Originality/Value Our research provides insights to an important field within quality management – how is the value of management commitment transmitted into methodologies?BackgroundCommon statements in quality management presentations are: - Leadership is necessary - It’s important for quality management to have engaged leaders and employees. One way of describing a quality management system is to see it as a combination of values, methodologies and tools. A question to study is which the methodologies and tools are that translate the leadership and employee commitment into action. The value of: “Committed leadership” is a core value in quality management. Another important value is: “Let everybody be committed”. These values could be seen as the values relating to human behaviour as in contrast to other values focusing on quality technology issues. The value of: “Let everybody be committed” tells us that it is important for employees to feel needed, to be able to take responsibility and to be informed – but how do these methodologies and tools look like? Purpose The purpose of this research is to carry out a critical analysis of the methodologies and tools that quality management proposes as support to the values of “Committed leadership” and “Let everybody be committed”. Methodology/Approach We have carried out a literature study of books commonly used in university courses in quality management. Focus has been on identifying methodologies that support the values “Committed leadership” and “Let everybody be committed”. We have also looked at other values and supporting methodologies and tools as defined in the “Corner stone model”, Bergman & Klefsjö (2003). Findings It seems that quality literature is not very clear on how to engage employees and how to motivate them. Preliminary findings indicate that quality management still is relying heavily on quality methodologies and tools supporting the value of decisions based on facts and the value on continuous improvement. Quality gurus like W.E. Deming and J.Juran have claimed that only 10-15% of the operational problems can be solved at the operational level with the rest being system and management problems. This could indicate that more focus should be on how employees can affect their work situation rather than teaching them quality tools. Quality methodologies and tools are only of help when management leads in such a way that employees are empowered and encouraged to do the right things willingly. When the literature for quality management is analysed we find that leadership issues are not taken up very much. Not more than about 2 – 5% of the pages in the literature deal with leadership. Also, focus of the parts dedicated to leadership is mostly on check lists for important things to do and to know as a leader – like motivation. But there is very little to read about in what way you can motivate your employees or how you can acquire the required leadership capability. Limitations The study is limited to the theories found in the most frequently used quality management literature in Sweden. Value The topic takes up important success factors for quality management – how to make practise out of the guiding values of management and employee commitment.

