scholarly journals The effectiveness of quality management systems in project management : the case of Transnet Group Capital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Duduzile Emmah Kumalo

Transnet’s infrastructure development projects foster economic growth through the country’s ports, pipelines, and rail networks expansion and modernisation. To this end, Transnet has taken up several capital expansion projects across all its operating divisions to develop and expand its infrastructure. However, the reported figures on compensation events in rail project execution, comprising defects and double handling was found to be notably high. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of project quality management systems within the life cycle of projects implemented by Transnet Group Capital. The study was cross sectional in nature and a quantitative research design was adopted involving both primary and secondary research. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data based on a stratified random sampling technique. The data was collected at Transnet Group Capital (TGC). The statistical programme, SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyse data. The secondary data was obtained from TGC management information systems (Primavera databases), wherein a repository of the required documentation is maintained. The secondary data was analysed using quantitative content analysis. It was found that gender parity has not been achieved throughout all the disciplines. Overall, women’s representation remains lower than men. On a positive note, Transnet Group Capital projects are selected in line with business goals. This further confirms that the projects are subjected to an independent Gate Review as specified in the Project Lifecycle Process methodology and as per the project’s classification outcome. Findings indicate that the end users are not consulted throughout the construction processes and project timelines are prolonged. This is coupled by an unclear scope which is not adequately communicated to all stakeholders, incapacitated project managers, as well as lack of quality assurance and control processes. The document analysis presented the impact of compensation events at an average of 4% of the contract value. These findings give Transnet Group Capital a reason to improve their project execution and the monitoring process. The study recommends that gender equity be prioritised. There should be agreements on the expected outcomes of the project to allow each milestone of the project to stay on target. An emphasis of core values is also necessary to transcend differences in culture. There is a need to institutionalise quality awareness and to implement a risk mitigation plan.

Author(s):  
L Trachenko ◽  
L Lazorenko ◽  
Ye Maslennikov ◽  
Yu Hrinchenko ◽  
I.W.E Arsawan ◽  
...  

Purpose. Construction of an economic and mathematical model of the optimal organization of a system of business processes and its testing at an enterprise in the field of engineering services. Methodology. Methods of analysis and synthesis, systematization, theoretical generalization are used to study approaches to optimizing business processes of enterprises; modeling to create an economic and mathematical model of the optimal organization of the system of business processes; approbation of the developed model at an enterprise in the field of engineering services. Findings. The article proves the need to assess the impact of various economic factors on the financial results of economic activities of enterprises and the construction of business systems of enterprises, economic and mathematical models for their optimization. It has been determined that business process modeling is an effective means of improving quality management systems in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015, determining, identifying and minimizing the risks of enterprises, ensuring their successful activities in general. An economic and mathematical model has been developed for the optimal organization of the system of business processes of an enterprise as a means of maximizing the total profit from the implementation of works and services. Originality. An economic and mathematical model of the optimal organization of the system of business processes of enterprises in the field of engineering services has been built as an effective tool for improving their quality management systems and activities in general. Practical value. The use of the constructed economic and mathematical model of the optimal organization of the system of business processes of enterprises in the field of engineering services will provide the management team with important information for making management decisions aimed at improving quality management systems, achieving key business goals and maximizing profits.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco José Fernández Cruz ◽  
Inmaculada Egido Gálvez ◽  
Rafael Carballo Santaolalla

Purpose Quality management systems are being used more frequently in educational institutions, although their application has generated a certain amount of disagreement among education experts, who have at times questioned their suitability and usefulness for improving schools. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this discussion by providing additional knowledge on the effects in educational institutions of implementing quality management systems. Specifically, this study investigates teachers’ and managers’ perception of the impact that quality management systems have on one essential dimension of schools, the teaching–learning processes, with impact being understood as sustained medium- and long-term organisational change. Design/methodology/approach The responses were analysed and classified into a set of sub-dimensions linked to quality management processes in a total of 29 Spanish primary and secondary education schools that have used such systems for at least three years. Findings The results showed that, according to the respondents, the following sub-dimensions were improving as a result of implementing quality management plans: teaching and learning processes, the analysis of student results, tutoring, consideration of attitudes and values and assessment processes. Conversely, quality management systems did not seem to have a clear impact on the teaching methodologies used by teachers or on family involvement in student learning. In fact, the perceived impact in these sub-dimensions varied among teachers of public and private schools as well as when comparing different regional autonomous communities. Originality/value As the main objective of a school is to guarantee student learning, one of the essential purposes of school quality assurance systems is to perform all the activities aimed at ensuring high levels of student performance.


