Introductory description

ES438-15 Quality Systems

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction:
Quality philosophies and systems: DSoPK, Deliberately Developmental Organizations, Customer Driven Organizations
Initiating and Managing Change: Organisational change; human aspects.
People (motivation, management, importance to success)
Leadership (what it is, why it matters, key theories, impact)
EFQM Model (how it helps, how it works, strengths and weaknesses)
Strategy (treating quality as a strategic initiative, linking quality to business goals and processes)
Service Quality (links to Manufacturing, unique features, SERVQUAL, Customer Journey)
Management Decision Making (emotional context, use of data)
Partnerships and Resources (Looking outside the organization to customers and suppliers, managing by the means)
Organisational Learning (what it is, how to measure it, how to support and measure it)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Evaluate a range of quality philosophies and models; compare their strengths and limitations, and assess the potential impact on organizational performance.
• Synthesise effective approaches to leading and managing in engineering organizations from a range of principles and practice.
• Make robust decisions considering a range of factors including numerical data, human factors and business principles.
• Design effective change management approaches incorporating systems thinking, individual motivation and appropriate change models.
• Create and deploy quality strategies to deliver business improvement.
• Assess the quality of their own work and reflect upon their experiences and practice.
• Effectively present their understanding and ideas in both oral and written form.

Indicative reading list

Quality Management e-book (2011); Graeme Knowles; http://bookboon.com/en/quality-management-ebook ISBN: 0-945320-45-0 (free downloadable PDF written specifically to support the course)
Six Sigma e-book (2011); Graeme Knowles; http://bookboon.com/en/six-sigma-ebook ISBN: 0-945320-45-0 (free downloadable PDF written specifically to support the course)
Quality Management for Organizational Excellence: Introduction to Total Quality 8th Edition (2016); D.L. Goetsch & S. Davis; Pearson; ISBN-13: 9780133791853
Out of the Crisis: Quality Productivity and Competitive Position.(2000); Deming, W.E; MIT Press; ISBN 9780262541152
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t (2014); S. Sinek; Penguin Random House; ISBN 2901591845323
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (2011); D. Pink; Riverhead Books; ISBN 9781594484803

Subject specific skills

Integrate data and emotional/socio-political elements into effective decision-making processes.
Apply leadership and change management principles to successfully develop and deliver strategic change.
Apply the principles of the European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model to evaluate organizational quality and formulate improvement plans.
Select and apply ethical models to organizational decision making.
Evaluate and manage stakeholder value.
Motivate and engage staff in delivering organizational excellence.

Transferable skills

Numeracy: apply appropriate analytical approaches to make robust decisions from data
Apply problem solving skills to complex 'wicked' problems incorporating data, process and psycho-social components
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD; reflect upon their learning and formulate improved future actions
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.