Process Safety Management (PSM) is concerned with the safe handling of products, safe production of products and the safe operation of the process as confirmed by Thrower (2013). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2012) promulgated the PSM standard in 1992, which incorporated fourteen elements, to decrease the occurrence of process safety incidents. Walt and Frank (2007) described the cracks in the implementation of PSM programs, emanating from major process safety incidents and compliance audits. This was confirmed by the decaying process safety performance observed in recent years. It was thus proposed that an analysis into the diverse process safety incident causes and its comparison against the implemented OSHA PSM program, would suggest its associated shortcomings. The aim of the study was to determine the most effective approach to implement and sustain PSM in an organisation to prevent and manage the occurrence of major industrial catastrophes. A semi-qualitative study was conducted through the employment of a survey questionnaire and published incident investigation reports. A total of fifty random process safety incidents were interpreted from published and accredited secondary literature. Most of the secondary literature was obtained from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) databases. From the study findings, Mechanical Integrity (MI) failures were found to significantly and consistently contribute to process safety incidents. Further analysis specifically concluded that equipment or control failure was the significant cause. Employee Participation (EP) was found to statistically correlate with the other elements. The researcher found that literature agreed with the aforementioned findings and this study verified that the EP element was instrumental in the implementation of the other elements. The researcher used literature to confirm that safety culture and leadership commitment was crucial to effective and sustainable PSM programs. The case study analysis validated this observation. Therefore the most effective approach to implement and sustain PSM was to adopt the DuPont, Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), Risk Based PSM framework or Energy Institute (EI) models. To conclude, this study was effective as all the objectives and the aim was achieved. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Process Safety Management (PSM) is concerned with the safe handling of products, safe production of products and the safe operation of the process as confirmed by Thrower (2013). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2012) promulgated the PSM standard in 1992, which incorporated fourteen elements, to decrease the occurrence of process safety incidents. Walt and Frank (2007) described the cracks in the implementation of PSM programs, emanating from major process safety incidents and compliance audits. This was confirmed by the decaying process safety performance observed in recent years. It was thus proposed that an analysis into the diverse process safety incident causes and its comparison against the implemented OSHA PSM program, would suggest its associated shortcomings. The aim of the study was to determine the most effective approach to implement and sustain PSM in an organisation to prevent and manage the occurrence of major industrial catastrophes. A semi-qualitative study was conducted through the employment of a survey questionnaire and published incident investigation reports. A total of fifty random process safety incidents were interpreted from published and accredited secondary literature. Most of the secondary literature was obtained from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) databases. From the study findings, Mechanical Integrity (MI) failures were found to significantly and consistently contribute to process safety incidents. Further analysis specifically concluded that equipment or control failure was the significant cause. Employee Participation (EP) was found to statistically correlate with the other elements. The researcher found that literature agreed with the aforementioned findings and this study verified that the EP element was instrumental in the implementation of the other elements. The researcher used literature to confirm that safety culture and leadership commitment was crucial to effective and sustainable PSM programs. The case study analysis validated this observation. Therefore the most effective approach to implement and sustain PSM was to adopt the DuPont, Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), Risk Based PSM framework or Energy Institute (EI) models. To conclude, this study was effective as all the objectives and the aim was achieved. / MIng (Development and Management Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / Die studie is ondemeem om empiries vas te stel wat die aard en omvang van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur as 'n interne organisatoriese reeling vir personeel in die Toetsvliegen Ontwil<kelingsentrum in die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag is en om terselfdertyd te bepaal of die gesindheid van die personeel van die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum jeens Totale Kwaliteitbestuur positief is en of hulle van mening is dat die toepassing van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur vir hulle aanvaarbaar is. Ondersteunend tot die empiriese ondersoek is ook 'n teoretiese studie gedoen om Totale Kwaliteitbestuur binne die konteks van die organisasieteorie te beskryf, om 'n toepaslike definisie vir Totale KwaHteitbestuur vir hierdie stuc:tie te bepaal en om die Totale Kwaliteitbestuursdimensies vanuit die literatuur te bestudeer en die dimensies in 'n model te integreer wat gebruik kan word om verbeterde werkverrigting by die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum te bepaal. Daar is ook aandag gegee aan die proses van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur en organisatoriese reelings vir die vestiging daarvan in die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum om sodoende die konteks van die studie te beklemtoon. / The study was to determine empirically the nature and extent of Total Quality Management as an internal organisational arrangement for personnel at the Test Flight and Development Centre in the South African Air Force, while at the same time determining whether the attitude of the personnel of the Test Flight and Development Centre found the application of Total Quality Management positive and acceptable. A theoretical study was done in support of the empirical study to describe Total Quality Management within the context of the organisational theory, to find an appropriate definition for Total Quality Management for this study, to study Total Quality Management dimensions from the literature, and to integrate these dimensions into a model that can be used to determine improved performance at the Test Flight and Development Centre. The process used for the implementation of Total Quality Management at the Test Flight and Development Centre were also studied. / Public Administration / M. Admin. (Public Administration)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / Die studie is ondemeem om empiries vas te stel wat die aard en omvang van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur as 'n interne organisatoriese reeling vir personeel in die Toetsvliegen Ontwil<kelingsentrum in die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag is en om terselfdertyd te bepaal of die gesindheid van die personeel van die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum jeens Totale Kwaliteitbestuur positief is en of hulle van mening is dat die toepassing van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur vir hulle aanvaarbaar is. Ondersteunend tot die empiriese ondersoek is ook 'n teoretiese studie gedoen om Totale Kwaliteitbestuur binne die konteks van die organisasieteorie te beskryf, om 'n toepaslike definisie vir Totale KwaHteitbestuur vir hierdie stuc:tie te bepaal en om die Totale Kwaliteitbestuursdimensies vanuit die literatuur te bestudeer en die dimensies in 'n model te integreer wat gebruik kan word om verbeterde werkverrigting by die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum te bepaal. Daar is ook aandag gegee aan die proses van Totale Kwaliteitbestuur en organisatoriese reelings vir die vestiging daarvan in die Toetsvlieg- en Ontwikkelingsentrum om sodoende die konteks van die studie te beklemtoon. / The study was to determine empirically the nature and extent of Total Quality Management as an internal organisational arrangement for personnel at the Test Flight and Development Centre in the South African Air Force, while at the same time determining whether the attitude of the personnel of the Test Flight and Development Centre found the application of Total Quality Management positive and acceptable. A theoretical study was done in support of the empirical study to describe Total Quality Management within the context of the organisational theory, to find an appropriate definition for Total Quality Management for this study, to study Total Quality Management dimensions from the literature, and to integrate these dimensions into a model that can be used to determine improved performance at the Test Flight and Development Centre. The process used for the implementation of Total Quality Management at the Test Flight and Development Centre were also studied. / Public Administration and Management / M. Admin. (Public Administration)

Lean strategy deployment (LSD) provides a means to create lasting value at reduced cost; yet most LSD efforts fail to attain sustainable improvements. The current study sought to gain an understanding of how leaders in oral healthcare manufacturing setting in the northeastern region of the United States can apply self-efficacy and leadership commitment during an LSD. Using Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy this qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of 15 mid-to-senior level managers, concerning the use of self-efficacy and leadership commitment during a lean strategy deployment (LSD). The key findings resulted in 10 emergent themes. The top 3 highly regarded themes that emerged from this study were: (1) committing to a lean strategy deployment, (2) communicating lessons learned/changes, and (3) bringing the best out of employees. LSDs are not easy to implement. Many companies attempt to carry out lean activities and many of these same companies fail to have successful results. To be effective, leaders should focus on creating sound practices and give more attention to the human behaviors and leadership characteristics needed to support eliminating barriers and creating a lean culture.

