1. Explain why continual quality improvement is important.
The rationale for continual improvement is that it is necessary in order to compete in the global marketplace. Just maintaining the status quo, even if the status quo is high quality, is like standing still in a race. Customer needs are not static; they change continually. A special product feature that is considered innovative today will be considered just routine tomorrow. A product cost that is considered a bargain today will be too high to compete tomorrow. A good case in point in this regard is the ever-falling price for each new feature introduced in the personal computer. The only way a company can hope to compete in the modern marketplace is to improve continually.
2. What is management’s role in continual quality improvement?
Management’s role in continual improvement is leadership. Executive-level managers must be involved personally and extensively. The responsibility for continual improvement cannot be delegated.
3. Discuss the Kaizen approach.
Kaizen is the name given by the Japanese to the concept of continual incremental improvement. It is a broad concept that encompasses all of the many strategies for achieving continual improvement and entails the following five elements: straighten up, put things in order, clean up, standardize, and discipline. Two important Kaizen tools are “Five W’s and One H,” and the “Five M Checklist.”
The Five W’s and One H are not just Kaizen tools. They are widely used as management tools in a variety of set- tings. The Five W’s and one H are Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Using them encourages employees to look at a process and ask such questions as the following:
The rationale for continual improvement is that it is necessary in order to compete in the global marketplace. Just maintaining the status quo, even if the status quo is high quality, is like standing still in a race. Customer needs are not static; they change continually. A special product feature that is considered innovative today will be considered just routine tomorrow. A product cost that is considered a bargain today will be too high to compete tomorrow. A good case in point in this regard is the ever-falling price for each new feature introduced in the personal computer. The only way a company can hope to compete in the modern marketplace is to improve continually.
2. What is management’s role in continual quality improvement?
Management’s role in continual improvement is leadership. Executive-level managers must be involved personally and extensively. The responsibility for continual improvement cannot be delegated.
- Establishing an organization-wide
quality council and serving on it.
- Working with the quality council to
establish specific quality improvement goals with timetables and target dates.
- Providing the necessary moral and
physical support.
- Moral support manifests itself as
commitment. Physical support comes in the form of the resources needed to
accomplish the quality improvement objectives.
- Scheduling periodic progress reviews
and giving recognition where it is deserved.
- Building continual quality improvement
into the regular reward system, including promotions and pay increases.
3. Discuss the Kaizen approach.
Kaizen is the name given by the Japanese to the concept of continual incremental improvement. It is a broad concept that encompasses all of the many strategies for achieving continual improvement and entails the following five elements: straighten up, put things in order, clean up, standardize, and discipline. Two important Kaizen tools are “Five W’s and One H,” and the “Five M Checklist.”
The Five W’s and One H are not just Kaizen tools. They are widely used as management tools in a variety of set- tings. The Five W’s and one H are Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Using them encourages employees to look at a process and ask such questions as the following:
- Who is doing it? Who should be doing it?
- What is being done? What should be done?
- Where is it being done? Where should it be done?
- When is it being done? When should it be done?
- Why is it being done? Why do it that way?
- How is it being done? How should it be done?
The Five-M checklist is a tool that focuses attention on five key factors involved in any process. The Five M’s are man(operator), machine, material, methods, and measurement. In any process, improvements can be made by examining these aspects of the process.
4. How would you describe a lean system?
Lean is a TQM approach originally designed for manufacturing, but since adapted to any kind of organization. It is intended for smoother, more flexible process flow, reducing waste, and improving the organization’s competitive posture. The wastes of overproduction, inventory, motion, transportation, over processing, defects, waiting, and underutilization are primary targets of Lean. Compared to a non-Lean company, the Lean organization does more and does it better, while using less. At the heart of the concept are the reduction of waste and the improvement of workflow. The purpose of adopting Lean as a business improvement method is to produce better products or deliver better services using fewer resources.
5. What is lean six-sigma and how would you apply it to a quality management system?
The name Lean Six Sigma has to be understood before we go any further. Failure to do so will lead to a misunderstanding of the concept itself and its purpose. Clarification is best begun by stating what Lean Six Sigma is not. It most definitely is not some kind of a Lite Six Sigma, like an improvement system designed for those who only want a little improvement or who don’t want to be bothered by the details of Six Sigma. The objective of Lean Six Sigma is to make the organization superior in its day-to-day work and processes, its products and services, and its business results. This has also been the objective of many organizations that have found that Lean alone, or Six Sigma by itself, did not quite provide all the results needed in their quest for a better competitive posture. A lot of those organizations have found that by combining Lean with Six Sigma, significant performance gains relative to processes, products, services, employees, customer satisfaction, and the business bottom line have been realized.
