Dennis F. Kehoe

An Evaluation of the Effects of Quality Improvement Activities on Business Performance

Research was undertaken on the effects of quality improvement activities on business performance. The investigation began by developing a classification system to ensure all business performance benefits (tangible and intangible) were included for analysis. Questionnaires and structured interviews, involving the participation of over 200 companies, were used as the main tools for the investigation. An analysis of the results enabled a TQM quality activity model to be developed which classify 65 quality activities by their prime effect. This model was designed to assist companies in the planning of TQM and the targeting of quality activities. The research identified the difficulties organizations and researchers have in measuring the effects of quality activities.

Factors affecting the implementation and success of TQM

The importance of tailoring TQM to the specific needs of organizations is well known. Shows the findings of a research programme that investigated which organizational factors are important to consider when implementing TQM. Questionnaires and structured interviews, involving the participation of over 200 companies, were used as the main tools for the investigation. Identifies as a result, seven prime factors affecting the implementation of TQM: process factors, type of employees, shared values, management style, organizational structure, number of employees and industrial relations. Recommends that organizations should give these factors special consideration when developing their TQM approaches, and provides a guideline to show how these factors are likely to affect the implementation of TQM.

Internet based supply chain management

Today the Internet provides a real opportunity for demand data and supply capacity data to be visible to all companies within a manufacturing supply chain. Consequently there is a need for manufacturing organisations to explore alternative mechanisms for the management of their operations network, in particular the role of manufacturing planning and control systems. This paper describes current research which examines the classification of manufacturing supply chains and positions Internet‐based applications in order to identify the operations management challenges for the next generation of manufacturing planning and control systems.

New paradigms in planning and control across manufacturing supply chains ‐ The utilisation of Internet technologies

Discusses some of the key elements of research which will investigate the role of the Internet within the manufacturing supply chain and, in particular, focuses on its impact on the manufacturing planning and control operation. Although much of the current Internet discussion focuses on sales and marketing applications, step change improvements in the management of the supply chain are possible using the same fundamental technologies. However, it is argued that a paradigm shift in the way in which manufacturing companies plan and control their operations is required if full advantage is to be gained; an alternative to the traditional linear transfer of information within supply chains is required. The Internet provides the opportunity for demand data and supply capacity data to be visible to all companies within a manufacturing supply chain, consequently companies can be in a position to anticipate demand fluctuations and respond accordingly. This is in contrast to the more established reactive approach. This paper proposes the development of supply webs and a more interactive approach to supply chain partnering and identifies some of the research issues within this context to facilitate the development of Internet‐based manufacturing planning and control.

AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR POST-ISO 9000 QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

For both ISO 9000 and TQM concepts there have been many research programmes and publications. However, the coincidence of these topics and/or the ambiguity about their relationship has emerged in a number of discussions. This paper examines this relationship and provides a framework to assist manufacturing organisations to move beyond the requirements of ISO 9000 towards total quality. The research methodology adopted was based on extracting a conceptual model from the review of literature on ISO 9000, TQM, performance measurement and strategy. The conceptual model, provided the basis for the final framework, which was divided into two parts, “formulation” and “implementation”, as stages of post‐ISO 9000 quality development. The research empirically examined these stages by surveying over 200 industrial companies including 18 detailed case studies which produced a number of findings. The research findings have been integrated to form the post‐ISO 9000 quality development framework.

Assessing the value of information systems in supporting agility in high‐tech manufacturing enterprises

In recent years there has been a shift towards the inclusion of agile processes in the development of manufacturing strategies. This work explores the agility of operations in four SMEs in high‐tech manufacturing and the impact made by information systems to agile performance in those companies. The study demonstrated that information systems are relegated behind other enablers of agility. Although information systems are often used to support agility, information systems in themselves are not sufficient to achieve agility in business processes. Furthermore, the case studies demonstrate that companies rely upon non‐IT attributes to improve the agility of their manufacturing operations. The results of the study suggest that information systems play a more significant role for enhancing agility.

An investigation of quality culture development in UK industry

Describes results of research at the University of Liverpool into the level of quality culture development in UK manufacturing industries. The study identified the important factors that influence the development of a culture that complements total quality implementation. These factors are the basis for the development of a framework to assist in culture change. The research approach consisted of a questionnaire survey and structured interviews in industrial organisations to examine development in the identified areas of quality culture – senior management leadership, employee involvement and empowerment, customer focus, supplier partnership, teamwork, effect of CEO and open corporate culture. The research results provide an understanding of the vital relationships between quality culture and the activities undertaken by organisations, and serve as a guide for the development of a much desired but often elusive organisational culture.

Performance observation and analysis of an information re‐engineered supply chain: a case study of an automotive firm

This paper provides an empirical illustration of the potential of a cross‐supply chain information system (CSCIS) in an automotive industry setting. Whilst dramatic reductions in downstream finished goods, work‐in‐progress and raw materials inventories have taken place in many automotive supply chains, this paper looks at how demand information can be made more transparent in order to improve the efficiency of upstream operations. The paper concentrates on the findings from a case study that used a prototype Internet‐based system to convert original equipment manufacturer (OEM) demand into second and third‐tier component requirements. A computer‐based value analysis illustrates how this information might be used to significantly improve supply chain synchronisation in the lower tiers. The research demonstrates how information systems can be used to improve supply chain performance and provides further motivation for the development of more holistic supply chain planning information systems.

An evaluation of quality culture problems in UK companies

Although cultural change is recognised as important to total quality improvement, many manufacturing companies fail to achieve the level of change desired. One primary reason for this is the inability to fully understand where their problems lie and the nature of these problems. Research was undertaken into seven elements of quality culture ‐ senior management leadership, employee involvement and empowerment, supplier partnership, customer focus, teamwork, effect of chief executive and open corporate culture. Questionnaires and structured interviews in 166 UK manufacturing companies provided the required information on cultural change problems. An evaluation of cultural problems and the targeting of areas for change was better understood from the survey results.

Automotive supply chain models and technologies: a review of some latest developments

Purpose – To critically review business trends and drivers affecting the performance of supply chains and build‐to‐order initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – This is a comprehensive review of the potential implications of two inbound logistics solutions: supplier parks and the notion of full‐service‐vehicle supply in addition to developing technologies such as web services interoperability, radio frequency identification (RFID) and collaborative product commerce (CPC).Findings – It is expected that the wide adoption/consolidation of supplier parks and full‐service‐vehicle supply and technologies such as web services interoperability, RFID and CPC will facilitate/promote the adoption of build‐to‐order initiatives.Research limitations/implications – The business models and technologies presented in this paper have been developed and exploited mainly in the automotive sector. Their success could have a big impact if transferred to other industries. Only a handful of technologies/business models affectin...