Answer to Question 1
Total Quality Management: TQM is a people-focused management system that focuses on increasing customer satisfaction while continually reducing costs. Although it uses scientific methods for assessing quality and associated costs and constraints and implementing improvement, it takes a total systems approach in which all functions, processes and departments across the organization, and all employees at all levels, are integral to ensuring success in the manufacture of products or delivery of services. TQM stresses learning and adaptation to continual change as essential to achieving this success.
Six Sigma: The term Six Sigma was coined by Motorola as its methodology for improving business processes by minimizing defects and refers to the statistical measurement indicating there are only 3.4 defects out of every million opportunities to produce a defect, or virtually zero. It is an organizational approach where companies make decisions based on data, seek root causes of problems, define defects based on customer requirements, and track leading indicators of problems to prevent them from happening.
Lean Production: Lean production refers to the continuous flow of products or services to the customer at the moment it is needed and to the customer's specifications. It focuses on increasing productivity and quality while reducing inventory and shortening lead time from floor to customer. Its principles include workplace safety, order and cleanliness; just-in-time production; built-in Six Sigma quality; empowered teams; visual management to track performance and provide immediate feedback on a daily or even hourly basis; and continual pursuit of perfection.
Answer to Question 2
a
A quality assurance (QA) committee meeting.
Fossil fuels production
Total Fertility Rate in Japan: Actual versus Forecast
Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage, 5th Edition
Complete the following production chart and plot the points.
Describe the Conceptual Forecasting Framework in your own words.