments perform as a team. Suggestions for the Future Implementation of CQI and TQM There are correlated concerns of many researches between organizational performances; structure and quality control system exist in the organization. Since the purpose of the implementing CQI and TQM is to enhance the possibility of the organization to achieve its goals by controlling the quality of information, building standards for evaluation and designing adequate rewards and punishments, the factors of CQI and TQM influence the manufacturing performance system. However, implementing CQI and TQM is the most effective and recognizable process to achieve the quality in the organization, the changes proposed for the quality can be analyzed and assessed effectively in terms of quality. Thus, the need for improved quality can be perceived and can be changed effectively (Salvendy, 2001). To measure the effectiveness of CQI and TQM can be the most significant aspect after the implementation of process. Company often employs future strategy to improve the implementation of the approach through scrutinizing the Quality Circle which allows the management to maintain the quality of the products and services offered by the organization. The advantage of employing the Quality Circle is that it analyzes the goals of the process and helps to understand the accomplishment of the goal by maintaining the specifications. If organizations aim is to produce an automatic shock absorber the measurement of the accomplished products can easily be made while manufacturing process are adjusted to maintain the specifications. Moreover, CQI and TQM is not just one time event its accreditation visit is periodic (Salvendy, 2001). The implementation of quality improvement and management is an ongoing process and it should remain so. The most importantly there should be measurement of accomplishment of mandate events and analysis to continue those mandates there should be positions meetings held by the management with employees and units of organization. This future strategy allows the organization to review mandate and integrate the strategic initiatives goals into single process. This single process conducted by the means of outlined process. The outcomes of the assessments of CQI and TQM are interrelated notions and products outcomes assessment constitutes the basis for CQI and TQM. As a result of the results of assessment organization keeps striving to continuously improve the quality of the outcomes to better serve the clientele (Stupak Leitner, 2001).

Media and Communication Theory

In the 21st Century Media technology and Telecommunication Technology has undergone tremendous changes in its technological advancement. In the 1990’s this technological innovation has given birth to the World Wide Web and the Internet technology.Many writers in this field in many theoretical perspectives have analyzed the impact of media technology on society. In this essay I will discuss the theory of â€Å"technological determinism and its inevitability† using primarily the theoretical and historical evaluation of Media technology on society advocated by Burnett & P. David Marshall in their book â€Å"Web Theory: An Introduction†. In addition I will also use examples of Radio and Television on Western Society and the forces, which shaped the Medias impact on Society values and culture and, way of life as well as how it supplemented or whether it replaced the earlier Media technologies such as Television, radio, News papers and print technologies.Brief history of InternetThe origins of Internet are in the Military Institutions of USA. It was an incidental development to gather  Security information and assimilations within the defense bureaucracy. It was in the public domain as government was involved in its early development. Later the Universities recognized its potential to share information within the universities and they adopted this technology for their research work.As a result of this process the bulletin boards appeared first for science fiction and then for personal and other reasons by many user groups who had common interest. After the Internet was commercialized and independent service providers entered the market and e-commerce was introduced by the private sector and the control of web past from the public sector to the private sector. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, pp: 11-12)Definition of the theory of â€Å"technological determinism and inevitabilityThe theory of technological determinism can be defined as the major influence of the dominant technology to have a major impact on society and its inevitability and its transformation power and the replacement of older technologies and social practices. It assumes that people react to technology and economic, social, institutional and political factors is not that important and the major force can be reduced to technology as a major change agent for the societies advancement and enlightenment. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003. pp: 10-11)Origins of the theory of â€Å"technological determinism and inevitabilityThe origins of the theory were due to several writers who promoted this theory as well as powerful people in politics and in Commerce promoted it. These writers attributed just like other media technologies the Internet also will have a revolutionary impact on society. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, pp: 7-8)The ideology of technology and its effectsThe ideology of technology means is a representation is completely normal and natural for the culture as well asappropriate.   That is the new technology not only natural and normal bur also what is needed to make the society better. It reduces the debate to a functional level rather than public debate and becomes a cultural reality in every day lives and we accept new technology passively. It promotes that we cannot be happy without the latest model of technological equipment or model. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, p: 9)Evaluation of Technological determinism based on Web TheoryAs discussed above from the brief history of the Internet and noticing other factors has also played a part in the evolution of the Internet such as institutional and social patterns it is obvious that new technology alone may not bring about a revolutionary change in society.   As well if this theory stifles public debate it may not produce positive outcomes and can be detriment for societies progress.   In addition it does not take in to account social, economic Institutional and political factors as important and it may oversimplify how technology impacts society and gives in appropriate weight for technology as a major factor for social betterment.However some writers of technical determinists have shed some light on the actual development of web technology, which in itself can be a major social change factor in limited situations.   They are H.A. Innis, Marshall McLuhan, Lewis Mumford (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, P: 12).   According to H. A InnisA dominant communication medium can be time-based or space based. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, P: 13) According to him time- based communication system will produce a close society and a space based communication medium will produce a more open society. (, Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall 2003, P: 13) Web technology is an active play with space and time and its diffused and web does not have a center however as it originates in America on the other hand it may create a centralizing model of communication. