Running head: THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 1
Thematic Integration of Faith and Learning
Institution
Date
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 2
Abstract
This paper explores the concepts of productivity and quality management and how they
relate the business world. The paper comprises of three sections. In the first section, the author
explores how the course “Quality Management and Productivity” relates to the business world.
In this section, the paper will explore how quality management tools and concepts explored in
the course can be applied in the business world. In the second section, the author offers an in-
depth analysis of some critical questions arising from the course’s readings. In the last section,
the author will explore the concepts of Quality management and productivity using Keller (2012)
as the main source. Some concepts that will be analyzed in this section include Stewardship,
work as cultivation and dignity of work among many more.
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 3
Significance of the Course to Business
The course “Quality Management and Productivity” is relevant to business as it offers
solutions to the challenges facing modern-day organizations. The course introduces students to
the concepts of productivity and quality management and how they apply to the business world.
The course is founded on the premise that the modern business world is dynamic, highly
competitive, and full of challenges, which organizations must be prepared to deal with to
guarantee high performance. Some of the challenges highlighted in this course include low
productivity, high cost of production, product variations, and increased customer satisfaction
among many more. The course offers an in-depth analysis of some of these challenges, and how
they might affect the overall organizational performance. In addition to this, the course proposes
solutions to some of these problems, including what organizations must do to remain productive
and to stay ahead of rivals in the business world. As such, the course is highly relevant to
modern-day organizations, and any individual with vast interest in business and
entrepreneurship.
One key area covered in this course is the concept of quality management. Ross (2017)
defines quality management as a process through which an organization maintains the desired
level of product quality. Organizations achieve this goal by constantly monitoring the production
process, and outputs to ensure that any variation in the product quality is quickly identified, and
rectified. Its key aim is to ensure that the goods and services delivered are consistent, of high
quality, and meet all stakeholders’ requirements and expectations. The course views quality
management as an essential practice for any organization that seeks to establish a competitive
advantage over its rivals. According to Ross (2017), quality management is essential as it
reduces product variations, minimizes wastage, and ensures that goods and services meet the
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 4
specified quality requirements. Quality management is further associated with increased
customer satisfaction and a reduction in the cost of production. It is through quality management
that an organization can identify issues with product quality, and find a way to rectify the issues
before they cause harm to an organization.
The course also introduces students to quality management tools and how they are used
to monitor the quality of products or processes. One of these tools is the Pareto chart which is
used to visually represent the production processes. According to Plenert (2012), the Pareto chart
provides organizations with a graphical representation of its processes, allowing them to identify
any undesirable variation in these processes. Other tools that are essential in quality management
include tools such as Fishbone diagram, control charts, flow, Failure Modes, and Effects
Analysis and Scatter diagram among many more. According to (Plenert, 2012), a control chart
provides organizations with a visual diagram of a process’ variation with time. An organization
can, in turn, use this diagram to identify any undesirable variation in the process and rectify it
accordingly. These tools are essential to quality management as they help prevent undesirable
product variations that might cause inconsistencies in products, or lead to the production of
defective products.
A major area addressed in this course is the concept of productivity. Starbird & Cavanagh
(2011) defines productivity as the ability to produce the desired level of output from a certain
combination of inputs. Productivity is an issue of concern to business as it impacts the amount of
output that will be obtained from a particular set of inputs. According to Tidd & Bessant (2018),
even large firms such as Toyota, Samsung, and Apple are concerned with productivity,
particularly their ability to produce goods using minimal inputs. Productivity is crucial to any
organization as it impacts areas such as organizational efficiency, and performance both in the
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 5
short run and in the long run. The course explores the concept of productivity by examining what
organizations can do to maintain optimal performance in a highly competitive business world.
According to Starbird & Cavanagh, (2011), one way to maintain high productivity is by fostering
teamwork and empowering employees to work together for a common goal. Starbird &
Cavanagh (2011) Views teamwork as one of the ways through which organizations can achieve
optimal performance, and align their processes, and people. Overall, productivity ensures that an
organization generates value for its shareholders, in addition to promoting customer satisfaction.