Advantages of Lean Six Sigma include:
6. Define Benchmarking.
Benchmarking is the process of comparing and measuring an organization’s operations or its internal processes against those of a best-in-class performer from inside or outside its industry. Benchmarking is a process for comparing an organization’s operations or processes with those of a best-in class performer. The objective of benchmarking is major performance improvement achieved quickly. It focuses on processes and practices, not products.
7. How can you apply benchmarking data?
Benchmarking data analysis produces both quantitative and qualitative information. The quantitative information is effectively the “stake driven into the ground” as the point from which future progress is measured. It is also used as the basis for improvement objectives. Qualitative information covers such matters as personnel policies, training, management styles and hierarchy, total quality maturity, and so on. This information provides insights on how the benchmarking partner got to be best in-class. The quantitative data are clearly the information sought and are always used. However, there may be more value in the qualitative information. It describes the atmosphere and environment in which best-in-class can be developed and sustained. Do not ignore it. Take it very seriously. Study it, discuss it in staff meetings, and explore the possibilities of introducing these changes into your culture.
8. What is a JIT system?
JIT is a management philosophy that seeks to eliminate all forms of waste. As a production system, JIT produces only what is needed, when it is needed, in the quantity needed. Just-in time/Lean approaches the manufacturing process from the opposite end of the line. Rather than pushing materials into the processes and storing them whenever they cannot be accommodated, JIT/Lean controls the line from the output end.
9. What are the benefits of JIT/Lean?
There are many benefits of JIT/Lean. There are four main benefits that are covered under JIT/Lean. The first is the benefit to inventory and WIP. Having a goal of zero inventory, while impractical, drives the process to have significantly less inventory, thus reducing work in process. Having a streamlined process using JIT/Lean materials should come in, be manufactured and sent to the consumer, not sitting in receiving, semi finished, or shipping inventories. There should also be a significant benefit to cycle time. By reducing work in process this will reduce cycle time. It is often seen that longest hold up of processes is actually the space between the processes, which is usually filled with inventory or WIP. This greatly and negatively affects cycle time. JIT should benefit a company's goals to continual improvement, by being a visual process it should be easier to notice errors, or lacking areas, and improve them. Lastly JIT/Lean should benefit in organization by eliminating waste from overproduction, waiting time, transport, process, unnecessary stock, unnecessary motion, and producing defective goods.
10. Discuss automation system ideas for JIT/Lean.
JIT/Lean and automation are compatible, but one should look long and hard at the need, and the company’s readiness for it, before automating processes. Having said that, automation clearly has its place in harmony with JIT/Lean. There are many examples of very successful automated plants, especially for high-volume manufacturing. Automation and JIT/Lean are completely compatible. Probably the best example of that is in today’s auto industry. JIT/Lean was originally designed for an auto producer, and as automation has been integrated, and as automation capabilities have evolved, JIT/Lean has been there doing its job. In these plants, JIT/Lean is at least as valuable as it is in plants with less automation. Its pull system prevents overproduction of any manufacturing element, and supplies materials at the front end of the process when needed, and does it without the massive inventories of the pre-JIT/Lean era. Whether the processes are operated by humans or robots makes no difference in this regard.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF SOCIAL NETWORKING ARTICLES
Temporary tattoo could let diabetics monitor glucose levels without jabbing themselves
The article discusses the development of a new medical device that can help diabetics to better fight against their problem. The new flexible prototype device consists of precisely-patterned electrodes printed on temporary tattoo paper. After the tattoo is applied to the patient, an electrical current is also transmitted to their skin. This causes sodium ions in the fluid between their skin cells to migrate toward the electrodes. Those ions carry glucose molecules from the fluid with them. Using a built-in sensor, the tattoo then measures the strength of the electrical charge produced by that glucose.
These researchers are doing a great job. I never thought that there could be an easier way to measure glucose without jabbing people. The new technology of solving this purpose with the use of temporary tattoos seems very promising to me. Since these tattoos don’t provide a numerical readout as of now, I’m hoping that the researchers would soon develop the device required to monitor these numbers.
