Wk1 - Quality and Innovation Flashcards
(7 cards)
What are the four elements of TQM?
- views organisation as collection of processes, to which quality management applies
- quality management is infinitely variable and adaptable/continuous
- applies to people, knowledge and experiences
- improving inputs, processes and outputs to ensure sustainable business and consumer outcomes
What is the main challenge of TQM that causes efforts to fail?
It is a long process involving shifts in business management and overall culture. Deep rooted change.
Challenging to do - does not show quick results therefore may be abandoned by short term oriented management.
What role does the business environment play in the failure of TQM efforts?
TQM failures are failures of implementation and management - not of the actual philosophy. “Soil not the seed”
Explain the gap that may occur during implementation of a TQM programme?
Lower levels may hide gaps/problems from upper management. Management aversion to failure - especially at mid levels. May impact on communication of TQM implementation - efforts slowly fall apart.
How can top management show commitment to TQM effort?
Consistency of management with TQM philosophy is important to prevent disillusionment. Lead by example.
What are the issues with the common top down approach to TQM?
Top down transformative shift of organisational culture is destined for failure.
Management must create organisational commitment - bottom up approach eg. Ishikawa/quality circles or build a culture orientated culture - slow but effective.
What are four ways to improve TQM implementation?
Ensure TQM alignment with corporate objectives/strategy/philosophy.
Don’t push from top down - create natural growth towards quality with structural/reward/performance metrics.
Lower/mid level participation in goal setting towards implementing TQM.
Ensure equality in outcomes - i.e. pay employees well/treat them fairly for increased quality output. They are sacrificing degree of control and freedom.