The course also explores the concept of “Continuous improvement” and its relevance to
business. Plenert (2012) defines continuous improvement as an ongoing effort to improve
processes, services, and goods, produced by a certain organization. Continuous improvement is
important in modern business, as it allows an organization to improve the quality of its services
and goods, to ensure customer satisfaction. The course recognizes that continuous improvement
is a highly challenging task, and leaders must be prepared to adequately deal with the challenges
that come with it. For instance, the process requires support from the leaders, and all employees
for it to be successful. Further, continuous improvement requires ample resources which are not
always available (Plenert, 2012). To address these challenges, the course recommends that
teamwork and clear communication be maintained within an organization. For instance, a leader
should always empower the employees and motivate them to take part in the continuous
improvement process. Continuous improvement is not the responsibility of a single person;
rather; all employees must work together to improve the quality of goods, services or processes.
Further, the course explores the concepts of productivity and quality management in
relation to biblical teachings. This area challenges students to be productive and to ensure that
they fulfill God’s purpose for work in their day to day duties. In this regard, students are
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 6
challenged to undertake their duties diligently and honestly, and in a way that benefits all people,
and not just themselves. This area revolves around teachings by Keller (2012), who argues that
we should use whichever position we occupy to serve others, and in the process serve God.
Keller (2012) challenges us to fulfill our duties diligently, and in a manner that improves the
wellbeing of all members of the society. These teachings relate to business as they challenge us
to be ethical, and truthful in our day to day activities. In the modern business world, there is great
demand for accountability, and ethical decision making, which can be achieved if we all strive to
achieve God’s purpose for work on earth.
Key Critical questions from the Course
One critical question is arising from the readings whether the quality management tools
highlighted in this course will be applicable in the business world in the near future. Automation
and the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence has slowly reshaped quality
management and control (Acemoglu, & Restrepo, 2018). As a result, most organizations are
embracing autonomous processes that can function without human intervention. For instance,
some manufacturing companies have implemented systems that can identify and correct any
issues within the production systems without any need for human intervention (Acemoglu, &
Restrepo, 2018). The implementation of such systems might render quality management tools
such as scatter plots and Pareto charts irrelevant since minimal human involvement is required.
In addition to this, advancements in robotics will create robots that can take up quality
management and monitoring roles from human beings. For instance, with the creation of robots
whose skills can match those of human beings, scatter plots, histograms, and data other process
visualization tools will be irrelevant, since the robots can communicate with the entire system, to
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 7
identify issues with certain processes. As a result, one is left wondering if quality management
tools explored in this course will be relevant in the business world, a few years from now.
Another critical question arising from this course is whether the biblical concepts of
stewardship and service to others are applicable to the modern business world. In particular, is it
possible for a leader to maintain ethical behavior in the workplace, and still achieve
organizational goals and objectives? As Kouzes, & Posner, (2018) mentions, “the current
business world is dynamic, complex and full of challenges that must be addressed for optimal
performance. Keller (2012), mentions that we should strive to serve others in whichever position
we occupy in our society. However, this might not be applicable in instances where we are under
constant pressure to meet unrealistic targets. In addition to this, business leaders are under
constant pressure from shareholders, to improve productivity and to generate more revenues.
Due to these challenges, most leaders are forced to use dubious means to improve organizational
performance (Van Duzer, 2010). Such methods include the production of low-quality products,
payment of low wages, irresponsible waste disposal, copyright infringement among many more.
A key question in this regard is whether a leader can implement biblical concepts of honesty,
diligence, and stewardship in their workplace and still maintain optimal performance in an
environment where other firms are using dubious means to improve their performance.
Another question arising from the readings is on the relevance of the course to business,
particularly for individuals who do not subscribe to Christianity, and biblical teachings. The
course approaches productivity and quality management from Christian worldwide perspective.