I think this is a very economical and easy to use technology and would prove to be beneficial in the long run once the final product has been developed.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73786#p224627
BMW gives its 1 Series a major styling update
The article discusses the styling updates in the new BMW 1 Series. They have introduced new variants with a range of three and four cylinders along with varying torque, mileage and new design that makes the car look stronger and bigger. They are now offering a range of high-tech options, including radar-based "stop and go" cruise control that will automatically accelerate and brake for you in stop-start traffic, potentially making the commute a far less stressful experience than it once was. Lane departure warning, attention assist and low-speed collision warning systems are now also available.
BMW has always been customers preference and high quality products. I think the company is coming up with new ideas to continually improve their quality keeping in mind all the KPIs of being the best in the industry.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73788#p225560
A new type of glass could double your smartphone's battery life
The article introduces a new type of glass material that can be used to almost double the amount of time they last between charges. We all are currently facing the same issue of batteries that drain out so quickly. The best part is that it is beneficial not just for gadgets but also for electric boats, cars and bikes. With the depleting natural reserves, the world is now drifting towards more eco-friendly options. Under this scenario it is very important to have long lasting batteries.
However, the research is not over yet and there’s a lot more to implement and study. This new technology seems to be promising enough to sustain the world down the lane.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=72258#p225573
4. How would you describe a lean system?
Lean is a TQM approach originally designed for manufacturing, but since adapted to any kind of organization. It is intended for smoother, more flexible process flow, reducing waste, and improving the organization’s competitive posture. The wastes of overproduction, inventory, motion, transportation, over processing, defects, waiting, and underutilization are primary targets of Lean. Compared to a non-Lean company, the Lean organization does more and does it better, while using less. At the heart of the concept are the reduction of waste and the improvement of workflow. The purpose of adopting Lean as a business improvement method is to produce better products or deliver better services using fewer resources.
5. What is lean six-sigma and how would you apply it to a quality management system?
The name Lean Six Sigma has to be understood before we go any further. Failure to do so will lead to a misunderstanding of the concept itself and its purpose. Clarification is best begun by stating what Lean Six Sigma is not. It most definitely is not some kind of a Lite Six Sigma, like an improvement system designed for those who only want a little improvement or who don’t want to be bothered by the details of Six Sigma. The objective of Lean Six Sigma is to make the organization superior in its day-to-day work and processes, its products and services, and its business results. This has also been the objective of many organizations that have found that Lean alone, or Six Sigma by itself, did not quite provide all the results needed in their quest for a better competitive posture. A lot of those organizations have found that by combining Lean with Six Sigma, significant performance gains relative to processes, products, services, employees, customer satisfaction, and the business bottom line have been realized.
Advantages of Lean Six Sigma include:
- Elimination of the Eight Wastes—waiting, overproduction, rework, motion, transportation, processing, inventory, and intellect
- Means of improving process flow whether on the manufacturing floor, in an office, or any other setting
- A structured means for identifying the key factors that determine the performance of all kinds of processes
- Ordered methods for establishing key factors at the best possible level
- Disciplined means of sustaining key factors at the best level
- Synergistic advantage of linking the Lean tools with the Six Sigma tools in a systematic way and in a specified sequence
- Tying all of these to the financial health of the organization
6. Define Benchmarking.
Benchmarking is the process of comparing and measuring an organization’s operations or its internal processes against those of a best-in-class performer from inside or outside its industry. Benchmarking is a process for comparing an organization’s operations or processes with those of a best-in class performer. The objective of benchmarking is major performance improvement achieved quickly. It focuses on processes and practices, not products.
7. How can you apply benchmarking data?
Benchmarking data analysis produces both quantitative and qualitative information. The quantitative information is effectively the “stake driven into the ground” as the point from which future progress is measured. It is also used as the basis for improvement objectives. Qualitative information covers such matters as personnel policies, training, management styles and hierarchy, total quality maturity, and so on. This information provides insights on how the benchmarking partner got to be best in-class. The quantitative data are clearly the information sought and are always used. However, there may be more value in the qualitative information. It describes the atmosphere and environment in which best-in-class can be developed and sustained. Do not ignore it. Take it very seriously. Study it, discuss it in staff meetings, and explore the possibilities of introducing these changes into your culture.