The dissertation "Enhancing Automotive Manufacturing Quality and Reducing Variability Through Six Sigma Principles" provides a thorough analysis of the ways in which Six Sigma techniques can be applied to the automotive manufacturing sector to improve quality control, reduce variability, and boost operational efficiency. Utilizing a diverse of secondary data sources, such as industry reports, case studies, academic research articles, and one-on-one consultations, this study seeks to offer important insights into the implementation and efficacy of Six Sigma principles in the context of automotive manufacturing. By stressing the fundamental ideas of Six Sigma outlined by Deming and Juran and scrutinizing influential works in quality management, the literature study builds a solid theoretical basis. The study's goals and research questions centre on comprehending how Six Sigma improves quality and lowers variability in automobile production processes. This research finds important insights on how Six Sigma may improve quality control, lower process variability, and increase operational efficiency in the automobile manufacturing industry via thorough secondary data analysis. The research offers useful insights into using Six Sigma approaches, emphasizing the significance of staff involvement, data-driven decision-making, and leadership commitment in guaranteeing the success of Six Sigma projects. The thesis ends with suggestions for further research, such as investigating primary data gathering techniques, contrasting this methodology with other approaches to quality management, and using longitudinal analysis to monitor the long-term effects of Six Sigma projects. In summary, this dissertation advances our knowledge of how Six Sigma concepts may be used to promote operational excellence and continuous improvement in the automobile manufacturing sector. It also provides practitioners and stakeholders in the industry with insightful information

This mini thesis is aimed at establishing the relationship between developmental leadership and affective commitment as it presents itself across four levels of leadership within FNB Branch Banking. The four leadership levels targeted for research are Area Managers, Branch Managers, Administration Managers and Co-ordinators. The researcher used an Ex post facto research design in a natural field setting, formulating the research hypothesis that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between developmental leadership behaviours and affective commitment as reported by those whom directly reported to the four levels of leadership. Using 919 responses, the results of the statistical analysis showed all four leadership levels having a strong positive correlation between developmental leadership behaviours and the affective commitment of direct reports at a 99% confidence level. Finally the research also found that age has a statistically significant relationship with affective commitment and this should be examined in further research. / Human Resource Development / M. Tech. (Human Resources Development)

The threat of antimicrobial resistance particularly in the intensive care unit has become a global issue. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship in limiting the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the hospital’s ICU. The study further determined the deficiencies of the ASP and recommended strategies to remedy the identified deficiencies. A quasi-experimental descriptive quantitative design was used in this study. The study was conducted at the intensive care unit of an academic hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to extract information from patients’ medical records. This evaluation showed that the antimicrobial stewardship program had a sufficient impact on the appropriate use of antimicrobials in the hospital’s ICU. While there were a small (19.05 %) number of patients inappropriately prescribed antimicrobials, a moderate (35.59%) number of patients developed hospital acquired infections during the study period. In addition, the results revealed a lack of the facility’s leadership commitment to antimicrobial stewardship, which is crucial for ensuring the availability of human, financial and information technology resources Through the evaluation of the program the deficiency in the program’s performance can be identified and optimised. For the studied facility, the performance of the program could be improved by gaining the support of the facility leadership. The present study endorses the evaluation of health promotion initiatives to improve patients’ safety and outcome in healthcare institutions. Keywords / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This mini thesis is aimed at establishing the relationship between developmental leadership and affective commitment as it presents itself across four levels of leadership within FNB Branch Banking. The four leadership levels targeted for research are Area Managers, Branch Managers, Administration Managers and Co-ordinators. The researcher used an Ex post facto research design in a natural field setting, formulating the research hypothesis that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between developmental leadership behaviours and affective commitment as reported by those whom directly reported to the four levels of leadership. Using 919 responses, the results of the statistical analysis showed all four leadership levels having a strong positive correlation between developmental leadership behaviours and the affective commitment of direct reports at a 99% confidence level. Finally the research also found that age has a statistically significant relationship with affective commitment and this should be examined in further research. / Human Resource Development / M. Tech. (Human Resources Development)