Author(s):  
Anom Bowolaksono ◽  
Fatma Lestari ◽  
Saraswati Andani Satyawardhani ◽  
Abdul Kadir ◽  
Cynthia Febrina Maharani ◽  
...  

Developing countries face various challenges in implementing bio-risk management systems in the laboratory. In addition, educational settings are considered as workplaces with biohazard risks. Every activity in a laboratory facility carries many potential hazards that can impact human health and the environment and may cause laboratory incidents, including Laboratory Acquired Infections (LAIs). In an effort to minimize the impact and occurrence of these incidents, it is necessary to evaluate the implementation of a bio-risk management system in every activity that involves handling biological agents. This study was conducted in an Indonesian higher-education institution, herein coded as University Y. This is a descriptive, semi-quantitative study aimed at analysing and evaluating the implementation of the bio-risk management systems used in laboratories by analysing the achievements obtained by each laboratory. The study used primary data that were collected using a checklist which referred to ISO 35001: 2019 on Laboratory Bio-risk Management. The checklist consisted of 202 items forming seven main elements. In addition, secondary data obtained from literature and document review were also used. The results show that out of 11 laboratories examined, only 2 laboratories met 50% of the requirements, which were Laboratory A and B, achieving good performance. Regarding the clauses of standards, a gap analysis identified leadership, performance evaluation, and support as elements with the lowest achievement. Therefore, corrective action should be developed by enhancing the commitment from management as well as improving documentation, policy, education and training.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Zimon

Research background: ISO 9001 with its requirements gives a company a guidance on the definition of the quality management system architecture, based on the process approach and the indications for its continuous improvement. Despite the general emphasis to the benefits of implementation of ISO 9001 in the literature, there is a still lack of research concerning the actual impact of quality management systems for improving specific logistics processes. The research is focused on the Polish market because there is no research in the subject literature which concerns the impact of the implementation of quality management systems on the improvement of logistic processes in Polish enterprises. Purpose of the article: The focus of this publication was to examine the impact of the implementation of the requirements of ISO 9001 for process improvement supply logistics. Methods: Empirical studies were carried out in September and October 2014 on a group of 17 companies with implemented and certified quality management systems according to ISO 9001. The research tool was a questionnaire survey sent to management representatives (25 respondents) and workers (140 respondents). The surveys were supplemented with direct interviews with employees of the companies. Findings: Based on the survey it can be stated that the quality management systems, accord-ing to ISO 9001, had a fairly large impact on improving procurement processes. This is particularly evident in areas including relationships with suppliers, quality control, workflow and communication, both internal and external. The positive aspects achieved through the implementation of quality management systems due to the fact that the ISO 9001 standard in its commitments puts great emphasis on the organization of the procurement process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Natalie Taylor ◽  
Robyn Clay-Williams ◽  
Hsuen P Ting ◽  
Gaston Arnolda ◽  
Teresa Winata ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Little is known about the influence that hospital quality systems have on quality at department level, in Australia and elsewhere. This study assessed the relationships between organizational-level quality management systems, and the extent to which hospital-level quality management systems and department-level quality management strategies are related. Design A multi-level, cross-sectional, mixed-method study. Setting and participants As part of the Deepening our Understanding of Quality in Australia (DUQuA) project, we invited all large hospitals in Australia (~200 or more beds) which provided acute myocardial infarction (AMI), hip fracture and stroke care. The quality managers of these hospitals were the respondents for one of seven measures of hospital quality management systems and strategies. Data across the six remaining measures were collected through site visits by external surveyors assessing the participating hospitals. Main outcome measures Relationships were assessed between three organization-level quality management system measures: a self-report measure assessing organization-level quality activities (quality management systems index, QMSI); externally assessed organization-level compliance to procedures used to plan, monitor and improve quality of care (quality management compliance index, QMCI); and externally assessed implementation of quality systems (clinical quality implementation index, CQII). Associations were also assessed between organization-level quality management systems and department-level quality management strategies: how clinical responsibilities are assigned for a particular condition; whether department organization processes are organized to facilitate evidence-based care recommendations; compliance with selected recommendations of international agencies; and whether clinical reviews are performed systematically. Results Of 78 invited hospitals, 32 participated in the study. QMSI was positively associated with QMCI and CQII, but after controlling for QMSI, no relationship was found between QMCI and CQII. There appears to be a cluster of relationships between QMSI and department-level measures, but this was not consistent across all departments. Conclusion This is the first national study undertaken in Australia to assess relationships within and between organization-level and department-level quality management systems. These quality management system tools align with many components of accreditation standards and may be useful for hospitals in continuously monitoring and driving improvement.


