Dr. W. Edwards Deming developed 14 principles for production
and operations management that came to be known as Total Quality Management
(TQM). One principle is to work in teams. He advised his clients to:
“Break down barriers between departments and staff areas. People in different
areas, such as Leasing, Maintenance, Administration, must work in teams to
tackle problems that may be encountered with products or service.”
Research a leading manufacturer or a major retail or
restaurant business. Analyze the company’s production and operations management
system and evaluate the use of teams in its production and operations
management.
1. Describe
a major global corporation: (1) a leading manufacturer or (2) a major retail or
restaurant business. Describe the type of business, market share, financials,
size, and global presence.
2. Describe
the company’s production or operations management.
3. Describe
and evaluate the company’s use of teams in production and operations
management.
4. Analyze
and evaluate the company’s ability to adjust to a major economic,
environmental, or natural crisis (such as the real estate crash, financial
crisis, nuclear meltdown, hurricane, flood, oil spill, etc.) and communicate
effectively with their employees and customers about issues caused by the
crisis.
