Unit - 1 1. Six Basic Concepts of Total Quality Management (TQM)
Unit - 1 1. Six Basic Concepts of Total Quality Management (TQM)
1. Performance: How well does the product or service perform its intended
function?
2. Features: What extra features or characteristics does the product or service
offer that add value?
3. Reliability: How consistently does the product or service perform as
expected without failure?
4. Conformance: Does the product or service meet established standards or
specifications?
5. Durability: How long does the product last before it needs replacement or
repair?
6. Serviceability: How easy is it to maintain and repair the product?
7. Aesthetics: How does the product look, feel, taste, or sound? This involves
the sensory experience of the user.
8. Perceived Quality: What is the reputation of the product or service? This is
based on customer perception and branding.
9. Customer Satisfaction: How well does the product or service meet or
exceed customer expectations?
The ISO 9000 series is a set of international standards for quality management
systems. To document services associated with ISO 9000:
1. Cost: The certification process can be expensive, including the cost of hiring
consultants, conducting audits, and implementing required changes.
2. Time-Consuming: It requires significant time and effort to develop,
implement, and maintain the necessary quality management system.
3. Complexity: The process of becoming ISO 9000 certified can be complex,
particularly for smaller organizations.
4. Documentation Overload: Organizations may face challenges in
maintaining the required documentation, which can be extensive and
detailed.
5. Resistance to Change: Employees and management might resist the
changes required to meet ISO 9000 standards, especially if they feel the
changes are unnecessary or burdensome.
Quality plays a crucial role in sales and marketing because it directly affects how
customers perceive a product or service. Here’s why quality is important:
Assurance of Quality: ISO 9000 standards ensure that the seller's products
or services meet consistent quality standards, giving buyers confidence in
their purchase.
Reduced Risk: Buyers face less risk of purchasing defective or substandard
products when dealing with ISO 9000-certified companies.
Improved Communication: ISO 9000 standards often result in better
communication between buyers and sellers due to well-documented
processes and procedures.
Better Customer Service: ISO 9000-certified companies often have better
customer service practices, making it easier for buyers to resolve issues and
concerns.
Market Access: ISO 9000 certification can open doors to new markets and
customers who require their suppliers to be ISO certified.
Enhanced Reputation: Being ISO certified enhances a company's
reputation, which can attract more customers and increase sales.
Improved Efficiency: Implementing ISO 9000 standards can help a
company streamline its operations, reduce waste, and lower costs, improving
profitability.
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty: High-quality standards lead to higher
customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business.
Internal audits for ISO 9000 standards have several key objectives:
Quantitative Techniques:
Benefits:
Limitations:
Qualitative Techniques:
Benefits:
Rich Data: Provides deep insights into complex issues.
Flexible: Can adapt to new information as it arises.
Contextual: Helps understand the context and deeper meaning behind data.
Limitations:
Types of Benchmarking:
Process of Benchmarking:
Parameter Design:
Tolerance Design:
1. Leadership
A leadership team or council sets the direction and goals for the Six Sigma
program. Just like company leaders set goals for the business, the Six Sigma
leadership team defines what the program aims to achieve. Their
responsibilities include:
o Defining the purpose of the Six Sigma program
o Explaining how the results will benefit customers
o Setting schedules and deadlines for the work
o Reviewing progress and providing oversight
o Supporting the team members and backing their decisions
2. Sponsor
The sponsor is a high-level person who understands Six Sigma and is
committed to making it a success. This person acts as a problem solver for
ongoing projects and typically holds a significant role in the company, like
an Executive Vice President. Sponsors help start and coordinate Six Sigma
projects in their areas and ensure the program is successful.
3. Implementation Leader
This person is in charge of overseeing the Six Sigma team’s work. They
ensure that the work is completed correctly and help solve problems as they
arise. They also provide training as needed and help motivate the team to
stay on track.
4. Coach
The coach is an expert in Six Sigma who helps guide the team. They set
schedules, define what the project should achieve, and help resolve conflicts
or resistance to the program. The coach works between the sponsor and
leadership to keep everyone aligned and identify successes.
5. Team Leader
The team leader is responsible for managing the team’s work and acts as a
link between the team and the sponsor. Their duties include:
o Communicating with the sponsor to define project goals
o Selecting and helping team members
o Keeping the project on schedule
o Tracking the completion of each step in the process
6. Team Member
Team members are employees who work on specific tasks within a Six
Sigma project. They have defined roles and responsibilities and must meet
deadlines to achieve the project's goals. They collaborate with other team
members to complete their assignments within the project timeline.
7. Process Owner
The process owner is the person who takes over responsibility for a process
after the Six Sigma team has completed their work. They ensure that the
improvements made by the team are maintained and continue to be effective.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a key step in solving any problem. It's often used in the
"Improve" phase of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)
method. Before using any specific tools, brainstorming helps generate creative
ideas by encouraging open discussions in a group. A facilitator, often a lead Black
Belt or Green Belt, guides these sessions to help come up with different ways to
solve a problem.
The 5S System
The 5S System is a method to improve workplace organization and efficiency. It
originated in Japan and focuses on removing waste and bottlenecks caused by
disorganized tools or equipment. The five steps are:
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is about comparing your business with others to identify areas for
improvement. It can involve comparing processes within the same company
(internal benchmarking), comparing functions with industry leaders (functional
benchmarking), or comparing products and services with competitors (competitive
benchmarking).