Author(s):  
Keith E. W. Coulson ◽  
Dennis G. Quinton ◽  
Thomas C. Slimmon

Since the early 1970’s, the pipeline construction and operation industry has supported the development and implementation of various material standards and specifications. The emphases within the pipeline energy industry was to standardize manufacturing and performance testing processes in the provision of a product which would ensure public safety and reliability of service. The pipeline segment of the energy industry has succeeded in incorporating minimum quality levels by way of industry standards, codes, regulatory requirements and propriety company standards. In addition to these minimum product requirements quality assurance programs have been introduced to enhance the likelihood of conformance to the applicable requirements. In 1975, Canada became the first country to prepare and publish quality system standards for commercial use (Z299 standards). International quality system standards development proliferated in the following years, leading to the establishment of the ISO/TC 176 work team which subsequently led to the issue of the internationally accepted ISO 9000 series of standards. This paper will review both the concept and stages of development of CSA pipe and coating standards. It will also analyze the impact that international standards for Quality Management Systems are having in establishing systematic approaches to assessing levels of quality during material manufacture. Finally, a vision of the possible road to the future will be drawn and the positive impacts for the pipeline industry will be projected from a full life cycle cost perspective.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Chin Ho ◽  
Liang-Chen Fan

Purpose – The purpose of this study is threefold. First, the authors will confirm the existence and the intensity of the latent “genius loci” within quality management systems. Second, the authors will confirm the extent of the genius loci with environmental sustainability. Finally, the authors will try to understand whether a quality management system's performance can be affected by its genius loci, and whether a quality management system's environmental sustainability performance can be affected by the extent of environmental sustainability in its genius loci. Design/methodology/approach – The extent of the genius loci in quality management systems and the genius loci with environmental sustainability are tested through higher-order confirmatory factor analysis. Findings – The findings of this study are as follows. First, genius loci partially exist in quality management systems. Second, the genius loci with the environmental sustainability concept also exist partially in certain respects. There is a lack of recognition and actions on environmental sustainability activities in organizations. The lack of recognition and actions leads to the unsatisfactory performance of quality management systems in environmental sustainability. As a result, business goals with environmental sustainability aspects cannot be fully supported and achieved. Originality/value – The results of this study can help small- and medium-sized OEM and ODM computer accessories companies in Taiwan and Southern China to understand the level of genius loci within their quality management systems and the extent that genius loci are linked with environmental sustainability. This understanding can be beneficial to them in achieving successful quality management systems with environmental sustainability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-64
Author(s):  
Lallu Joseph ◽  
Vijay Agarwal ◽  
Umashankar Raju ◽  
Arun Mavaji ◽  
Princy Rajkumar

ABSTRACT Introduction Accreditation ensures the standard of healthcare, yet accreditation effects on service quality are much debated. Some perceive it as improving quality and organizational performance, whereas others see it as overly bureaucratic and time-consuming, so adding it has limited advantage. The aim of the present study was to understand the perception of hospital staff working in quality management (i.e., doctors, nurses, and administrators) on accreditation, and determine whether years of accreditation have had any impact on their perception. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, data-based study initiated by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations. It consisted of primary data obtained in form of responses to a 30-item questionnaire and collected from 415 respondents. A probability (p) value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results For all 30 items, a significantly greater number of participants had a favorable response (p < 0.001). A greater number of administrators, as compared with doctors and nurses, responded positively on the impact of accreditation (p < 0.05). Participants from hospitals with 1–4 years of accreditation, as compared with participants from hospitals with 4–12 years of accreditation, gave a favorable response (p < 0.05). Conclusion One of the most important hurdles to implementing accreditation programs is the dilemma of healthcare professionals, especially senior hospital staff, regarding the positive impact of accreditation. The need to educate healthcare professionals about the potential benefits of accreditation, which should resolve any cynical attitude of healthcare professionals towards accreditation, is of utmost importance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 212
Author(s):  
Lustina Fajar Prastiwi ◽  
Inayati Nuraini Dwiputri

