Quality improvement calls data mining: the case of the seven new quality tools

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loukas K. Tsironis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a way of implementing data mining (DM) techniques and algorithms to apply quality improvement (QI) approaches in order to resolve quality issues (Rokach and Maimon, 2006; Köksal et al., 2011; Kahraman and Yanik, 2016). The effectiveness of the proposed methodologies is demonstrated through their application results. The goal of this paper is to develop a DM system based on the seven new QI tools in order to discover useful knowledge, in the form of rules, that are hidden in a vast amount of data and to propose solutions and actions that will lead an organization to improve its quality through the evaluation of the results. Design/methodology/approach Four popular data-mining approaches (rough sets, association rules, classification rules and Bayesian networks) are applied on a set of 12,477 case records concerning vehicle damages. The set of rules and patterns that is produced by each algorithm is used as an input in order to dynamically form each of the seven new quality tools (QTs). Findings The proposed approach enables the creation of the QTs starting from the raw data and passing through the DM process. Originality/value The present paper proposes an innovative work concerning the formation of the seven new QTs of quality management using DM popular algorithms. The resulted seven DM QTs were used to identify patterns and understand, so they can lead even non-experts to draw useful conclusions and make decisions.

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charisis G. Vrellas ◽  
George Tsiotras

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to stimulate interest in the use of quality management methods and tools and to provide a basis and direction for further improvement in the global brewing industry. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology that is followed in the paper is based on the study of quality management tools and best practices in global brewing companies. Findings – From all evidence found by this research, the conclusion is that quality management can dramatically improve certain operations and reduce cost or increase profit as well. All of the global brewing companies examined in this paper have their quality policies and each one of them uses what fits best to its business profile. Research limitations/implications – This study refers to some of the largest brewing companies in the world. Future research could be addressed toward the analysis of other smaller brewing companies, which are characterized by the concepts of quality management. Practical implications – The analysis of quality management in the global brewing industry may cause the interest of other brewing companies and other stakeholders affected by this industry. Quality tools can be very useful for dealing with problems and improving procedures in a brewery. Furthermore, the extension of this work with detailed references to these tools could produce a quality guide for brewing companies. Originality/value – The value of this paper lies in the identification and presentation of tools and quality policies which have been successfully developed by global brewing companies and may as well be implemented by others.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Prístavka ◽  
Martina Kotorová ◽  
Radovan Savov

AbstractThe tools for quality management are used for quality improvement throughout the whole Europe and developed countries. Simple statistics are considered one of the most basic methods. The goal was to apply the simple statistical methods to practice and to solve problems by using them. Selected methods are used for processing the list of internal discrepancies within the organization, and for identification of the root cause of the problem and its appropriate solution. Seven basic quality tools are simple graphical tools, but very effective in solving problems related to quality. They are called essential because they are suitable for people with at least basic knowledge in statistics; therefore, they can be used to solve the vast majority of problems.


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 201-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilles Barouch ◽  
Stéphane Kleinhans

Purpose – This paper aims at summing up the main criticisms concerning quality management (QM) in order to address them through objective arguments or extant research. Since its diffusion in the Occident in the 70s, QM gained as much approvals as criticisms. Therefore, with 40 years distance, it seems useful to sum up the main criticisms addressed to QM, to present a synthesis of the answers provided by researchers to these criticisms and to propose extant research when it appears that some criticisms have not received yet the adequate response. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a literature review. Findings – This paper comes up with a list of the main criticisms addressed to QM. Then, main causes of criticisms are identified: ignorance of QM, confusion concerning QM definitions and theory and misuse of QM by senior managers. At last, QM organizational solutions are proposed which answer most expressed criticisms. Extant research tracks are considered for those relevant criticisms which have not been sufficiently addressed until now. Research limitations/implications – Further research will look into depicting a survey conducted among QM professionals concerning QM criticisms in their organization and confronting them to these academic results. Originality/value – This paper actualizes and completes Giroux and Landry’s (1998) article which dealt extensively with QM criticisms. Professionals will find in this paper answers to most criticisms against QM and a better understanding of the present limits of this discipline. Researchers will be provided with a state of the art concerning this sensitive topic, allowing them to go deeper in the fields that require special attention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 26-28

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings That whilst there are similarities between Strategic Quality Management (SQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), one is not dependent on the other. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriaki Yasaka

Purpose This report aims to focus on how suspicious transaction report is created with data mining methods and used from the point of view of knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers data mining versus knowledge management in the anti-money laundering (AML) field. Findings In the AML field, the information and knowledge gained are not necessarily used for or shared with the related shareholders. Creating and co-evolving the network of “knowledge professionals” is the impending assignment in this industry. The first and most important task is knowledge management in the global AML field. Originality/value The report considers the creation with data mining methods and utilization from the point of view of knowledge management.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-53
Author(s):  
Laura Ferguson

