The Thesis deals with the quality management methods based on Total Quality Management principles and their use in Czech public administration practice. It tries to answer questions about the quality management methods and tools which are used in the practice of the public administration. The main questions are: What is the current status of quality management, what is its essence and what factors it influences. Because the quality management methods are based on the business process management the Thesis also deals with this concept and its application to the public administration practice.

D. Tech. (Logistics, Faculty of Management Science), Vaal University of Technology / The strategic importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their role in stimulating economic growth and competitiveness in many countries are well documented in literature. The same applies to South Africa, where the SME sector has grown tremendously to become an important contributor to social and economic development through employment creation and constant input to the gross domestic product. However, in spite of these contributions, South African SMEs face numerous challenges, which negatively impact their prospects for growth and success. Some of these challenges include the limited access to financial capital, the lack of infrastructure and the lack of skills, which play a significant role in the high mortality rate of SMEs. One of the proposed solutions to address these operational challenges is the adoption of supply chain management strategies to strengthen the operational and long-term capabilities of SMEs. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between supply chain management best practices, supply chain agility, risk management and supply chain performance in South African SMEs. The study applied a quantitative approach in which a cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data to test direct and indirect relationships between different constructs (buyer-supplier collaboration, supply chain integration, total quality management, IT adoption, supply chain agility, supply chain risk management and supply chain performance). A structured survey questionnaire was developed using adapted measurement scales and administered to 407 randomly selected SME owners, managers and professional employees who had some knowledge about supply chain management. The collected quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24.0) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS version 24.0) statistical software. The actual data analyses techniques applied included descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using structural equation modelling. The latter included a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to test the psychometric properties of measurement scales and the testing of the six hypotheses using the path analyses technique. The results of the study showed positive and significant relationships between all supply chain management practices and supply chain agility. Specifically, buyer-supplier collaboration and total quality management exerted a moderate and significant influence on supply chain agility. Moreover, IT adoption had a strong positive and significant relationship with supply chain agility iv while supply chain integration had a weak but significant relationship with the same factor. More results provided from the analysis confirmed the existence of a very strong and significant relationship between supply chain agility and supply chain risk management. In turn, supply chain risk management had a strong positive relationship with supply chain performance. The study also takes note of its contributions to highlight its merits. From a theoretical perspective, it provides an in-depth examination of some driving factors to supply chain agility, supply chain risk management and supply chain performance within SMEs. Given that a study of this nature has not been performed before amongst South African SMEs, the results are an essential addition to the existing body of literature within the area of supply chain management within SMEs in developing countries such as South Africa. From a management perspective, the study suggests that specific attention should be directed to all of the four supply chain management practices (buyer-supplier collaboration, supply chain integration, IT adoption and total quality management) considered as possible avenues to address operational challenges in SMEs.

Quality and innovation are central elements in a successful business, where organizations are not solely looking to satisfy existing customers with high quality but to create novel solutions for future customers as well. As a result, addressing both concepts are vital for sustaining business longterm, which has led to a conflict regarding where companies should allocate their efforts. This study analyzed a global manufacturing company’s complaints management (CM) process, where quality and innovation were addressed with the study questions: How can the CM process be improved to reduce recurring complaints? and How can the CM process be improved to foster innovation?. To answer these, a qualitative approach was used in forms of unstructured and semi-structured interviews as well as quality management & control tools. The variables analyzed were partly constructed from the extensive literature review and partly from the employees involved with the CM process. The results showcased negligence towards the CM process, where process description and governance as well as knowledge management were lacking. Practical implications of the study indicates that if the CM process receives more focus in regards to the mentioned factors, the quality and its ability to foster innovation as well innovation will be improved. Theoretical implications of the study indicates a misalignment between the perception of the CM process and the actions of the company. Employees found it essential to the company’s strategy whereas the process, despite this received attention. These implications are limited to large manufacturing companies and in order to generalize the results, further research is required.

