Total Quality Management - Assignment Example

TOPIC 10 (a). Is Total Quality Management Enough For Competitive Advantage? (b). This topic stimulates a great deal of debate and goes into the core values of both TQM processes and competitive advantages enjoyed by firms. This is the reason why I have chosen the title. Besides, over the last decade or so, TQM processes and competitive advantages have claimed centre stage attention in global businesses. (c). (1) The main problem that needs to be studied is whether TQM processes by itself would be sufficient for generating and sustaining competitive advantages in business or is there need for more aspects to be drawn into business to achieve edge over competitors. The problem would lie in being able to distinguish between competitive advantages gained through TQM processes vis-à-vis those gained through other means. (2). The study is relevant since the role and importance of TQM could be cleared once and for all. (3) In depth investigative survey research is required. (4) Theorists and practitioners of TQM methods would be involved at the methodology and investigative stage and would be needed as respondents to the survey. (d) (1) It is interesting and controversial – this is why I have chosen it. (2). TQM processes are being imbued into the total organization and is not restricted to just production or quality. (3) Earlier it was mainly used to seek ways and means to improved productivity and quality but now it is a mantra for the organization as a whole. (4) Main references would be current literature in online libraries and conducted secondary research papers on this subject. The primary research would be critical in arriving at a consensus on this research question. (e) (1) I hope to achieve reaffirmation of the role played by TQM processes and techniques in business. (2) Often TQM processes are confused with its outcomes and applications- coherence between these two areas are causes for difficulties. It would be necessary to sift data to suit the needs of the study through discerning reading and interpretations and a clearcut surveying methods that leaves no room for ambiguity. (3) Yes, there are ethical implications since company-specific matter may be confidential and not disclosed for commercial purposes. (4) SMART objectives are relevant in this study in that specific aspects, level of motivation, action oriented approach and not subjective analysis, relevant and time bound requirements are also to be imbued in this study. (5). Its implications could be in terms of these aspects need to be considered while planning, conducting and concluding the study. (f) (1) By far this section forms the crux of the entire survey. The shaping of research questions (Open or closed ended) and their impact on respondents would be decisive for a research of this genre. Besides, surveyors need to take care of the high accuracy and reduced margin of error occurrences when addressing and analysing data generated from the research survey. There would be number of research questions, perhaps around 10-12 which addressing the core issues regarding TQM and its impact upon business activities. (2) Sources of primary data would be the responses from the questionnaires and the personal interviews conducted with specialists in TQM and competitive advantages. These specialists are well versed consultants who have in depth knowledge of their subject and could provide sufficient food for thought on the subject under research. They are from industry, trade and commercial enterprises that actively practice TQM on a regular basis. They have published books and research material on this subject and are still engaged in learning more about the current developments in subjective and objective aspects of TQM in the context of industry, trade and commerce in the country. Tête-à-Têtes with these business leaders would form the primary sourcing. (3) The secondary sourcing as pointed out earlier would be online library, books, magazines, TQM websites and a host of other literature and data available on this subject. Published research works would also be consulted as part of secondary data assimilation. (4) Research methods are through personal interviews and data collected by questionnaires to selected respondents. (5) (i) Initial screening (ii) Pilot survey (iii) fixing appointments with respondents (iv) conduct of survey (v) Survey deliberations (vi) Analysis, discussions and results. (6) Chapter Headings – Executive summary- Table of contents – Acknowledgements and thanks- Introduction – Literature review – Research Methodology- Deliberations of research- Analysis – Interpretations – Conclusions- Recommendations- Appendices- Work Cited sections. (g) The rationale and limitation of research would depend upon the extent and scope of the research and the population covered. In a research study of this genre, it is critical that as many respondents as could be possible accommodated need to be taken into consideration. The views may also be disparate and varied, in line with the research question that could evoke different responses when placed before a discrete number of respondents. This is critical to avoid occurrences of a bias, or window dressed survey. The results need to flow naturally, reflectively and spontaneously from the analysis and deliberations and should not leave room for ambiguity, bias or subjectivity of any kind. In essence the results would justify the use of research instruments and these would need to underpin the research in a objective and clear cut manner. The outcome of a research of this kind could only be of two kinds- either the hypothesis is sustained or it is overruled. In the event it is sustained, this would constructively and effectively mean that TQM processes could, independently by itself, claim authority over Competitive advantages and there would be no need or use of any other aspects, like marketing strategies, brand image, length of brand life, market conditions, consumer behaviour and preferences, although, these may at one point or other, impact upon TQM although not directly. It is believed that even Advertising and Publicity is, in more ways than one, influenced by TQM since we cannot advertise product merits that are not strictly possessed, and these possessions are in reality the after effects of TQM etc. The other side of the picture would be in case the majority respondents do not endorse the view that TQM processes could, independently by itself, claim authority over Competitive advantages. This would be tantamount to undermining the real value of TQM or it could also be possible that TQM has not been enforced the way it should have actually been, resulting in negative results. There would be need to refocus on TQM goals and objectives and its role and impact on competitive advantages. Perhaps there are more critical aspects, outside the purview of TQM processes that need to be addressed. “Then the scenario would depend on the way one implements it in each aspect of your organization effectively, the way one communicates it strongly, and the way one takes corrective actions for improvement quickly.” (Is total quality management enough for competitive advantage, n.d.) Reference List Is total quality management enough for competitive advantage? n.d. (Provided by the customer). Read More