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the actions needed and organisations to make a difference to the problem of loneliness in old age. Design/methodology/approach – Draws on the work of the Campaign to End Loneliness in collaboration with hundreds of organisations worldwide to document what has been done so far and to provide exemplars and imagined case studies based on collected experience to identify potential relevant actions. Findings – Many hundreds of organisations worldwide are recognising the need to support older peoples’ connections and abilities to engage with their communities. However, these need to be better mapped and coordinated. Practical implications – Innovative work is already being done to tackle loneliness needs to be more systematically supported and promoted. Originality/value – Identifies how much has already changed in terms of recognising and addressing loneliness but that a more comprehensive approach to support is needed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. LeMahieu ◽  
Lee E. Nordstrum ◽  
Dick Gale

Purpose This paper is one of seven in this volume, each elaborating different approaches to quality improvement in education. The purpose of this paper is to delineate a methodology called positive deviance. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study demonstrating an application of positive deviance in US education, specifically dealing with the problem of high school dropout prevention in a California school district. Findings The six phases of this “asset-based” improvement approach are: define the organizational or community problem and desired outcomes; determine common practices relevant to the problem; discover uncommon but successful behaviors and strategies that solve the problem (the positive deviants), through inquiry and observation; design an action learning initiative based on findings; discern (monitor) progress of the initiative by documenting and evaluating regularly; and disseminate results through sharing, honoring and amplifying success stories. Originality/value Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available on commonly used models of quality improvement from business, manufacturing and other fields that have potential value in improving education systems internationally. This paper fills this gap by elucidating one promising approach. By facilitating a comparison of the positive deviance approach to other quality improvement approaches treated in this volume, the paper provides added value.


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 749-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fotis Vouzas ◽  
Theano Katsogianni

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an exploratory literature review investigating the similarities and differences in TQM implementation between 3PL organisations and organisations with an in-house logistics function. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected all relevant papers covering both types of organisations implementing TQM worldwide in a time period from 1991 until today. The aim was to identify key papers and analyse its contents based on the quality of services provided by these two types of organisations. Findings The survey contains information about the forces that encourage managers to implement quality practices in the logistics function, the reasons that impeded the implementation of such a quality programme, the quality methods being used and also the level of their satisfaction with the current quality management in logistics. Research limitations/implications This paper only mentioned the principal papers that have been published globally from 1991 – today. Originality/value The present study is one of the few that reviewed literature from the year 1991 – today in order to provide a comparison of quality management practices between 3PLs and in-house Logistics organisations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sławomir Wawak ◽  
Piotr Rogala ◽  
Su Mi Dahlgaard-Park

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the suitability of text-mining toolset for the discovery of trends in quality management (QM) literature in 2000-2019. The hypothesis was formulated that as the field of study is mature, the most important trends are related to deepening and broadening of the knowledge. Design/methodology/approach A novel approach to trend discovery was proposed. The computer-aided analysis of full-texts of papers led to increased reliability and level of detail of the achieved results and helped significantly reduce researchers’ bias. Overall, 4,833 papers from 8 journal dedicated to QM were analysed. Findings Trends discovery led to the identification of 45 trends: 17 long-lasting trends, 4 declining trends, 11 emerging trends and 13 ephemeris trends. They were compared to the results of earlier studies. New trends and potential gaps were discussed. Practical implications The results highlight the trends that gain or lose popularity, thus they can be used to focus studies, as well as find new subjects, which are not so popular yet. The knowledge about emerging trends is also important for those quality managers who strive for improvement of their efficiency. Originality/value The research was designed to bypass the limitations of previous studies. The use of text mining methods and analysis of full texts of papers delivered more detailed and reliable data. Resignation from predefinition of classification criteria significantly reduced researchers’ bias and allowed the discovery of new trends, not identified in previous studies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Farhad Nabhani

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gap between the current vision and knowledge of future early career operations managers (OM) and a common strategic total quality management (TQM) framework. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and a non-parametric test for different groups of participants were adopted to identify the gap and analyse the significance of these groups on the factors in the TQM framework. Findings A new set of TQM factors with the necessity of more knowledge and understanding of future generation were identified, followed by the identification of clear differences amongst different groups of this generation. Practical implications A sustainable OM practice needs managers and leaders with a sustainable knowledge development of quality management (QM); and as the result of this study, the current vision of future young OM would not echo this. Originality/value This study has a systematic, non-parametric approach towards currently fragmented QM analysis, and is integrated with human resource and visionary elements of future young OM and universal QM models and theories.


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