Level Of General Quality Research Articles

Analyzing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on supplier performance evaluation factors via fuzzy cognitive map with a hybrid learning system

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has proven that how supply chain management (SCM) can become a crucial process for sustainability of the world's production/service. The global supply chain crisis during pandemic has affected most of the sectors. Home and personal care products manufacturers are among them. In this study (1) the problems at SCM of personal and home care products manufacturers during pandemic are discussed with the help of medium-size manufacturer and (2) the factors affecting suppliers' performance for the relevant sector during COVID-19 are analyzed comprehensively.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of the factors is evaluated using fuzzy cognitive maps that can help to reveal hidden casual relationships with the help of expert knowledge. In order to eliminate subjectivity due to usage of expert knowledge, the maps are trained with a hybrid learning approach that consists of Non-linear Learning and Extended Great Deluge Algorithms to increase robustness of the analysis.FindingsThe findings of the study indicate that the factors such as general quality level of products/services, compliance to delivery time, communication skills and total production capacity of suppliers have been crucial factors during pandemic.Originality/valueWhile the implementation of the hybrid learning approach on supply chain can fill the gap in the relevant literature, the promising results of the study can prove the convenience of the methodology to model the of complex systems like supply chain processes.

Особливості трактовки сонатної форми у фортепіанній творчості Л. Бетховена: до проблеми побудови виконавської концепції (на прикладі сонат op. 101, 106, 109, 111)

The purpose of the article is to consider the peculiarities of the interpretation of the sonata form in the piano work of L. Beethoven in the light of the problem of constructing a performing mixture. The methodology of the work is based on a comprehensive study of historiographic, genre-compositional, artistic-semantic and potential-performing approaches. The scientific novelty of this article is due to the identification in the piano work of L. Beethoven and consideration of the features of the interpretation of the sonata form in these periods, the identification of figurative and dramatic prerequisites for stylistic and stylistic innovations in the last four sonatas (op. 101, 106, 109, 111). Conclusions. In the piano cycles of the late period of L. Beethoven’s work, significant changes are observed in the interpretation of the sonata form, the ratio of intra-conflict and harmonic spheres is modified, which has a significant impact on the general understanding of musical dramaturgy. In the cycles of past periods, the conflict state of thought is wider, which coincides – since the latter does not always really become a reality and exists only in human thinking as an ideal (hence the disproportion in its development). In sonata cycles op. 101, 106, 109, 111 and conflict, and the visible ideal in address rightness, their inverse relationship: the conflict is interpreted in its “narrow” meaning – as an intra-subjective state, and harmony – as an objective one – as a union of man and being. In the sonatas of the early and middle periods of L. Beethoven’s work, he limits the intra-conflict and harmonic sphere to no higher than the general level of quality; in the last sonatas, the harmonies, affirmed as the conclusion of the solution of the conflict, the character of the maximum level of generality, since they combine the ideal and effectiveness (the ideal is open in an objective meeting, and it becomes a reality for the individual), emotional and perceived, objective and perceived in content and is assumed in terms of complete merging with him personality).

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of TQM Implementation Constructs: Evidence from Nepalese Manufacturing Industries