Land is one of the production factors in an economical activity. The demand for a new property is never low, while its existence is limited. This research was conducted in Purwosari Sub-district, Gunungkidul Regency, DIY Province. The researcher chose four villages to did this research, they are Giriasih Village, Girijati Village, Giripurwo Village, and Giricahyo Village. Those villages located in the Sewu Mountain area, Gunungkidul, near Parangtritis Beach. They are passed by JJLS infrastructure project. The purpose of the research is to identify the impact of JJLS project on the pattern of the land value surround 2016. Furthermore, the researcher aims to find the factors behind. Explorative research is used as the research design in this research. The primary data source gained from a measurement using Google Earth software. The secondary data is based on property purchase transaction recording from BKAD Gunungkidul. Thus, the data type is cross-sectional of the land transaction in 2016. This was done by using convenience sampling. The findings of the research show that there is a weakening of 1.5% per kilometers for property which is far away from JJLS. The highness price of the land influenced by some factors, such as land area (4,68%), the distance to CBD (0,0535%), the type of field land (3,65%), and the adequate accessibility (2,96%).


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Μαρία Καρακασνάκη

Σκοπός της διατριβής – Η λειτουργία των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων χαρακτηρίζεται από την εφαρμογή συστημάτων διοίκησης ποιότητας και ασφάλειας, όπως ο Κώδικας Ασφαλούς Διαχείρισης των πλοίων (ISM Code). Παρά τον υποχρεωτικό του χαρακτήρα, πολλές ναυτιλιακές επιχειρήσεις δυσκολεύονται να ανταποκριθούν με επιτυχία στις απαιτήσεις του και συνεπώς πολλοί ερευνητές τονίζουν πως η ύπαρξη επιπλέον προτύπων διασφάλισης ποιότητας (όπως τα πρότυπα ISO 9000) πρέπει να είναι αναπόσπαστο κομμάτι της λειτουργίας των εταιρειών, ενώ άλλοι ερευνητές δίνουν ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην υιοθέτηση ολιστικών φιλοσοφιών διοίκησης ποιότητας, όπως η Διοίκηση Ολικής Ποιότητας (ΔΟΠ). Παρόλα αυτά, η αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή των παραπάνω συστημάτων διοίκησης παρεμποδίζεται από λάθη που συνήθως αποδίδονται στον ανθρώπινο παράγοντα. Τα λάθη αυτά απειλούν την εκπλήρωση των οργανωσιακών στόχων, ενώ τονίζουν την αναγκαιότητα ύπαρξης νέων διαδικασιών που σχετίζονται με το ανθρώπινο δυναμικό με στόχο να αντιμετωπιστούν αυτές οι αστοχίες. Συνεπώς, αναγνωρίζοντας τον καίριο ρόλο του ανθρώπινου παράγοντα στην επιτυχία των εταιρικών στρατηγικών και ανταποκρινόμενη στην ανάγκη για την εστίαση σε νέα και καινοτόμα ζητήματα ανθρώπινου δυναμικού, η παρούσα διατριβή εισάγει για πρώτη φορά την καινοτόμα έννοια των φιλοσοφιών γύρω από το ανθρώπινο ταλέντο στις ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες. Επιπλέον, ακολουθώντας μία διαφορετική προσέγγιση από άλλες μελέτες στη βιβλιογραφία, η παρούσα διατριβή στοχεύει στην αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικής εφαρμογής του Κώδικα ISM σε αναλογία με την αποτελεσματικότητα των προτύπων ΙSO 9001 σε εταιρείες παροχής υπηρεσιών. Επίσης, για πρώτη φορά εξετάζεται η επίδραση της αποτελεσματικής εφαρμογής του Κώδικα ISM στην απόδοση των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων, ενώ πραγματοποιείται και διαφοροποίηση ανάμεσα στις εταιρείες που είναι πιστοποιημένες με ISO και στις