While these metrics help compare and prioritize which processes need
improvement, they may not provide the detailed insights needed for specific
improvements.
To get more specific, the Process Capability Index can be used. This index
measures how well a process is performing relative to its specifications and
requires using a control chart to ensure the process is stable (in control). Control
charts help differentiate between two types of variation in a process:
Understanding these variations is essential because how you respond to each type
is different.
Definition: COPQ represents the total cost associated with defects and
inefficiencies in a process, including rework, waste, lost opportunities, and
customer dissatisfaction.
Components:
o Internal Failure Costs: Costs from defects found before delivery to
customers (e.g., rework, scrap).
o External Failure Costs: Costs from defects found after delivery to
customers (e.g., returns, warranty claims).
o Appraisal Costs: Costs related to inspecting and testing products to
ensure quality.
o Prevention Costs: Costs incurred to prevent defects (e.g., training,
process improvements).
Purpose: COPQ helps organizations understand the financial impact of poor
quality and justify investments in quality improvement initiatives.
Phase 1: Define
Phase 2: Measure
Phase 3: Analyze
Analyze Data: Use tools like Pareto charts or Fishbone diagrams to identify
patterns and root causes of complaints.
Identify Problem Areas: Determine which areas or processes cause the
most complaints.
Prioritize Issues: Focus on the most significant issues that can reduce
complaints the most.
Expected Outcome: A list of root causes and prioritized areas for improvement.
Phase 4: Improve
Generate Solutions: Brainstorm and select the best solutions to address the
root causes (e.g., improve employee training, streamline processes).
Implement Changes: Make changes to the process, such as updating
procedures or adding more staff during peak times.
Test the Solutions: Conduct a pilot test to see if the changes reduce
complaints.
Expected Outcome: Implemented solutions that are tested and show a reduction in
complaints.
Phase 5: Control
Final Goal
By the end of the Six Sigma project, the organization should see a significant
reduction in customer complaints, improved service quality, and happier
customers.
UNIT-V
1. Illustrate with examples how TQM can be used to improve the quality of
service in a financial institution.
2. Analyze the challenges and benefits of applying TQM principles in the
hospitality industry.
3. Discuss the role of TQM in health care services. How does it contribute to
patient safety and satisfaction?
4. Explain about implantation of TQM in service organization
1. Customer Feedback
2. Employee Training
Example: The bank provides regular training for its employees to improve their
customer service skills. For example, if tellers are trained to handle customer
requests more efficiently and politely, customers will likely have a better
experience and feel more valued.
3. Process Improvement
Example: The bank reviews and updates its procedures to make transactions
quicker and less error-prone. For instance, if the process for approving loans is
slow, the bank might simplify the paperwork or introduce a new system to speed
up approvals.
4. Quality Standards
Example: The bank sets clear quality standards for how customer interactions
should be handled. For example, they might establish a standard that all customer
complaints must be addressed within 24 hours. By following these standards, the
bank ensures consistent and high-quality service.
5. Regular Reviews
Example: The bank regularly reviews performance metrics like the number of
customer complaints or transaction errors. If they notice an increase in errors, they
can investigate the cause and make necessary changes to improve accuracy and
service quality.
By focusing on these areas, a financial institution can enhance its service quality,
leading to happier customers and smoother operations.
1. Focus on Patients: Make sure patients are at the center of their care.
Involve them in decisions, respect their choices, and communicate clearly.
2. Ongoing Training: Keep healthcare workers updated on TQM methods,
communication skills, and how to engage with patients.
3. Track Quality: Measure important factors like patient results, waiting
times, readmission rates, and how satisfied patients are.
4. Reduce Mistakes: Use tools like checklists and standard procedures to cut
down on medical errors.
5. Teamwork: Encourage doctors, nurses, and other health workers to work
together to improve care and outcomes.
6. Get Feedback: Set up ways for patients to give their opinions and
complaints, and use this input to make improvements.
7. Improve Processes: Make administrative tasks more efficient to reduce
paperwork and wait times, making the overall experience better for patients.
8. Follow Rules: Make sure to meet healthcare regulations and standards while
always working on improving quality.
Benefits: Better patient safety, higher quality of care, and more satisfied patients.
4.implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) in a service organization:
1. Leadership Commitment
What to Do: Promote a culture where everyone values quality and customer
satisfaction.
Why: Make sure leaders set a good example by working on quality
improvements.
What to Do: Set up a team with people from different departments and
levels.
Why: Include staff who interact with customers to better understand their
needs.
What to Do: Collect feedback from customers to learn what they want and
expect.
Why: Use this feedback to make improvements that meet customer needs.
What to Do: Define specific and measurable quality goals that align with
what customers need and the organization’s goals.
Why: These goals guide your quality improvement efforts.
What to Do: Collect and analyze data on service quality to make informed
decisions.
Why: Data helps track performance and identify trends.
What to Do: Work with suppliers to ensure they also meet quality
standards.
Why: Quality inputs lead to better service.
What to Do: Keep collecting feedback through surveys and other methods.
Why: Use feedback to make necessary improvements and enhance service
quality.
By following these steps, your organization can effectively apply TQM to improve
service quality and customer satisfaction.