INTRODUCTIONSince last decades, quality management has been used widely irrespective of size of organization and is consider as the major component of competitiveness and long term success of organization. The successful implementation of TQM in manufacturing sector would promote exports, attract foreign direct investment, improve business performance, achieve a competitive advantage, and customer and staff satisfaction (Magd, 2014). Ensuring TQM and optimum utilization of Human Resource is very much essential to gain sustainability of organization. (Rashid, Taib, & Ahmad, 2016) These benefits are important for all organizations, especially in developing countries, such as Nepal, where the general quality level is relatively low and need to be increased in the chase of effective inter-organizational cooperation. However there exist large number of examples of failed or poorly performed implementation process of TQM. During the process of implementation, organization has to face different complications and often fails to get benefits from quality management implementation. However employee look forward to various development and learning programs and plans available to them to grow not only professionally but only personally (Arora, 2016) Fotopoulus et al. (2009) and Kumar et al. (2009) discussed the impact of TQM practices on quality management results and explains the relationship between different TQM practices like leadership, strategic quality planning, employee management & involvement, supplier management, customer focus, process management, continuous improvements and their effect on quality management results in the form of market benefits like increase in profits, improved competitive position, improved performance and increased sales. While customer satisfaction is measured by decline in customer complaints, increase in loyalty, and customer retention rate. The strategic alliances result in superior performance of the organizations (Ouedraogo, 2016).This study focuses to obtain knowledge of total quality management implementation in a unique, and influencing, organizational environment and situation. The study is focused on obtaining key factors of quality management implementation and is expected to provide new insights into the implementation process in order to improve organizations ability to meet their objectives. There is a consensus that TQM is a way of managing an organization to improve its overall effectiveness and performance (Zhang et al, 2000). No uniform view of TQM exists today. So far, TQM has come to mean different things to different people (Hackman & Oldham, 1995). This study aimed at identifying TQM implementation constructs, developing an instrument for measuring these constructsREVIEW OF LITERATUREDeming is considered the founding father of the TQM and is perhaps the most famous of quality gurus because of his contribution to the creation of quality principles. Deming has focused on the following four points i) idea of internal and external customers or stakeholder satisfaction ii) concept of continuous improvement iii) thought of common and special variation on quality problem iv) management and worker's responsibilities. Deming believes in continuous improvement. He also believes that the consumer is the most important part of a production line. Meeting and exceeding the customers' requirements is the task that everyone within the organization needs to accomplish with total commitment. Furthermore, Deming believes in the use of statistical process control (SPC) charts as major method for solving problems. Like Deming, Juran worked extensively with quality management and perhaps he has best summed up in his 'quality trilogy' of quality planning, quality control and quality improvement (Juran & Gryna, 1993). Juran's emphasis in this respect is in three main areas: changing management behavior through adopting quality, training and then spilling down new attitudes to supporting management. …

Performance assessment scoring system of public housing construction for quality improvement in Hong Kong

In an attempt to improve the quality management of public housing construction in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Housing Authority has implemented the performance assessment scoring system (PASS) as a mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of a contractor’s ability to deliver projects to specified standards. This was seen as an effective assessment and incentive system for promoting continuous quality improvement. However, the analysis of PASS scores has indicated that the general level of quality has not been significantly improved. Based on the analyses of PASS scores and contractor performance, the shortfalls of the system are explored and some recommendations to realize the vision of continuous quality improvement in public housing construction are proposed.

Quest for continuous quality improvement for public housing construction in Hong Kong

With mandatory implementation of the ISO 9000 quality system by the Housing Authority in Hong Kong, most construction firms there now claim to have initiated quality systems in their processes as defined in their quality manuals. In addition, an objective quality measuring yardstick, the Performance Assessment Scoring Scheme (PASS), has been administered by the Housing Authority of Hong Kong to monitor the performance quality of contractors. These two measures, coupled with the two other contractual requirements stipulating the use of mechanized formwork and precast facade units, are directed towards achievement of a desired quality standard. However, the PASS analysis has revealed that the general level of quality has not improved significantly and the expected continuous improvement in construction quality has not been realized over a specific time period. Quality appears far better on paper than does the actual work on site. This suggests that quality management in the construction setting is far more difficult to achieve than it is in other industries. This paper explores possible reasons for failure in the quest for quality in public housing construction, and proposes changes needed before the vision of continuous quality improvement can be realized.

Orchard and Small Fruit Culture

THE modern tendency in agricultural research of whatever kind is towards improvement in quality rather than quantity. It is true that improvements in cultural practice aimed at improving quality may often show their most striking effects in increased yields, but if they do not succeed in their primary object they may well be uneconomic. In the present position of overproduction, or, as some economists insist, underconsumption, a smaller quantity of a high-grade product, commanding a good price, is far more desirable to the grower than a large crop which can only be sold at a very low price because it is only at or below the general level of quality. Particularly is this true in the case of fruit pro duction. Orchard and Small Fruit Culture. By E. C. Auchter H. B. Knapp; Second edition. Pp. xix + 584. (New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1932.) 31s. net.