The contribution of quality tools and integration of quality management systems to the organization

Managing quality in industrial companies: The empirical study of quality management systems in the Czech Republic

Since monitoring, managing, sustaining and improving the quality are is so important to the competitiveness of the company, it is advisable to use a variety of Quality Management tools (QMTs) and techniques, in addition to comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMSs). The main aim of this research study is to explore the connection between Quality Management System (QMS) and selected Quality Management tools (QMTs) in industrial companies in the Czech Republic. This study summarizes the results of the online questionnaire survey between April 2017 and July 2017. The final sample consisted of answers from 200 companies. It has been found that 46% of surveyed companies monitor and evaluate quality of their business processes. Furthermore, it has been found that 59% of surveyed companies are ISO 9001 certified. Larger companies tend to monitor and evaluate quality of their business processes and to have ISO 9001 certification. The relationships between the use of Quality Management tools (QMTs), monitoring and quality assessment of business processes (MQABP) and ISO 9001 certification have been found based on the Pearson's Chi-square Test of Independence, the Fisher's Exact Test of Independence and the Column Proportions Z-Test.

Empirical analysis of Six Sigma project capability deficiency and its impact on project success

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the deficiencies in Six Sigma project capability and empirically validating its impact on project success.

Design/methodology/approach

Deficiencies are identified from literature focusing on Six Sigma challenges or barriers. The study used a survey approach by circulating questionnaires to 400 Six Sigma professionals from 40 multinational organisations. The conceptual model is composed of 16 items measuring five constructs for hypothesis testing. Furthermore, structural equation modelling was used to identify the relationship between Six Sigma project capability deficiency and project success.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that inadequate top management support, inadequate resources and change management and inadequate quality maturity form Six Sigma project capability deficiency and affect project success.

Research limitations/implications

The study uses resource-based view to understand the deficiencies in Six Sigma project capability and their impact on project success. The study confirms that organisational capabilities in implementing Six Sigma affect the success of the projects.

Practical implications

The results of this study reveal that inadequate top management support, inadequate quality maturity of the organisation and inadequate resources and change management result into a deficiency in Six Sigma project capability. Quality managers in manufacturing and service organisations should attempt to improve these capabilities to achieve competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by exploring the capability outlook of Six Sigma. The study attempts to fill the gap in Six Sigma literature by providing a structural model for understanding Six Sigma project capability deficiency and its impact on Six Sigma project success.

R, Kannan S. S, P. A, Trehan R. Defect reduction in an electrical parts manufacturer: a case study

Purpose

Defective parts in manufacturing is a serious issue faced by every manufacturer. Even after proper care in design, material selection and manufacturing of product, there exists a defective part. The purpose of this paper is to explore the quality of the manufacturing, and find the use of effective quality tools to reduce the part defect rate in an electrical parts manufacturing unit, thereby, reducing the replaced cost of defective parts.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of quality initiatives, like total quality management (TQM) and Lean Six Sigma (LSS), the firms can produce quality product in each stage of production. The paper focuses on the primary data collected from the XYZ electric manufacturer.

Findings

The main finding of this case analysis is that by the effective use of quality tools, the defective part return rate can be reduced, because of which the firm can observe reduction in replaced cost of almost INR24 lakh. In addition, 10A switch part contributes more in replacement cost. Further, it adds to the 35 percent of the overall part rejection.

Research limitations/implications

The study is more focused on particular type of switch product and can extend to other types of products. In addition, the analysis reveals the results of only 88 percent of the defective products.

Practical implications

The study provides results of the improved quality by effective use of quality tools and discusses the different types of defects in the electrical parts manufacturing. Introducing TQM and LSS to manufacturing can reduce the customer return rate to 1,300 parts per million (PPM) and even to 1,000 PPM in future.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the quality issues in the electrical manufacturer. Moreover, the case analysis briefs effective ways to improve the product quality and reduce the rejection rate.