Quality Management Theory Research Articles

The Arduous and Challenging Journey of Improving Patient Safety and Quality of Care

The 20th century has seen dramatic improvements in quality, efficiency, and productivity of the industrial, manufacturing, and selected service sectors through the redesign of the management and production processes. Moreover, the health care sector, plagued by overuse, underuse, and misuse of care remained a laggard in adopting needed changes to improve quality, effectiveness, and delivery. The change agent may have been the 2001 report by the Institute of Medicine, which shocked the collective conscience of the industry with the revelation of the alarming statistics of death owing to preventable medical errors. A variety of methodologies have since been adopted by the health care sector with mixed successes. However, scant attention has been given to the historical significance of Florence Nightingale pioneering quality management in nursing care over a century ago with her use of statistics to influence health care decisions, to enhance quality care delivery, and to improve facility design. This article addresses the abstract concept of quality, its illusive nature, and multidimensionality from different perspectives in health utilization and delivery. It presents a survey of the various quality management theories and models and their variance, which have attracted the attention of the health sectors as potential saviors of the beleaguered health industry afflicted by the quality crisis.

The TQM legacy – Gurus’ contributions and theoretical impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the various contributions made by Gurus who have impacted significantly on the theory and practice of total quality management (TQM) over the past 100 years. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses the solid foundation created by the various thoughts, concepts, principles and methods contributed by specifically considered individuals. Findings – The methodology makes the case for the legacy that TQM has created and in particular, its unique additions to theory building. Originality/value – A unique examination of a century of TQM Gurus.

K teorii schopnosti ozbrojených sil

The paper presents reflections over the issue of armed forces capabilities. It is a phenomenon much discussed and written earlier, namely from the point of its building, estimation and development. Nevertheless the question is whether practical experiences are backed by theory fundamentals. Now we have a chance to introduce the live theory of quality management [1] into this specific and frequented military problem. The article is a polemic consideration over possibilities of introducing capabilities management into command and control capabilities system in armed forces.

Discussion and Realization on Quality Management Methods of Steam Turbine Unit Installation in Tianjin SDIC Jinneng Power Plant

During the steam turbine unit installation, combined with the project quality management theory, summarized the quality management methods of making the quality plan and the guarantee, quality control and improvement. Achieve the good results through the application in the SDIC Power Plant team turbine unit installation. And has good promotion and reference for the same or related industry.

Towards a theory of quality management: an integration of strategic management, quality management and project management

Despite the potential benefits of TQM, its application in healthcare organisations encountered difficulties. The main purpose of this study is to develop a model of quality management for healthcare organisations. Thirty quality management experts were approached by using a Delphi method to specify the components of an appropriate quality management model. The core research led to the development of a context-specific model of quality management for healthcare organisations. It includes creating the organisation’s long-term quality goals and objectives related to employees, customers, suppliers, society and organisation, developing strategies and action plans to achieve these objectives, providing the necessary education and training, adopting cultural change, and then allocating resources to implement the action plans.

МЕТОДИЧНі ПіДХОДИ РОЗВИТКУ ЦіЛЬОВОї ФУНКЦії ЯКОСТі НА ХАРЧОВИХ ПіДПРИєМСТВАХ

In the articles a methodical approaches of development of objective function of quality at the food enterprises are offered. Aconceptual bases of multidimensionalness of quality and coherence of parameters of food quality production which completely answer with the provision of the theory of all-round quality management are developed.

Measuring the quality of therapeutic apheresis care in the pediatric intensive care unit

Our goal was to measure the quality of care provided in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) during Therapeutic Apheresis (TA). We described the care as a step by step process. We designed a flow chart to carefully document each step of the process. We then defined each step with a unique clinical indictor (CI) that represented the exact task we felt provided quality care. These CIs were studied and modified for 1 year. We measured our performance in this process by the number of times we accomplished the CI vs. the total number of CIs that were to be performed. The degree of compliance, with these clinical indicators, was analyzed and used as a metric for quality by calculating how close the process is running exactly as planned or "in control." The Apheresis Process was in control (compliance) for 47% of the indicators, as measured in the aggregate for the first observational year. We then applied the theory of Total Quality Management (TQM) through our Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) model. We were able to improve the process and bring it into control by increasing the compliance to > 99.74%, in the aggregate, for the third and fourth quarter of the second year. We have implemented TQM to increase compliance, thus control, of a highly complex and multidisciplinary Pediatric Intensive Care therapy. We have shown a reproducible and scalable measure of quality for a complex clinical process in the PICU, without additional capital expenditure.

