Steven A. Yourstone

Training, performance evaluation, rewards, and TQM implementation success

Abstract TQM has met with very mixed reviews from organizations that have attempted to understand and to implement this strategy for organizational improvement. Succesful implementation of TQM requires that all critical factors for success be addressed effectively. Several factors are thought to be crucial to the success of TQM. Among these factors are training in support of the transition to TQM, performance evaluation process and content aligned witht the nature of a TQM organization, and rewards for quality improvements. This paper examines the effects of training, performance evaluation, and rewards on TQM implementation success. TQM implementation success was measured by cost reduction, profit increases and higher morale. A survey of 111 New Mexico service and manufacturing firms is utilized to study the effects of TQM training, performance evaluation, and rewards on TQM implementation success. The results of this survey are analyzed through factor analysis and regression analysis. The results are discussed and integrated with the literature on training, performance evaluation, and TQM.

Proposed design of a DSS for the justification of advanced manufacturing technologies

The design of a decision support system (DSS) that helps the strategic planner evaluate the effect of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) on the performance of an organization and determine the parameters which affect the costs and benefits of such a system is introduced. The DSS involves analysis and quantification of costs and benefits through the use of interacting accounting, simulation, and optimization modules. It enables the decision maker to perform sensitivity analyses by allowing consideration of various scenarios and different levels of various inputs. In this DSS, the decision maker is able to combine either traditional accounting techniques or activity-based costing with simulation and optimization in order to arrive at a decision as to the level of investment to make in an AMT system. >

SPC-Pro: AN EXPERT SYSTEM APPROACH FOR VARIABLES CONTROL CHARTS

In this article we examine the use of expert systems in statistical process control. Expert systems can provide valuable expert knowledge to process engineers who must make important process control decisions quickly. The expert system for process quali..

Learning - the only way to improve health-care outcomes

Attempts to improve health care have generally failed. Systems analysis urges addressing processes, such as learning, rather than isolated parts of a system. We apply learning curve theory to health care and then explicate the process of learning. Specific recommendations involve how we learn (and unlearn), who should learn, and what should be learned.

A decision support system for the justification of computer-integrated manufacturing

American companies are currently seeking ways to regain their competitive edge, market share and reputation for quality that they have lost over the last two decades. Their efforts have been aimed at: 1. improving times of response to rapidly changing customer needs and tastes by improving flexibility of operations; 2. bringing quality up to Japanese levels; 3. achieving these at lower costs.

Beyond ACT & GPA: self-efficacy as a non-cognitive predictor of academic success

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify significant non-cognitive variables as predictors of student success in an introductory accounting class. Design/methodology/approach Non-cognitive characteristics of the students were obtained by surveying two sections of an introductory accounting class. Survey results were combined with student performance in the class. Regression analysis was applied to determine the significant predictors of academic success. Findings Findings show that students with similar ACT scores and GPA may outperform others owing to the effect of certain non-cognitive variables pertaining to self-efficacy. These included the individual’s perceived skill level, tendency to become discouraged and expected performance relative to others. Research limitations/implications One research limitation is the lack of a pre- and post-test to measure any interventions. No interventions are part of this research study, but this limitation provides a strong suggestion for future research. Also, larger sample sizes might lead to different results. Practical implications Cognitive ability is the intellectual capability that enables one to acquire, memorize, recall, combine, compare and use information and conceptual skills in new frameworks (Cronbach, 1984; Jensen, 1998). Standardized tests measure cognitive variables (Sedlacek, 2011). Research demonstrates that cognitive ability alone will not provide the best predictive model of performance (Hall et al., 2006). This study of certain non-cognitive variables improves instructor understanding of student success, increases predictive ability and informs teaching methods and interventions. Originality/value This study differs from previous research by adding to and enhancing the currently small and limited body of literature. While other studies have identified largely cognitive factors that relate to success in the introductory accounting course (Phillips, 2015), this study identifies significant non-cognitive variables relating to self-efficacy that can help accounting educators better understand student performance in introductory undergraduate financial accounting courses.