On horizontal deployment of quality approaches within a firm
by S. Thomas Foster, Jr
International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM), Vol. 2, No. 2, 2006

Abstract: Consistency and standardisation are keys to individual as well as group quality improvement. This study investigates group performance, focusing on consistency between plant quality improvement approaches within a firm. In each of five automotive original equipment manufacturing plants, employees were surveyed regarding quality practices. The analysis of results indicate various factors (approaches) were used to improve quality. They included a process-oriented, quality control approach; empowering people for involvement; design and conformance; external quality information; rewards; and a proactive–formal approach. Discriminant function analysis found two independent functions, the first reflecting process and design approaches to quality improvement and the second reflecting external and reward-based approaches. The general results showed that out of five plants, plants 1 and 4 both emphasised process and design over external approaches, but plant 4 also emphasised reward-based incentives. Plants 2 and 3 have emphasised external approaches while discouraging reward-based incentives.

Online publication date: Wed, 05-Apr-2006

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