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, P: 14-15).Another interesting question. which arises from Inns insight is how the space is defined through the web? Does the control of virtual space control the geographical space? (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall 2003, P: 15) The virtual space is discontinuous with the material world of countries and geopolitics. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall 2003, P: 15) However there may be new divides acrossEvaluation of Technological determinism based on Web Theory  geographical boundaries in the virtual world grouping activities and interests which may relate to power groups that may be not coordinated with the interests of empires if multinational companies do not control the cyberspace. If they control the cyberspace then it will have repercussions in the international geopolitics of work, economy and culture. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall 2003, P: 15)In the perspective of Marshall McLu han he theorizes technology as a medium. In the Web Theory of Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall they highlight the utility of seeing web as a medium rather than its content because it points in the right direction how a technology incorporates other technologies in the early stages and evolves on a long-term basis rather than replacing past technologies as web uses voice, text, visual and graphics to convey messages and linked with other networks and similar sites.(Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall. 2003 p: 17) In addition McLuhan saw the expansion of television and other communication technology internationally he came with an idea of global village. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall. 2003 p: 18). According to Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall this idea of global village in respect of television internationally a least for 80 years in their view television as a media technology has been a major force for the culmination of nation state and nationalistic cultures as well they concl uded in some circumstances the television and other media technologies can have similarities for example the death of Kennedy televised across the world may have produced a kind of global village.However they rejected that these events did not produce sense of community like a village, which depended on interpersonal knowledge to make sense of the world. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall. 2003 p: 18)Evaluation of Technological determinism based on Web TheoryMcLuhan also has theorized technology can produce electronic collective consciousness. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall. 2003, p: 19). In the view of Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall this idea is utopian however they concluded that in smaller ways web technology can produce collective consciousness because of its nature and accessibility to information learning in schools and beyond has become to retrieve information and transform in to knowledge and action rather than route learning and memorization in western societies befo re advent of the web. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall. 2003, p: 19).As well Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall point in page 20 that technology can shape our behavior in particular ways so that we often become unified with the technology and give examples of driving a car and it has to become automatic to drive the car with confidence.According to Mumford technology has become out-of control and poised to ask question whether web has become out-of-control and a channel for further centralization of power or web is an extension of general human interest and democratizing knowledge and power? As well on an individual level one can ask the question does the web intuitively an extension of self in to kind of collective network of knowledge or information or the individual is absorbed in to the web technology which produces technological rationality that does not allow the individual to examine the system the individual is using.(Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, p: 20). Accordi ng to Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall these questions are complex and there is no simple answer and it depends on the web culture and the kind of information and knowledge it generates. (Robert Burnett, P. David Marshall, 2003, p: 20).Examples of existence of Radio and Television in the advent of web TechnologyIn the western world even in the era of web technology some groups get news and other information as a medium as opposed to web technology because of its appropriateness to some groups and in some contexts. For example if say a politician wants to convey a message then Television and radio is preferable to web technology as web technology is not accessible to may people and it has to have some interaction than the other medium and web technology is diffused than has a central point. That is the older technologies have their niche markets even in the advent of web technology and web technology supplements the other older technologies and they don’t replace overnight th ese technologies but in an evolutionary manner they enter in to our lives. The technology in itself has an impact on society.However as envisaged by the technological determinist theorists the dominant technology does not change in a revolutionary manner the society and other factors such as economic, Institutional, social patterns and cultural factors shape the use of technology and they play a part in shaping the society as a whole. In addition all previous technologies loose their transformation power after some time. For example Radio when invented promised a kind of utopian future for human knowledge, education and enhancement and change society in a revolutionary manner but radio did not realize this vision as envisaged by many technological determinist writers and powerful leaders at that time. It applies to Television as well.In addition news papers and libraries still exist side by side with web technology but they use web technologyTo advertise their services and to delive r services efficiently and expand markets as web technology is more spatial than the other technologies.ConclusionAs discussed above technology definitely to some extent shape our lives. However it does not shape our life in a revolutionary manner as proposed by the technological determinist theorists. Other factors play a part in shaping the technology itself and social, Institutional, political and cultural factors affect societies development and progress as well. In addition the new media technology as discussed above do not replace it but supplements and converge. It is also from the above discussion some theoretical insights in a limited manner applies to web technology as well in terms of its collective consciousness in some contexts and seeing web as a medium and the human-technological interface as theorized by some technological determinist theorists.In my view the Technological determinist theory is applicable in some circumstances and context but it is not applicable to web technology or any other technology that technology itself will transform society. However web technology compared to older technology has a potential to be in our day-to-day life in a long-term trajectory because of its versatility and its special communication medium.BibliographyRobert Burnett, P. David Marshall, (2003) Web Theory: An Introduction, Chapter 1: Web Technology, London & NY: Routledge, pp7-22