I dagens samhälle sker det snabba förändringar som ställer krav på att förbättringsarbetet drivs framåt. Organisationer med en stark organisationsstruktur har goda värderingar med en tydlig kommunikation där kvalitetsledning tillämpas. Organisationer som arbetar framgångsrikt med kvalité, verksamhetsutveckling och ständiga förbättringar har vanligtvis en stark förbättringskultur. För en lyckad förbättringskultur är det viktigt med ett gott ledarskap och ett gott medarbetarskap. Det förekommer ytterst lite forskning gällande sambandet mellan sociala medier och kvalitetsledning. Eftersom sociala medier som forskningsmetod är användbart inom flertal ämnesområden utforskar studien om det kan appliceras inom kvalitetsledning. Syftet med studien är att belysa upplevelsen av hur organisationsstruktur påverkar förbättringskultur ur ett ledarskap och medarbetarskap perspektiv via sociala medier. En kvalitativ enkätundersökning genomfördes via sociala medier med en kvalitativ innehållsanalys av data. Resultatet visade på temat förutsättningar för kvalitetsutveckling, vilket innefattar kategorierna förbättringskultur och organisationsstruktur. Studien visade att ett samband mellan organisationsstruktur och förbättringskultur kunde påvisas genom att belysa respondenternas upplevelser via sociala medier. Studien visade även att organisationsstruktur och förbättringskultur är två aspekter som påverkar och är beroende av varandra för att kunna skapa förutsättningar för kvalitetsutveckling. / In today's society fast changes demand adequate quality improvement. A good organizational structure facilitates good values, clear communication as well as apply quality management. Organizations that work successfully with quality improvement, organization development and continuous improvement tend to have a strong improvement culture. Good leadership and employeeship is required for a successful improvement culture. Social media is used as a research method in several fields. However, there is limited research regarding the connection between social media and quality management. The study explores whether it can be applied in quality management. The purpose of the study is to illuminate the experience of how organizational structure affects improvement culture from a leader and employee perspective through social media. A qualitative survey was conducted through social media followed by a qualitative content analysis. The study resulted in the theme considerations for quality development, which included the two categories improvement culture and organizational structure. The study showed a connection between organizational structure and improvement culture, which was illuminated through the respondents' experiences via social media. The study also showed that organizational structure and improvement culture are two aspects that influence and are interdependent of one another to facilitate quality development. / <p>2022-06-05</p>

Pollution from nonpoint sources is a leading cause of receiving water quality impairment. The largest source of nonpoint pollution is storm water runoff, which includes pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, metals, microorganisms, and organic compounds. Sediment is of particular importance because many pollutants are readily 5 adsorbed onto particles. In the Lake Tahoe basin, sediment is also significant because of its direct contribution to clarity attenuation. The most prudent control measure for mitigating sediment flux in the Lake Tahoe basin is infiltration, which captures runoff volume, allowing it to percolate into the soil and enter groundwater. All residential parcels in the Lake Tahoe basin are required to have an on-site infiltration system. These systems require rigorous maintenance to maintain full function. Negligence can lead to premature clogging from debris and accumulated sediment, and the cost of rehabilitating or replacing the system can be significant to homeowners. It is mandatory for a sediment trapping device to be installed to pretreat runoff discharged into the infiltration system; however, there is limited infomation regarding sediment trapping devices designed for residential use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of an on-site stormwater treatment device in removing sediment from simulated stormwater runoff. The sediment trapping device consists of removable, porous 200-micron nylon inserts for filtration and is designed to mitigate premature clogging infiltrative runoff control measures. Laboratory analysis of a full scale device model was performed. Removal efficiency, effluent concentration, and bulk solids removal were assessed for perfomance evaluation. The device demonstrated a median removal efficiency from grab samples of 74%, median total suspended solids effluent concentration of 72 mg/L, and removed 89% of the total solids introduced into the system. Economic and sustainability implications of the device were also assessed.

Актуальность темы вызвана новыми тенденциями в гостиничной сфере, где теперь недостаточно быть просто хорошим отелем. Нужно быть лучшим. И именно такое понятие как качество сервиса это то, на что первым следует обратить внимание. Цель исследования: анализ и повышение качества сервиса в отеле Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg. Для достижения поставленной цели были выполнены следующие задачи: изучена литература на тему исследования; охарактеризованы внутрикорпоративные стандарты Radisson Hotel Group направленные на обеспечение высококлассного сервиса; охарактеризованы внутренние стандарты по обеспечению качества сервиса в отеле Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg»; проанализированы разработанные автором проекты, нацеленные на повышение качества сервиса; проведен анализ отзывов гостей на предмет качества сервиса. Для детального изучения предмета исследования были применены такие инструменты как: социологический эксперимент; сопоставлена важность материальных и нематериальны ценностей в отеле при помощи анкетирования, рассчитан коэффициент весомости показателей конкурентоспособности и сделан вывод, что сервис является одним из основополагающих показателей при выборе отеля потребителем. Постоянное поддержание высокого сервиса и его улучшение требует большого количества времени и внимания. Это непрерывные тренинги, поддержание и актуализация стандартов отеля, разработка новых проектов и многое другое. Поэтому в отеле была введена должность «Менеджер по сервису и качеству» специально для детальной проработки обеспечения сервиса всех предоставляемых в отеле услуг. Эту должность занимаю я, и в её рамках я занималась проведением мероприятий по улучшению сервиса. Семантический анализ отзывов гостей показал, что сервис в Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg находится на высоком уровне и гости оценили его значительно выше, чем материальные показатели. Сервис – это неотъемлемая составляющая индустрии гостеприимства. Каждый этап взаимодействия гостя с отелем нельзя упускать из внимания. Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg это современный международный отель, который понимает важность предоставления качественного сервиса своим гостям и активно занимается его совершенствованием. В условиях жесткой конкуренции недостаточно обеспечить правильное соблюдение стандартов обслуживания. Необходимо опережать ожидания гостя. Обеспечение высококачественного сервиса это непрерывная работа по анализу мнения гостей, отслеживанию новых тенденций обслуживания, работа с меняющимися потребностями потребителей и постоянная разработка новых проектов для привлечения и удержания гостей. / The relevance of the topic is caused by new trends in the hotel industry, where now it is not enough to be just a good hotel. You have to be the best. And it is important to pay attention to such a thing as quality of service. Purpose of the study: analysis and improvement of the quality of service in the hotel Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg To achieve this goal, the following tasks were completed: studied literature on the research topic; characterized the internal corporate standards of the Radisson Hotel Group aimed at providing high quality service; characterized the internal standards for ensuring the quality of service at the Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg "; analyzed the projects developed by the author aimed at improving the quality of service; an analysis of guest reviews was carried out for the quality of service. For a detailed study of the subject of research, the following tools were used: sociological experiment and questionnaires. Maintaining high service and improving it constantly takes a lot of time and attention. These are continuous trainings, maintaining and updating hotel standards, developing new projects and much more. Therefore, the position of "Service and Quality Manager" was introduced in the hotel specifically for the detailed study of the provision of service for all services provided in the hotel. I occupy this position, and within its framework I was engaged in carrying out activities to improve the service. Semantic analysis of guest reviews showed that the service at Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg is of a high standard and the guests rated it significantly higher than material indicators. Service is an integral part of the hospitality industry. Each stage of the guest's interaction with the hotel should not be overlooked. The Park Inn by Radisson Ekaterinburg is a modern international hotel that understands the importance of providing quality service to its guests and is actively improving it. In a highly competitive environment, it is not enough to ensure that service standards are adhered to correctly. It is necessary to stay ahead of the guest's expectations. Providing high-quality service means continuous work on analyzing guests' opinions, tracking new service trends, working with changing consumer needs and constantly developing new projects to attract and retain guests.