The ten essential elements about building the improving long-term mechanism of modern medical quality

Medical quality management is the core of hospital management.Concerning how to build the improving long-term mechanism of modem medical quality,the article is guided with the theory of modern medical quality management,and tested with the reform of medical quality management about one hospital.It puts forward 10 essential elements on how to construct the long-term mechanism on improving the medical quality,which is based on consulting all kinds of experts.Namely,“qualifications,responsibilities,complete path,reverence for life,reverence for integrity,reverence for rules,value on evaluation,value on case history,value on sum-up,value on teamwork”.Then it will take active effect on hospital workers and hospital managers in strengthening medical quality control,and improve the medical quality persistently. Key words: Medical quality; Continuous improvement; Long-term mechanism; Essential elements

Identifying Variables for Measuring Organizational Performance Relative to QMS Implementation in Chinese Defense Industry

Identifying variables for measuring organizational performance relative to QMS implementation is the basis work for research of relation between QMS and organizational performance. Firstly, by literature analysis empirical researches in commercial industry are reviewed and the main variables are listed that help comparatively identify those in defense industry. Secondly, Chinese defense industry’s market structure, property of defense enterprises and defense product features are systematically analyzed and the preliminary variables for measuring organizational performance relative to QMS implementation are identified. Thirdly, with using Delphi method, those preliminary variables are screened and supplemented. At last, final twelve variables are identified, which are divided into three categories that are quality, innovation and operation. This study contributes not only to test the efficacy of QMS implementation in defense industry, but also to extend and deepen modern quality management theory.

Measuring economic effects of quality management systems

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss methods to quantify, in monetary terms, the effects of having a quality management system that can help to make decision making easier by company managers easier.Design/methodology/approachThere are many different management tools and theories which have been developed in both academic and entrepreneurial environments like the quality management theory, traditional accounting, quality cost measurement and balanced scorecard. The method proposed in this paper takes the form of taking these tools into consideration and analyzing them in detail in order to combine them to form a unique system which can maximize their individual benefits from a holistic point of view of total quality.FindingsThe paper proposes a measurement method that can be put into practice to ascertain the actual economic effects of quality management systems and to help decision makers.Research limitations/implicationsThe method developed must be validated bearing in mind its limitations for implementation in each company in order to prove its benefits.Originality/valueThe method is developed by combining many management tools, which are normally used individually.

Technical Research on Quality Control of Fly Ash Concrete

Based on comprehensive quality management theory, we have studied quality factors of fly ash high-performance concrete in construction, put forward the method of beforehand control, course control and afterwards control. From the project construction of the actual conditions, the raw material selection, mixture design and try gradation and concrete performance of fly ash concrete, has been comprehensively studied and analysised. The optimal dosage of fly ash has been determined with good workability of different fly ash concrete strength grade and mechanical properties meeting the design requirements and good durability, which demonstrates the good effect of the high-performance concrete implementation of total quality control management through the engineering practice.

Principals' and teachers' perceptions of quality management in Hong Kong primary schools

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of a sample of Hong Kong principals and teachers of the extent to which quality management (QM) has been effectively implemented in primary schools. The features of QM improvement implemented in Hong Kong primary schools include: values and duties, systems and teams(ST) resources and changes(RC) and meeting pupil needs and empowering staff.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative, survey questionnaire was adopted in this study. A total of 322 respondents (83 principals and 239 teachers) out of 83 primary schools responded to the questionnaire.FindingsThe finding shows that all four features of QM are perceived as being implemented in Hong Kong primary schools. There are significant differences between the perceptions of principals and teachers towards “value and duties”, “ST”, “RC” of QM. However, there is no significant difference between the perceptions of principles and teachers towards “meeting pupil needs and empowering staff” of QM.Originality/valueThis paper is a first step towards extending the theory and practice of QM to principals and teachers in Hong Kong primary schools.

Continuity And Change: Building A Quality Culture In The Romanian Educational System

Educational objectives, like educational quality, are contextual and evolving—they may exhibit both continuity and change. This paper capitalizes on the role of neo-institutionalism and on the contribution of Douglass North (one major representative of the neo-institutionalism trend) in identifying the institutional impact upon cognitive development, national consciousness and economic performance. Out of this large theoretical corpus, we have focused on the theories of learning. The core idea which we have drawn on refers to the fact that educational improvements are dependent on the characteristics of social institutions and institutions, in their turn, are variables dependent on the level of education. Is this a vicious or virtuous circle? If political factors considered both formal and informal aspects in the implementation of educational reforms in Romania, this would increase the chances for progress. Any strong educational “edifice” needs to start from national values and beliefs. The impending changes should be gradual rather than radical. The importing of patterns from developed countries should take place cautiously. Quality assurance is one of the most important parts in restructuring the national educational system that not have a Romanian label. Yet, the interest related to the theory and practice of quality management in education has echoed in Romania as well. A recommended goal is to identify that organization chart and synchronization of efforts so as to determine people to respond to their tasks enthusiastically and constantly improve their problem solving strategies. A “quality culture” will entirely depend on this mechanism, on the framework of constraints and incentives under which individuals interact. Consequently, our approach stresses the idea that a “quality culture” needs to derive from the Romanian context and this could be possible only by many successive, long-term institutional changes. Once such conditions are met, the passage from quality to sustainability becomes shorter and obstacle free, as a quality culture is likely to develop responsible attitudes to community and the environment.