For instance, students are challenged to be productive and to undertake their duties diligently to
fulfill God’s purpose for work on earth. Further, the course is founded on biblical teachings of
stewardship, honest, ethical leadership and service to others and God. Since the course is
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 8
founded on Christianity and biblical teachings, one might wonder whether it can still be
applicable to individuals who subscribe other religions, or those who do not subscribe to any
religion at all. In particular, Duby (2009) explains the concepts of work and productivity using
biblical examples drawn from Genesis. He suggests that, just like Adam and Eve were given the
role of stewards to represent God’s power on earth, we should consider our businesses to
advance God’s purpose on earth, and to draw people close to his Kingdom. From a Christian’s
perspective, the arguments by Duby (2009) and Keller (2012) are highly applicable in the
business world, since they challenge us to use our positions to advance God’s purpose for work.
However, one might wonder whether these arguments are applicable to individuals who do not
subscribe to Christianity.
Another key question is whether it is possible for one to serve God in an occupation that
does not align with our expertise or interest. Van Duzer (2010) encourages us to take pride in
work and to treat it with respect. Van Duzer (2010) insists that work is fun, and not a curse or
punishment as most of us regard it. Sadly, this is not the case in modern society where
individuals are forced to take up jobs for survival, and not because they have any interest in these
jobs. In such instances, one might never be proud of their work, since they are always looking for
a better paying job, or one that aligns with their interest or expertise. In instances where
individuals take up jobs just to meet their daily needs, it is difficult for them to take pride in their
jobs. Further, some employees work in a harsh and inhumane environment, which might affect
how they perceive work.
One might also question whether it is possible to fulfill God’s purpose for work when we
are under pressure to better our lives. The course challenges us to use our positions at work to
improve the lives of those around us. However, in most instances, we have individual needs that
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 9
might bar us from undertaking our duties diligently, and honestly serving those who need our
service. In instances where our wages are inadequate, we might be forced to look for additional
sources to supplement our income. For instance, a nurse who is under constant pressure to meet
her daily needs might find it difficult to attend to patients, and to serve them diligently. What is
evident is that we all have individual needs and challenges that might lower our productivity
both at home and at work. This raises the question of whether we can fulfill God’s purpose for
work, in instances where we are struggling to meet our daily needs.
Significance of Productivity and quality management in advancing God’s purposes for business
on earth.
Keller (2012) challenges us to be productive and to treat work with dignity. He argues
that it is only through working that we can fulfill Gods purpose for work on Earth. Keller (2012)
further argues that by working, we emulate God, since he had to work to make the world as
beautiful and complete as it is. His argument for work is that” by working, we serve those around
us, and in the process serve God. Also, Keller (2012) believes that work is a command from
God, and we must work if we want to emulate and be like him. For instance, when God created
Adam and Eve, he commanded them to work and gave them the powers to rule over other
creations and to exercise authority over them. In Gen 1: 28, the bible challenges them to
multiply, work, and subdue the earth. By “subdue” the bible did not give us the powers to
destroy nature, for our own selfish gains. Rather, it challenges us to reshape nature and make it
better for future generations including animals and plants.
Keller (2012) discusses the concept of productivity when he encourages us to treat work
with dignity and to seek jobs that suit our passion and gifts. He posits that God expects us to
work and be productive in our day to day activities. As a result, Keller (2012) challenges us to
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 10
take up jobs which align with our passions, and those which we can undertake diligently. He
believes that by undertaking jobs that align with our gifts and talents, we can be productive since
we will be more motivated to work. Keller (2012) further argues that humans were created to
work, and the case would still be the same, even if Adam and Eve never went against God’s
command. For him, work gives dignity to humans being irrespective of the wages, or the status
of the job. In this regard, he challenges us to be productive in whichever position we occupy,
without worrying about the pay or other benefits that might result from the job.
