Ahmad K. Elshennawy

Implementation of TQM and lean Six Sigma tools in local government: a framework and a case study

Abstract While TQM is an organization-wide approach, aimed at improving the quality of products and services and mainly focused on continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma is an approach focused on improving quality, reducing variation and eliminating waste in an organization. The concept of combining the principles and tools of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma in a more synergistic manner has occurred in the literature over the last several years. The majority of TQM and Lean Six Sigma applications have been in private industry, focusing mostly on manufacturing applications. The literature has not provided cases of Lean Six Sigma programmes applied to local government. This paper presents some efforts of implementing TQM tools in local government and a case study of applying Lean and Six Sigma tools and principles to improving the quality and timeliness of providing local governmental services.

Quality in the New Age and the Body of Knowledge for Quality Engineers

With the evolution of new technologies in manufacturing and service industries, the role of quality professionals has changed to accommodate the desire to be more competitive in the global markets. Quality engineers have continuously felt the need to must adept to the new environment with the development of ways to implement quality in this new age of high technology, lean manufacturing, six sigma, total quality management and other innovative problem solving techniques. New roles for quality engineers include responsibilities for ensuring quality activities effectively, developing ways for optimized cycle time and implementing continuous improvement, and the use of emerging technologies to create value for better customer satisfaction and improved business performance. This paper highlights the evolution of quality throughout the ages and the ever-changing body of knowledge for quality engineers to accommodate new ways of conducting business and enhancing their knowledge of quality engineering and management. It also highlights the basic knowledge and skills for quality engineers to successfully understand and infuse modern quality management into such ever-changing environments.

A revised model for the cost of quality

Traditionally, process improvement is considered a defect prevention effort. Current cost models consider the coupled effect of both prevention and appraisal costs on the cost of failure. This paper proposes a new model for the cost of quality, which captures the value of continuous process improvement in achieving economic operation. The model is developed to incorporate two cost functions. The first accounts for quality related costs incurred while maintaining a stable level of operation, while the second accounts for the cost of process improvement. Using incremental economics, the two cost functions are assembled and an economic criterion for evaluating improvement alternatives is developed. Numerical examples are used to illustrate potential applications and performance of the model.

Concepts and attributes of total quality management

For the last decade, American companies have been playing catch-up in the area of quality and productivity. Japanese companies and other foreign competitors have moved into markets that were once dominated by American companies, by producing higher quality products. The problem to date in the US has obviously not been the lack of resources or documentation on quality and improvement programmes, but the misdirection of these programmes and the lack of total management commitment. Total Quality Management (TQM) is seen as an effective method that will accomplish the task of higher quality levels, and increased productivity. The purpose of Total Quality Management is to implement a process that is long term and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization, beginning with their own function in the organization. TQM integrates the fundamental techniques and principles of Quality Function Deployment, Taguchi Methods, Statistical Process control, Just-In-Time, and existing management tools into...

Performance improvement in coordinate measuring machines by error compensation

Abstract This paper describes the development and application of an error compensation technique for improving the performance of coordinate measuring machines. This procedure requires a complete calibration of the machine and a development of its kinematic model. When applied to a coordinate measuring machine, the technique improved machine performance by an average factor of four. The proposed method considers only geometric positioning errors and can be applied in situations where thermal effects can be safely ignored.

Total quality management: an approach and a case study

Abstract For the last decade, American companies have been playing catch-up in the area of quality and productivity. Japanese companies and other foreign competitors have moved into markets that were once dominated by American companies, by producing higher quality products. The problem to date in the U.S. has obviously not been the lack of resources or documentation on quality and improvement programs, but the misdirection of these programs and the lack of total management commitment. Total Quality Management (TQM) is seen as an effective method that will accomplish the task of higher quality levels, and increased productivity. The purpose of Total Quality Management is to implement a process that is long term and continuous, in which all of management participates in establishing continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization, beginning with their own function in the organization. TQM integrates the fundamental techniques and principles of Quality Function Deployment, Taguchi Methods, Statistical Process Control, Just-In-Time, and existing management tools into a structured approach. The primary objective of this approach is to incorporate quality and integrity into all functions at all levels of the organization. This paper examines the TQM process, philosophy, concepts, attributes and how it can be used to develop a “quality-based” culture. The paper also examines the introduction and implementation of the TQM process at an electronics manufacturer.

Achieving success with Lean

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to identify key interrelated components of successful, sustained lean transformation. When implemented successfully, lean not only allows for cost reduction while improving quality but it can also position a company to achieve tremendous growth. However, although many companies are attempting to implement lean, only an estimated 2-3 per cent are achieving the desired level of success. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature review was conducted and the findings indicated six key constructs that can act as enablers or inhibitors to implementing and sustaining lean. A theoretical framework was developed that integrates these constructs and develops research propositions for each. A multiple-case study analysis was used to test the framework on four companies that have achieved successful lean transformations to validate the model. Findings – Sixteen propositions were supported in all four of the case studies and one proposition was supported in three of ...

Concurrent engineering deployment: an enhanced “customer product” approach

Abstract This paper examines the utilization of graphic capabilities of computers into a new digressive approach for concurrent engineering that combines the concepts of quality function deployment, reverse engineering and virtual reality.

Quality control & inspection: Knowledge-based quality control system

Abstract The majority of Statistical Quality Control (SQC) microcomputer systems/packages are based on the idea of storing data and producing results such as QC charts from which a user may be able to make inferences regarding Quality. The selection of the type of control charts (e.g. charts for variables vs. charts for attributes) and interpretation of the results are usually left to the user. This is mainly due to the fact that SQC packages are generic systems while interpretations may be product specific. Presented in this paper is a system which tries through dialogue with the user to direct him to the proper chart(s) in the package. An analysis component for each chart determines statistical phenomena (both good and bad) and provides general explanations. Another component in the system accesses an accompanying knowledge database (DB) — keyed by phenomena — which provide possible explanation as well as advise. The user may add to the knowledge base at any time assisted by the statistical DB Management Subsystem. The elements of the system are the IIE Microsoftware Statistical Quality Control package and a number of “add-on” routines supporting DB creation and the inference engine.

Concurrent Engineering Deployment: A Virtual Reality Approach

Aims to develop an approach to deploy practically a concurrent engineering environment. Deployment here signifies a combination of two important elements: translation from one language to another, and team decision making. The translation of the customer′s vision into physical reality by the product development team is described. Towards this end, computer graphics with virtual reality capabilities will be used in order to help customers communicate their requirements. Examines the utilization of graphic capabilities of computers into a new digressive approach for concurrent engineering that combines the concepts of quality function deployment, reverse engineering and virtual reality.