Question

Organizational design and management are key factors in quality improvement. In Chapter 4, high-performing teams are mentioned which have the following characteristics:  

1. Size ands structure
2. Shared vision
3. Focused objectives
4. Leadership
5. Cohesion
6. Action
7. Follow-up
8. Hoshin planning

Based on these characteristics, explain the relevance and importance of these characteristics in quality management and give examples. Do you think any of the characteristics are more important than the others? Why?

Answer 1

It is the act of overseeing all activities and tasks that must be accomplished to maintain a desired level of excellence. This includes the determination of a quality policy , creating and implementing quality planning and assurance and quality control and quality improvement and also referred to as Total Quality Management [TQM].

Better products, equal happier customers and higher revenue , besides product quality ,quality management systems, ensure clear communication structures ,responsibilities and tasks across all departments . This results in higher morale , improved performance and increased efficiency .

EXAMPLE

The example of TQM is Toyota's implementation of the kanban system. A kanban is a physical signal that creates a chain reaction , resulting in a specific action. Toyota used this idea to implement its just-in-time inventory process . To make its assembly line more efficient ,the company decided to keep just enough inventory on hand to fill customer orders as they were generated .

Therefore all parts of the Toyota's assembly line are assigned a physical card that has associated inventory number. Right before a part is installed in a car , the card is removed and moved up the supply chain , effectively another of the same part . This allows the company to keep its inventory lean and not overstock unnecessary assets.