HW 4
1. The 8 principles of ISO 9000 standard addresses how important customers are to an
organization. Organizations should always focus on how they can meet and exceed their
customer’s expectations. The organization must also show a common goal through leadership.
Quality cannot be achieved if everyone on board does not share a similar vision. The driving
force for improved quality is really about the vision. Engaging individuals within the organization
who show commitment. Helping those individuals utilize their abilities which would benefit the
company by improving quality. Organizations need to be able to outline the processes that lead
to accomplishment. When the processes are identified, it becomes possible to manage and
improve on them. The organization must also have a way of structuring its management as a
system. Effectiveness or accomplishment of the organization is most likely inter-related across
departments. Each department must have a way of communicating and connecting with other
departments in the organization. Organizations must continually improve their system in order
to achieve quality. Technologies are constantly improving and organizations that refuse to yarn
for constant improvement end up not been able to compete. Organizations must have a way of
collecting statistical data and make decisions on factual evidences. Mutually beneficial supplier
relationship is of great importance. Organizations need to partner with their suppliers so that
they can work together as a team. Interest of supplier must be protected so they can stay in
business to service the organizations needs.
2. Pareto Charts help organizations understand their customers or major source of revenue. It can
also be used to look at the source of problems which are resulting into a bigger unfavorable
performance by the organization. This is very useful because it can help the organization focus
on their areas of strength.
3. The fishbone diagram is a diagram which simplifies the analysis of the factors that affect a
process or product. It is a diagram which directly shows the cause and effect, it’s also the only
diagram which is not based on statistical data.
4. Histograms are graphical representations used to show the frequency of an event. It helps in
analyzing statistical data collected. For example, it will help an organization see how frequent a
customer is requesting for service. However, histograms can be flawed with data taken over
time. Histograms do not take account of changes like wear on machines over time. As we know,
wear and tear of tools can have an effect on productivity over time.
5. Control charts are very effective tools in monitoring processes. With Control charts, upper and
lower bound limits are set which should be the typical operating range of the process. When the
upper limit or lower limit is exceeded, the operator can identify the run off on the chart. The
operator can then stop the process and make adjustments needed. Control charts encourage
continual improvement.
6. Flow charts are graphic illustrating used in showing a process. Flow diagrams can be used to
show chain of command or steps for a process. It’s very useful because it’s very easy to follow.
After illustrating with diagrams, an individual can then look critically and identify where the
problems are located
Stage 1
• Design
Stage 2
• Production
Stage 3
• Installation
7. FEMA is a failure mode and effective analysis system which tries to identify all possible failure
types in a device or product through inspection. FEMA is a power full tool because it helps the
manufacturer identify potential failure and problems with every product before it gets to the
customers. This in turn reduces the need for replacement of products within warranty period. It
increases customer’s satisfaction.
8. Toyota total quality decision making process looks at the process by first identifying criteria for
which failures or problems can happen. After setting these criteria, an open minded inspection
of the product based on the criteria is carried out. Where failures are identified, the source of
the problem is then identified. Upon identifying the source, Toyota believes knowing the reason
why that is a problem lies in 5 questions. Why are the buying excess materials? Why is our
system requesting more materials? Why is there an erroneous material request? Why is the
inventory data inaccurate? Why is the inventory data not updated? After critically answering all
questions, the company then develops and implements a counter measure. After
implementation, another check is done to analyze the effect of the change. If the effect is an
improvement, then the standard of operation is then updated.
9. Total quality decision making process requires the manager to evaluate decisions to me made
based on information gathering. The more information the manager has, the better equipped
him or she will be in making decisions. Decision making can be objective or subjective. It all
depends on how much information is available when the decision needs to be made. Objective
decisions are better because they are decisions made using the right information. Subjective
decision are speculative in nature, the decisions are made using limited information. After
choosing the best decisions and implementing it, managers will have to monitor the effect of
those decisions and then adjust appropriately.
10. Quality tools are required because they are essential in getting consistent results; they reduce
down time, and reduce errors. Due to mechanical wear and tear, low quality tools can impede
quality production. Most statistic analyzing tools like histograms don’t take into account the
effect of wear and tear in tools. So errors generated from wear and tear of tools will can cause
data collected to be skewed.
Renewing Detroit: It will be interesting to see Detroit come back to life. With the huge funds budgeted
to make that happen, coupled with proper management, Detroit might be on the way to recovery. I am
however concerned about how the original problem which led to bankruptcy is been managed. If these
funds go into social amenities, they might just be complicating the problem. I think the funds have to be
spent on income and job generating projects.
Navy communication Satellite: Another technology advancement for the satellite from UHF to WCDMA.
UHF is an analog signal from my little understanding of UHF with its own limitation and disadvantages.
One I think UHF signals can more easily be intercepted, UHF signal are also not as clear as WCDMA. With
the improvement of this satellite’s communication system, this will lead to improved communication
with war fighters. It will eliminate some errors and limitations that are currently experienced today.
Indiana Phillsbury plant closure: It’s always a sad thing to see companies close a factory in a state
because people are bound to lose their source of income. In the case of Phillsbury, I think all the
company and the workers need is to have a strategic partnership. General mills should be able to let the
union know what it will take from the union to get the factory to stay running, the union must also see
themselves as stakeholders in the factory so they can both mutually benefit. It will be of less benefit to
the workers/ union to see the factory close down. Unfortunately, if the factory closes down, the
company itself might not see a decline in revenue. It will most likely outsource those jobs to places
where they can lower the cost of production and still stay competitive.