Time Management And Learning Process - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1195 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/05/29 Category Management Essay Level High school Tags: Time Management Essay Did you like this example? High school students have worked many years toward the goal of going to college. They have passed classes intended to prepare them for secondary education and have taken standardized tests, such as the ACT or SAT numerous times to better their chances to attend the college of their dreams. It is during this time that strong study habits and time management skills should have been formed. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Time Management And Learning Process" essay for you Create order Some may think they have a fervent grasp on these two aspects of school only to find out during freshman year this is not the case. As they look back to high school they realize there wasnt much homework or time allotment needed to prepare for tests. According to Cherif, faculty members stated many reasons, including the fact that a significant number of incoming students have poor levels of or a complete lack of academic preparedness for college courses, lack of learning and study skills, and/or lack of organizational skills (including time management and setting priorities) (Cherif et al). Study habits are not the only reason some college students do not as well as they think. There is just so much happening at school, where choices to what to be involved with need to be made. College students dont set out to fail, but time management can keep them from performing to the best of their ability. With freshman year comes a lot of changes and firsts. This is usually the first time the students are away from their parents. It is totally up to them to make all their own decisions without the input from mom or dad. Though their parents are just a phone call away, most students feel they are adult enough to make the right decision. This feeling of total freedom leaves some students with the same feeling Fiona had about a class she felt was not relevant to her education, I am going to be where I want to be at the time I want to be there, and you dont have to babysit me (Kivnc). Course schedules are made up a semester in advance with the help of a counselor. The counselorrs job is to make sure you stay on schedule for graduation in four years by taking the appropriate classes and hours for your major. The counselor does not know if you are an early riser, if you are working or any of your other idiosyncrasies. It is up to the student to make the final decision. Many colleges and universities are now offering more online classes. Sometimes online classes are the only way to get the class you need to stay on track. Students look at these classes as being easier. Only to find out online classes are more time consuming. So not only does a first time student need to choose the right classes they also need to be aware if they are in the correct delivery mode. For example, there are many students in online classes that should not be in those classes they do not have the skills to succeed. Students need to choose the delivery mode that fits their learning style, not what they think is easier (Cherif et al). The class times, courses and means of delivery you schedule are all in your control. There is only written rule within most colleges, taking twelve hours is considered a full time student. This magic number is what you will need to adhere to if you want to live on campus or use the athletic facilities. But most counselors recommend fifteen hours . Once you have selected your classes and times they should be noted as a priority when planning your day. New to first time college students is the way classes are arranged. They are used to taking a class five days a week for a credit. Now their schedule may show a whole day off from classes. This may bring the thought of sleeping in late or just being able to video games for the whole day. Jeff Bennett formulates a general rule of time needed for college classes. You should expect to study about 2 to 3 hours per week outside class for each unit of credit (Bennett). According to Bennett if you are taking fifteen credit hours, you will spend approximately 30 to 45 hours each week studying outside of class. Now add on the hours you are in class and it is about 60 hours. These are hours a first time student may not know needs to be a part of accessing time management. Now that your schedule has been made, students get an eye opening when it comes to their classes and studying. According to Maryellen Weimer, PhD, When learning isnt easy, a lot of students question their intellectual wherewithal, but thatrs not a problem they have to face if the fault lies with the teacher. Students are so conditioned to sitting in a classroom and being spoon-fed the information the teacher deems is important, that they do not even attempt to read or think for themselves. It is so easy to blame the professor for your shortcomings or being expected to participate in the discussion of the class. Weaning students from their dependence on teachers is a developmental process(Weimer). This is one process that can throw a student severely off course. Having to change the way you absorb information is very time consuming. Extra time a student may not be willing to give if a better or more fun opportunity arises. Students are now caught behind the eight ball, in trying to re ad all the books and chapters assigned, meet paper deadlines, and participate in extracurricular activities, college students may become overwhelmed with feelings that there is not enough time to complete all their work adequately (McCann et al). This may leave the student to choose one class over another due to time constraints. Sylvia from McGill University found out the hard way stating, some of my main courses were suffering because of how hard I was trying to pick up the slack in this one class (Vice). Time management does not just affect the student and grades. It affects the whole learning process. Frank Rubaduka, a student of University of Kigali, says poor time management spoils the teacher-student relationship hence affecting the studentrs concentration whenever that particular teacher is in charge (Mbabazi). To round out the whole college experience students need to find time to decompress and unwind. Ohio State University found, aside from classes, students spent studying andsocializing with their friends, since both are critical to student success; socializing with friends is just one way that many students find a sense of belonging in college. Professors and students alike have found that poor preparedness is the main cause of failure in college. Time management is the number one reason according to professors. The Journal of Educational Psychology states, various time management behaviors are related to important outcome variables, including stress and performance (McCann , et al). Students who fall behind become very stressed out. This stressing leads to lack of knowledge of the subject and poor grades. Without proper time management skills students can have a lot of wasted time throughout their college experience.