8. What is a JIT system?
JIT is a management philosophy that seeks to eliminate all forms of waste. As a production system, JIT produces only what is needed, when it is needed, in the quantity needed. Just-in time/Lean approaches the manufacturing process from the opposite end of the line. Rather than pushing materials into the processes and storing them whenever they cannot be accommodated, JIT/Lean controls the line from the output end.
9. What are the benefits of JIT/Lean?
There are many benefits of JIT/Lean. There are four main benefits that are covered under JIT/Lean. The first is the benefit to inventory and WIP. Having a goal of zero inventory, while impractical, drives the process to have significantly less inventory, thus reducing work in process. Having a streamlined process using JIT/Lean materials should come in, be manufactured and sent to the consumer, not sitting in receiving, semi finished, or shipping inventories. There should also be a significant benefit to cycle time. By reducing work in process this will reduce cycle time. It is often seen that longest hold up of processes is actually the space between the processes, which is usually filled with inventory or WIP. This greatly and negatively affects cycle time. JIT should benefit a company's goals to continual improvement, by being a visual process it should be easier to notice errors, or lacking areas, and improve them. Lastly JIT/Lean should benefit in organization by eliminating waste from overproduction, waiting time, transport, process, unnecessary stock, unnecessary motion, and producing defective goods.
10. Discuss automation system ideas for JIT/Lean.
JIT/Lean and automation are compatible, but one should look long and hard at the need, and the company’s readiness for it, before automating processes. Having said that, automation clearly has its place in harmony with JIT/Lean. There are many examples of very successful automated plants, especially for high-volume manufacturing. Automation and JIT/Lean are completely compatible. Probably the best example of that is in today’s auto industry. JIT/Lean was originally designed for an auto producer, and as automation has been integrated, and as automation capabilities have evolved, JIT/Lean has been there doing its job. In these plants, JIT/Lean is at least as valuable as it is in plants with less automation. Its pull system prevents overproduction of any manufacturing element, and supplies materials at the front end of the process when needed, and does it without the massive inventories of the pre-JIT/Lean era. Whether the processes are operated by humans or robots makes no difference in this regard.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF SOCIAL NETWORKING ARTICLES
Temporary tattoo could let diabetics monitor glucose levels without jabbing themselves
The article discusses the development of a new medical device that can help diabetics to better fight against their problem. The new flexible prototype device consists of precisely-patterned electrodes printed on temporary tattoo paper. After the tattoo is applied to the patient, an electrical current is also transmitted to their skin. This causes sodium ions in the fluid between their skin cells to migrate toward the electrodes. Those ions carry glucose molecules from the fluid with them. Using a built-in sensor, the tattoo then measures the strength of the electrical charge produced by that glucose.
These researchers are doing a great job. I never thought that there could be an easier way to measure glucose without jabbing people. The new technology of solving this purpose with the use of temporary tattoos seems very promising to me. Since these tattoos don’t provide a numerical readout as of now, I’m hoping that the researchers would soon develop the device required to monitor these numbers.
I think this is a very economical and easy to use technology and would prove to be beneficial in the long run once the final product has been developed.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73786#p224627
BMW gives its 1 Series a major styling update
The article discusses the styling updates in the new BMW 1 Series. They have introduced new variants with a range of three and four cylinders along with varying torque, mileage and new design that makes the car look stronger and bigger. They are now offering a range of high-tech options, including radar-based "stop and go" cruise control that will automatically accelerate and brake for you in stop-start traffic, potentially making the commute a far less stressful experience than it once was. Lane departure warning, attention assist and low-speed collision warning systems are now also available.
BMW has always been customers preference and high quality products. I think the company is coming up with new ideas to continually improve their quality keeping in mind all the KPIs of being the best in the industry.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=73788#p225560
A new type of glass could double your smartphone's battery life
The article introduces a new type of glass material that can be used to almost double the amount of time they last between charges. We all are currently facing the same issue of batteries that drain out so quickly. The best part is that it is beneficial not just for gadgets but also for electric boats, cars and bikes. With the depleting natural reserves, the world is now drifting towards more eco-friendly options. Under this scenario it is very important to have long lasting batteries.
However, the research is not over yet and there’s a lot more to implement and study. This new technology seems to be promising enough to sustain the world down the lane.
Moodle link: http://njit2.mrooms.net/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=72258#p225573