Improving Performance In A Service Company Using Project Management And Six Sigma

Over the last few years, the number of organizations that deliver information technology services is increased. These organizations always need to improve service quality level for optimizing the customer's interaction, satisfaction and enhances the efficiency of the business operation. Thus, service quality continues to be a challenging topic in contemporary quality management theory and practice. Unlike products, services are not easily measured, tested or controlled for quality. This paper concentrates on improving the quality of service in a telecommunications technical support Call Center (CC) through the integration framework of Project Management (PM) and Six Sigma (SS) to control the attribute data.

Economic goals, Quality discourse and the narrowing of European state education

Quality management theory pervades education policy across Europe. In this article its prevalence is examined through analysis of policy texts drawn from 16 different state systems in Europe, as well as from the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The article argues that Quality discourse has served to reshape educational provision in ways borrowed from the private sector and within a predominantly market paradigm. In a parallel development, economic purposes have become the primary goal of European state education systems and Quality discourse is the means by which these economic ends are realised. The article argues that Quality has not simply become a dominant managerial approach but that Quality discourse is now so embedded within educational discourse that its concepts and language are the ways by which education policy frames and communicates its concerns. This phenomenon has served to narrow the ends of education and to reconfigure the educational e...

An empirical test of Deming’s chain reaction model

The contributions of W. Edwards Deming to quality management theory and practice cannot be overstated. One important theoretical contribution made by Deming was his Chain Reaction Model, which postulates that the impact of improved quality on financial performance is primarily indirect in nature. Although this important theoretical model is now decades old and has received considerable attention in the practitioner literature, the theorised indirect relationship between improved quality and financial performance has only recently begun to receive empirical testing. Deming’s model is partially tested in the current study utilising a sample of US firms that have been certified by major corporations as having implemented effective TQM practices. The results provide support for Deming’s contention that the impact of improved quality on financial performance is primarily indirect in nature.

Care quality management in large general hospitals

The paper analyzed the needs for care quality management in large general hospitals and progresses made in hospital quality management theories. In respect of care quality management in hospitals, authors hold that the key to care quality is comprehensive scientific management of hospitals, and it is necessary to put in place a long-term management of care quality in line with the development direction of hospital evaluation and by means of total quality management system, as well as enhanced quality management and quality culture building. Key words: General hospital; Care quality; Quality management

Quality Management and Cooperative Values: Investigation of Multilevel Influences on Workgroup Performance

ABSTRACTUnsuccessful quality initiatives often are attributed to an organizational culture that does not recognize the importance of the cooperative values that underlie “soft” quality management practices, like customer focus and empowerment. Yet, the literature remains unclear as to how quality management and cooperative values interrelate by failing to incorporate the multilevel influences on this relationship in organizations. This research analyzes a multilevel model based on sociotechnical systems and quality management theories. Secondary data are used to test an explanation of how organizational‐level and workgroup‐level quality management practices relate to cooperative cultural values and workgroup performance. A single‐level model is also tested to demonstrate its inadequacies. Based upon the support for a multilevel model, managerial insights are provided that aid in deciding where resources should be allocated during a quality initiative.

Soft and Hard Aspects of Quality Management Practices Influencing Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Manufacturing-oriented Services

This review rationalizes that quality management practices have been adopted as a marketing strategy in the post-liberalized economy. Evaluating the literature and theories of quality management, differences are found in the implementation of quality management practices in manufacturing and service sectors. A critical assessment of literature and a comparison of various quality management models divulge the variables that are proposed to influence service quality and customer satisfaction in manufacturing-oriented services. These variables are categorized as ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ aspects of quality management. The soft aspects include transformational leadership, workplace spirituality, service climate, human resource management practices, employees’ affective commitment and job satisfaction. The hard aspects incorporate the management information system and physical evidence. It is rationalized that the adoption of soft and hard aspects of quality management is essential to achieve service quality and customer satisfaction.

A more proactive approach to addressing gender‐related employment disparities in the United States

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a proactive public policy approach to complement relatively reactive existing policies addressing gender‐related employment disparities in the USA, and to provide an initial empirical illustration of the proposal.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a conceptual application of theories of total quality management (TQM) to the topic of gender‐related employment disparities, followed by an empirical illustration using US Current Population Survey data and a gender equal employment opportunity (EEO) scorecard.FindingsUsing the TQM framework, company outliers were conceptualized on the EEO scorecard as “special” causes of economy‐wide equal employment variation and the industries in which companies are situated as “common” causes. The paper identifies two underperforming industries on gender‐related employment outcomes: Mining and Construction, and Transportation, Communication and Utilities.Research limitations/implicationsFurther conceptual work on the application of TQM to gender disparities in employment is recommended. Also, the study considered broad industry categories; future research should refine these categories further.Practical implicationsIt is recommended that US enforcement agencies incorporate industry considerations more explicitly into their activities. Employer insights may be beneficial to improving equal employment opportunity performance at the industry level.Originality/valueThe application of TQM theory to the topic of gender‐related employment disparities is a novel approach that may motivate new public policies.