Keller (2012) also discusses the significance of quality management in advancing God’s
purpose for work. In relation to biblical teachings,” Quality” signifies the holiness and
appropriateness of our actions in certain instances. Quality management ensures that we
undertake our duties diligently, following God’s commands, and biblical teachings (Duby,
2009). When God created Adam and Eve, he gave them the power to subdue and take care of all
the creation. However, he warned them not to consume fruits from the tree of knowledge. When
the two decided to ignore God’s command, the consequences were dire, as the two become
vulnerable to death, and sin (Keller, 2012). This scenario shows that, for us to achieve our
personal and organizational goals, we must stick to the set guidelines, and ensure that we observe
rules always. Further, it teaches us to always monitor the actions of those around us, to ensure
that each team member works tirelessly to improve organizational performance.
God expects us to work so that we can be productive and improve our lives. When God
created Adam and Eve, he gave them the responsibility of naming animals and taking care of
them. He entrusted the two with the naming of the animal, as he wanted to instill a sense of
responsibility in the human race (Keller, 2012). By so doing, he wanted to teach them that they
had a responsibility to bring civilization, and order in the entire universe. Further, God expects us
THEMATIC INTEGRATION OF FAITH AND LEARNING 11
to work and use our creativity to solve the challenges facing us. Such challenges include
sicknesses and fires among many more. Further, God expects us to work, and create new entities,
eliminate chaos, be productive and serve others diligently (Keller, 2012). By so doing, we will
have fulfilled God’s purpose for work, and in the process, draw more people closer to him.
Keller (2012) also challenges us to undertake our duties in the best way possible. He
urges us to emulate God, and undertake our duties diligently, and to completion, just like he did.
He challenges us to strive to be perfect and to be like God in all our undertakings. This argument
relates to the concept of productivity, as we are encouraged to be productive both at home and in
our workplace. According to Starbird & Cavanagh (2011), productivity entails achieving optimal
results using the available resources. As Christian, we are expected to be productive and to use
our occupation to serve God and fellow human beings. For instance, a professor or a business
person is expected to undertake their work diligently, and to avoid using their positions for
personal gain. Keller’s (2012) argument is that; we should put maximum efforts at work
irrespective of the status of the work, or the pay.
Keller (2012) also challenges us to do work in a skillful and excellent work. The only
way to achieve this goal is by constantly monitoring the quality of our products and processes.
This argument relates to quality management and productivity as it emphasizes on the quality of
our output. Keller (2012) further argues that we should use our expertise to advance God’s
purpose for work and to draw people closer to him. As a result, he challenges us to create beauty,
as it is one way through which we can serve God. Keller (2012) also encourages us to be
productive, make as much money as we can, and us the money to advance God’s purpose. In
summary, Keller (2012) encourages Christian to be productive and to use their skills to deliver
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high-quality products. His argument shows that both productivity and quality management are
essential to advancing God’s purpose for work.
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References
Acemoglu, D., & Restrepo, P. (2018).CArtificial intelligence, automation and workC(No.
w24196). National Bureau of Economic Research.
Duby, D. (2009). The greatest commandment: The foundation for biblical servant leadership.
Liberty Business Review, 7, 52–57. Retrieved from
http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/busi_fac_pubs/11.
Keller, T. (2012). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2018).CThe student leadership challenge: Five practices for
becoming an exemplary leader. John Wiley & Sons.
Plenert, G. (2012). Strategic continuous process improvement: Which quality tools to use, and
when to use them.
Ross, J. E. (2017).CTotal quality management: Text, cases, and readings. Routledge.
Starbird, D., & Cavanagh, R. (2011). Building engaged team performance: Align your processes
and people to achieve game-changing business results.
Tidd, J., & Bessant, J. R. (2018).CManaging innovation: integrating technological, market, and
organizational change. John Wiley & Sons.
Van Duzer, J. (2010). Why business matters to God: And what still needs to be fixed. Downers
Grove, IL: IVP Academic. ISBN: 9780830838882.
