Quality Management Assignment - The assignment is based on the Eurocab Essay

Quality Management Assignment - The assignment is based on the Eurocab case study and appendices attached. Study the case and an - Essay Example One way of achieving both efficiency and effectiveness is through quality management which can be done using the total quality management (TQM) model. TQM is an organisational culture devoted to customer satisfaction through an integrated system of tools, techniques and training aimed at the continuous improvement of the products and services offered (Kotler & Armstrong, 2004). As such, this essay seeks to carry out a critique of EuroCab’s current approach to quality and how this compares with Crosby's fourteen point plans. The analysis will highlight the aspects of the plan being implemented as well as outline the points missed. The second part of the essay will look at the extent to which the six sigma methodology can be implemented within the organisation. 1. EuroCab is one of the leading European manufacturers of customised metal cabinets of various sizes and designs. These are sold to different customers to contain, support and securely protect electrical and electronic c ontrol systems from damage. However, the operations of this organisation are geared towards productivity and there are quality concerns since some of the products manufactured do not conform to the expected standards. Quality of a product or service is based on the judgement by the individual or organisation of a particular product with regards to benefits, value or satisfaction that can be derived from using it (Kotler & Armstrong, 2004). Organisations that are concerned about their viability should prioritise the aspect of quality in order to gain a competitive advantage. As noted, the aspect of quality is of concern to Eurocab and this section of the essay seeks to critique the company's current approach to quality and how this compares with Crosby's fourteen point plan. Philip B Crosby is a quality guru and is known for the concepts of â€Å"Quality is Free† and â€Å"Zero Defects. There are four absolutes of quality in his quality improvement process which are: Quality is conformance to requirements, the system of quality is prevention, the performance standard is zero defect and the measurement of quality is the price of non-conformance. Details of quality gurus can be viewed at the Department of Trade and Industry’s website at . His model is comprised of fourteen steps and these are going to be used to analyse the company’s current approach to quality. He suggests that the first step is that management should be committed to a formalised quality policy but in this case, it seems there is no such coordination between the management and the other members of the organisation in other departments. The management is primarily concerned with productivity while at the same time quality related issues are neglected. The blame for any faulty cab is given to the Quality, Manufacturing as well as the Electrical assembly departments. The management does not make follow up on its quality policies to ensure that that there is conformity in the o perations of the organisation as a whole to satisfy the quality needs of the customers as well as the company. The second aspect of Cosby’s 14 steps is the formation of a management level quality improvement team (QIT) with responsibility for quality improvement process planning and administration. As such, it can be noted that EuroCab has