Thesis (M.Ed.) -- University of Limpopo, 2006 / The aim of this study is to investigate whether Total Quality Management strategy can address the problem of school development within the previously disadvantaged schools at Sabie Circuit, Mpumalanga Province. In order to realize this aim, sixty-four respondents from eight schools, were given questionnaires as the data collection techniques. To ensure validity of the questionnaires, a pilot study was conducted in one of the primary schools. Findings of the study were used to make recommendations to principals, educators and parents who are members of school governing bodies. The researcher identified insufficient time as a limitation of the study because the researcher is a part time student.

<p dir="ltr">Engineering Technology (ET) programs are pivotal in preparing graduates for the demands of the modern workforce, particularly in quality management systems (QMS). This study examines the alignment between QMS knowledge and experience gained by graduates in ABET-accredited ET programs and the expectations of industry. Through a dual-survey approach, targeting both industry leaders and academic educators, the research elucidates current QMS practices in industry, the scope of QMS education, and the resulting preparedness of graduates for professional roles. Findings indicate a discernible gap between industry expectations and current academic offerings in QMS education. While industry professionals rely on established QMS frameworks such as ISO 9001 and Lean Six Sigma, academic programs often limit their coverage to theoretical underpinnings rather than hands-on, practical applications. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more robust, application-oriented curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world practice. Recommendations include a call for greater integration of practical QMS training within academic programs and stronger partnerships between academia and industry to foster educational content that aligns with professional QMS applications.</p>

The dissertation aims to obtain an integrated and comprehensive perspective on measurement issues that play a strategic role in organisations that aim at continuous quality improvement through TQM. The multidimensional definition of quality is proposed to view quality holistically. The definition is dynamic, thus dimensions are subject to evolution. Measurement of the quality dimensions is investigated. The relationship between quality and cost, productivity and profitability respectively is examined. The product quality dimensions are redefined for processes. Measurement is a strategic component ofTQM. Integration of financial measures with supplier-; customer-; performance- and internal process measurement is essential for synergism. Measurement of quality management is an additional strategic quality dimension. Applicable research was integrated. Quantitative structures used successfully in industry to achieve quality improvement is important, thus the quality management maturity grid, cleanroom software engineering, software factories, quality function deployment, benchmarking and the ISO 9000 standards are briefly described. Software Metrics Programs are considered to be an application of a holistic measurement approach to quality. Two practical approaches are identified. A framework for initiating implementation is proposed. Two strategic software measurement issues are reliability and cost estimation. Software reliability measurement and modelling are introduced. A strategic approach to software cost estimation is suggested. The critical role of data collection is emphasized. Different approaches to implement software cost estimation in organisations are proposed. A total installed cost template as the ultimate goal is envisaged. An overview of selected software cost estimation models is provided. Potential research areas are identified. The linearity/nonlinearity nature of the software production function is analysed. The synergy between software cost estimation models and project management techniques is investigated. The quantification aspects of uncertainty in activity durations, pertaining to project scheduling, are discussed. Statistical distributions for activity durations are reviewed and compared. A structural view of criteria determining activity duration distribution selection is provided. Estimation issues are reviewed. The integration of knowledge from dispersed fields leads to new dimensions of interaction. Research and practical experience regarding software metrics and software metrics programs can be successfully applied to address the measurement of strategic indicators in other industries. / Business Management / D. Phil. (Operations Research)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.