7.Quality

This topic invites us to an analysis of the processes that we carry out in our business activities. It evokes us to establish metrics or numbers to know if we are approaching our goals or not.

In addition, we can draw a flow chart to visualize the activities we do in a particular process of our work. For example, in a recruitment and selection process or in a work unit maintenance process.

When hearing the word quality, we think of a continuous improvement process and the Japanese or German philosophy in car production.

Now, quoting John Stewart, we have that quality is: “there is no single definition of quality…quality is an appreciation that one thing is better than another. It changes throughout life and changes from one generation to another, it also varies according to the different facets of human activity”.

Finally, we will mention only the heading of Deming's 14 points on total quality management, for further reading we recommend Stoner's book on Management.

1. Achieve constancy of purpose to improve products and services.

2. Adopt the new philosophy.

3. Stop depending on mass inspections.

4. End the habit of granting business only based on the marked price.

5. Constantly and permanently improve the production system and services.

6. Institute modern methods of on-the-job training.

7. Institute leadership.

8. End fear.

9. Reduce barriers between staff areas.

10. Eliminate slogans and exhortations from the workforce.

11. Eliminate numerical quotas.

12. Remove obstacles to pride at work.

13. Institute a vigorous education and training program.

14. Take action to achieve transformation.