υπόλοιπες. Η συγκεκριμένη διατριβή επιβεβαιώνει την εφαρμογή της ΔΟΠ στο χώρο της ναυτιλίας ενώ εξετάζει και τις επιπτώσεις της στα αποτελέσματα. Επιπλέον, αναλύεται ταυτόχρονα η επιρροή μίας συγκεκριμένης μεταβλητής της ΔΟΠ (δέσμευση στην ποιότητα από την ανώτατη διοίκηση) σε συνδυασμό με την αποτελεσματικότητα του Κώδικα ISM πάνω στην απόδοση των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων. Τέλος, εξετάζεται κατά πόσο οι αντιλήψεις των διοικούντων σχετικά με τη φύση του ανθρώπινου ταλέντου επηρεάζουν την επιτυχία συστημάτων διοίκησης ποιότητας στον κλάδο της ναυτιλίας. Μεθοδολογία – Η διανομή του ερωτηματολογίου πραγματοποιήθηκε σε ναυτιλιακές εταιρείες που εδρεύουν στην Ελλάδα και τελικά συλλέχθηκαν συνολικά 199 ερωτηματολόγια κατάλληλα προς επεξεργασία. Η συλλογή πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσω προσωπικών συνεντεύξεων σε δύο διαφορετικές χρονικές περιόδους (Δεκέμβριος 2014 – Φεβρουάριος 2015 και Δεκέμβριος 2015 – Φεβρουάριος 2016). Η ανάλυση των δεδομένων πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη χρήση Εξερευνητικής και Επιβεβαιωτικής Παραγοντικής Ανάλυσης καθώς και με Αναλύσεις Πολλαπλής Παλινδρόμησης. Ευρήματα – Τα ευρήματα επιβεβαιώνουν την εφαρμογή των κύριων φιλοσοφιών γύρω από το ανθρώπινο ταλέντο στη ναυτιλιακή βιομηχανία, οι οποίες αφορούν τον διαχωρισμό ανάμεσα στην έμφυτη/ αναπτυσσόμενη και σπάνια/ καθολική φύση του ταλέντου. Επίσης, τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι η αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή του Κώδικα ISM χαρακτηρίζεται από δύο διαστάσεις και συγκεκριμένα από τη συνεχή βελτίωση και την επικέντρωση στην ικανοποίηση του πελάτη, ενώ η συμβολή των δύο διαστάσεων στη βελτίωση της απόδοσης των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων επιβεβαιώνεται, ιδιαίτερα στην περίπτωση των πιστοποιημένων με ISO εταιρειών. Επιπλέον, επιβεβαιώνεται η εφαρμογή της ΔΟΠ στον ναυτιλιακό χώρο παρόλο που μόνο η διάσταση της δέσμευσης στην ποιότητα από την ανώτατη διοίκηση ασκεί επιρροή στα αποτελέσματα. Τα αποτελέσματα φανερώνουν τον διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο της αποτελεσματικότητας του Κώδικα ISM στην σχέση ανάμεσα στην δέσμευση στην ποιότητα από την ανώτατη διοίκηση και την επιχειρηματική απόδοση, ενώ η σχέση αυτή διαταράσσεται από το πώς αντιλαμβάνονται οι διοικούντες τις διαφορετικές φιλοσοφίες για το ανθρώπινο ταλέντο, αναδεικνύοντας με αυτόν τον τρόπο τον καίριο ρόλο των αντιλήψεων γύρω από το ταλέντο κατά τη διαδικασία αξιολόγησης της επιτυχούς εφαρμογής συστημάτων διοίκησης ποιότητας.Πρωτοτυπία – Για πρώτη φορά οι φιλοσοφίες σχετικά με το ανθρώπινο ταλέντο αξιολογούνται στο ναυτιλιακό χώρο, ενώ αναλύεται και το πώς οι αντιλήψεις των διοικούντων σχετικά με το ταλέντο επηρεάζουν την επιτυχημένη και αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή συστημάτων ποιότητας. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αποτελεί την πρώτη προσπάθεια αξιολόγησης της αποτελεσματικότητας του Κώδικα ISM σε αναλογία με την αποτελεσματικότητα των προτύπων ΙSO 9001 σε εταιρείες παροχής υπηρεσιών, για πρώτη φορά εξετάζεται η επιρροή της στην απόδοση των ναυτιλιακών επιχειρήσεων, ενώ καταδεικνύεται και ο ρόλος του προτύπων ISO 9000 στη σχέση αυτή. Επιπλέον για πρώτη φορά εξετάζεται η ταυτόχρονη συμβολή της δέσμευσης στην ποιότητα από την ανώτατη διοίκηση και της αποτελεσματικότητας του Κώδικα ISM στην επιχειρηματική απόδοση.


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