The Historical Development of Operations Management - Math Problem Example

Eli Whitney entered into a contract with the U.S. government for 10,000 muskets and was successful in demanding a premium rate due to their unique and interchangeable parts. In 1881, emerging contributors were Frederick W. Taylor, who was established as the “father of scientific management” introduced his theory that management should be more resourceful and aggressive in the improvement of work methods. Taylor also initiated the belief that management should assume responsibility for: 1. matching employees with the right work, 2. making proper training available for workers, 3. espousing correct work processes and equipment, and, 4. establishing legal benefits and incentives for work to be accomplished. At around the same time, e Henry L. Grantt and Frank and Lilian Gilbreth pioneered the concept of incorporating a system into production.

In 1913, Henry Ford and Charles Sorensen pitched in 1913 with their knowledge on standardized parts and quasi-assembly lines in meatpacking and mail order businesses. Ford and Sorensesn contributed the innovative concept of the ‘assembly line’ describing the process as men standing still and the material or tools to be used were the ones moving.

In 1924, more and more recognize the vital role of quality planning and quality control. Another breakthrough was Walther Shewhart’s combination of knowledge of statistics with quality control, and W. Edwards Deming’s confirmation that management must exert efforts to uplift the work environment and processes in order to effect quality improvement.

Modern theories from physical sciences like anatomy, chemistry, physics and biology have also significantly added to the evolution of operations management. Also contributing to the history of operations management are the theories leading to improved productivity from other disciplines like industrial engineering and management science along with statistics, management, and economics.Very vital to the evolution of operations management are the contributions of the information sciences such as the Internet and e-Commerce pushing efficiency in increased levels and heightening productivity while providing society with a greater variety of products – both goods and services.

Due to the ever-changing world, and the fact that operations management is highly subject to these changes, new trends in operations management have arisen. New theories and challenges are introduced: 1. Global focus, 2. Just-in-time performance, 3. Supply-chain partnering, 4. Rapid product development, 5. Mass communication, and, 6. Empowered employees.

• Explain the principles of Total Quality Management and its contributions to operations management.

Answer:

Modern Total Quality Management (TQM) is pioneered by: W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, Armand V. Feigenbaum, Philip B. Crosby, Kaoru Ishikawa and Genichi Taguchi.

TQM tools and techniques in creative problem solving include: understanding the ‘mess’, finding facts, identifying specific problems, generating ideas, developing solutions and implementation.