Quality and Process Improvement Assignment
Submission Format
All “P” criteria must be successfully completed in order to pass the module. The submission is in the form of an individual written report. This should be written in a concise, formal business style, using 1.5 spacing and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections, as appropriate, and all the work must be your own or supported with research and referenced using the Harvard referencing system. Harvard referencing system if you intend to include the work of others.
10
Unit Learning Outcomes
LO1 Illustrate the applications of statistical process control when applied in an industrial environment to improve efficiency
LO2 Analyse cost effective quality control tools
LO3 Determine the role of standards in improving efficiency, meeting customer requirements and opening up new opportunities for trade
LO4 Analyse the importance of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement in manufacturing environments
Assignment Brief and Guidance
Scenario
Management have assigned you to the Quality Assurance Department. The company “Safe Toys” manufactures fashion dolls for a high profile branded toy manufacturer. The company, situated in the West of Ireland, has come under stiff competition from Asian suppliers and therefore needs to improve quality, costs and efficiency. Below are some examples of the products. The Original Equipment Manufacturer markets the dolls towards 5 to 7 year olds. You are expected to be able to apply continuous improvement principles and techniques including SPC, quality costing, standards and awards, and to be able to analyse the importance of Total Quality Management and continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.
Task 1
Write a report Titled: Quality: “Right First Time” for the management of Safe Toys
(Guidelines: the more criteria you cover correctly the higher the grade)
· Review quality tools and techniques that would appropriately monitor conformance in the context of the case study.
· Describe the application of Statistical Process Control (SPC) in relation to the products concerned
· Explain the effectiveness of the tools chosen in 1.
· Suggest with justified recommendations how SPC could improve efficiency
Task 2
Write a brief memo to for the management of Safe Toys titled: The effective use of quality tools
(Guidelines: the more criteria you cover correctly the higher the grade)
· Analyse the effective use of QC tools, how might they be used incorrectly
· Analyse costing techniques with regard to Prevention, appraisal and with examples.
· Determine with justification how Quality management tools improve business performance
· Develop a process for applying a range of quality tools with an emphasis on reducing costs
Task 3
Write a report to explain the role of standards aimed at new entrants to the quality department at Safe Toys
(Guidelines: the more criteria you cover correctly the higher the grade)
· Determine required standards for toy manufacture to improve efficiency and open opportunities for new markets
· Discuss the importance of standards in toy manufacture?
· Illustrate a plan for the implementation of an international standard, e.g ISO 9000.
Task 4
Write a brief memo analysing the importance of TQM in manufacturing aimed at new entrants to the quality department at Safe Toys
· Analyse the focus of Deming’s 14 principles in the context of the case study
· Analyse how TQM and continuous improvement underpins the ability to improve efficiency, meet customer requirements and improve competitiveness.
· Discuss how an appropriate approach to TQM implementation will improve quality performance
· Analyse with examples how an appropriate approach to TQM implementation will improve quality performance