Business Management & Quality Control

This assignment delves into the crucial relationship between business management practices and quality control. Students are tasked with examining various management theories and their influence on establishing and maintaining high-quality standards within organizations. The analysis should encompass a range of concepts like total quality management, supply chain management, and process management, supported by real-world examples to demonstrate their practical application.

Managing Business Activities
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
a) Interrelationships between different processes and functions of the organization..................3
b) Methodology to be used to map processes to the organization's goals and objectives...........4
c) Output of the process and quality gateways............................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
a) Designing plans which promote goals and objectives for own area of responsibility.............5
b) Objectives which are SMART to align people and other resources in effective way.............6
c) Appropriate systems to achieve objectives in most efficient way...........................................6
d) Work activities meeting operational plan through effective monitoring and control.............7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
a) Designing systems to manage and monitor quality standards specified by firm.....................8
b) Quality culture to ensure continuous monitoring, evaluation and development of process....8
c) Recommending improvements that align with organization's objectives and goals...............9
d) Implications of proposed changes within organization.........................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
a) Risk assessment as required by legislation, regulation and organizational requirement
ensuring appropriate action........................................................................................................10
b) Health and safety regulations as well as legislation applicable in specific work situation...12
c) Systematic review of organizational health and safety policies and procedures in order to
ensure they are effective and compliant....................................................................................12
d) Practical application of health and safety policies and procedures in workplace.................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
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INTRODUCTION
The activities in the organization are interrelated with various tasks. Therefore, they are
being carried out in a sequential manner. With the accomplishment of one activity it is essential
for firm to carry out another task. As such this leads to attainment of business targets in an
effective manner. The different processes in the business acts as an aid for the firm in achieving
desired targets to a greater extent (Amha, 2010). Management of business activities is essential
part of concern. This is because it assists the firm in carrying out its operations in smooth
manner. The major focus of managing activities is on successful and resourceful planning and
management of work activities. It provides employees with the skills and knowledge so as to
design, implement and transform operational system.
In the present study managing business activities has been discussed with reference to
TripleS. The report entails to understand the importance of business processes in delivering the
outcomes based upon business goals and objectives. Further, it includes development of plans for
their own area of responsibility to execute operational plan. Along with this, the report covers the
aspect of monitoring appropriate systems to improve organizational performance.
TASK 1
a) Interrelationships between different processes and functions of the organization
TripleS were started with a team of five friends. As the company begins to expand new
functional departments came into existence. The current structure of the company includes four
functional departments that are:
Hardware design
Engineering
Manufacturing
Sales and marketing
The different positions reflected above forms the structure of the firm. This acts as an aid
in carrying out various business activities in an effective manner. The current structure assists in
developing healthy work culture within the firm. Moreover it assists in carrying out the business
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activities with effectiveness. The major advantage of the present structure is that;with this
concept work within TripleS can be carried out in coordinated manner. Along with this, it acts as
an aid for the business in attaining its desired goals. The major disadvantage of the present
company structure is that, in case of default in any one department the activities of other division
are affected significantly (Helms and Mayo, 2008). In accordance with the case of TripleS
Company, various tasks along with the functions are performed in order to achieve business
targets within specified time span. The major function of the company is to design hardware and
software systems. But as a reason as lack of communication the processes within business are
affected significantly. The function involves sales, marketing, finance etc. while the process
involves hierarchy wherein all the tasks need to be accomplished. The ability of firm in carrying
out its functions in effective manner they results in smooth flow process of TripleS.
b) Methodology to be used to map processes to the organization's goals and objectives
There is greater importance towards linking the company's process to its aims and
objectives. This is because it is acts as an aid in performing the activities of business in directed
manner. The objectives of the business assist in directing TripleS towards performance in a
particular task. With this desired organizational goal, targets can be attained effectively. The
goals and objectives of software designing company are providing high tech software to the
customer that can effectively resolve their issues (Kannan and Tan, 2005). This requires
company to recruit qualified personnel who can work with fullest zeal and enthusiasm. In
addition to this, the aim of the business is to develop and make use of ethical practices in order to
conduct the operations legally. In order to attain these goals of the firm organization performs
several tasks. This is in order to develop healthy relationship with the customers. The company is
effectively maintaining its reputation by developing quality software for their clients that assist
in fulfilling their needs and wants to a greater extent. This assist firm in carrying out its
functions in legal and ethical manner. The major aim of the firm is to develop software for the
clients so that they can effectively carry out business activities. It is important for business to
link its process with aims so that it can survive in the market for longer time duration.
c) Output of the process and quality gateways
Taking into account the case of TripleS, the elements that builds quality gateway in the
business can be evaluated in the manner as such. There are several stages involved in the process
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of designing software as it effectively assists in building quality gateway. The software division
was being established with the brief of continuing to attain creative and innovative approach
within the portfolio of products and services offered by TripleS. The following are the stages
involved in the development of suitable software for the client organizations. This involves
designing of the hardware in accordance with the needs of the customers. Further, it is followed
by carrying out engineering work. This has greater role in developing such software that fulfills
the needs of customers (Kleindl and Burrow, 2012). The set up done by software designers is
very informal. Most of the creative work is being carried out through brainstorming.
As a successful business in the market place, the firm like TripleS possesses greater risk
in relation with communication. The software group possess issues in communicating with less
intellectual individuals, as such they regard themselves as being on higher plain than anybody
else (Arlbjorn, 2011). Further, due to the credit crunch and uncertainty of the business
environment has hit the organization harder. In addition to this the business faces issues in
designing departments where they can complain about the working environment.
TASK 2
a) Designing plans which promote goals and objectives for own area of responsibility
There are several issues which are being faced by TripleS. These include issues related
with system breakdown, quality and slow response given to complaints. Further, the morale of
staff is low this is demonstrated by two workers as they are threatening to sue the organization as
both are facing health issues caused while carrying out operations within the firm. In order to
promote goals and objectives of operation department the firm have to avoid the issues that are in
relation with the quality. This would result in carrying out the operations with effectiveness
(Belcourt and et.al, 2010). Along with this it is essential to make sure that complaints of
customers are resolved within reasonable time span. This is in order to increase their satisfaction
level to a greater extent.
For the purpose of attaining business goals and the plan designed is as follows. This plan
involves budgeting so that the allocation of resources can be done in an appropriate manner. In
this, proper examination in relation to needs of the employees regarding the software required is
being carried out. With this firm can effectively carry out its operational activities (Lazarte and
et.al, 2013). Another step is in relation with the determination of customer complaints so the
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changes can be made in the services of the firm. At last the records of the revenue as well as
expenses will be maintained so that the management of funds can be ensured. Thus, this would
act as an aid in reducing the risk associated with delay in business operations.
b) Objectives which are SMART to align people and other resources in effective way
In accordance with the case, the recommendations that can be offered to firm like TripleS
in relation to alignment of people and other resources using SMART objectives. This involves
development of goals that are specific, achievable, realistic, and measurable and time bound. The
major issue faced by the firm is in relation with system breakdown and slow response to the
customer's complaints (Blank and Burau, 2006). Therefore, the objectives in relation with such
act as an aid in aligning the people and other resources in an effective manner. The objectives of
TripleS have been enumerated in the manner below:
 To enhance sales revenue by 30 percent which can be attained by increasing
satisfaction level among the customers? Further in order to attain such satisfaction
there is greater requirement for the firm to resolve the complaints of customers in
quickest manner (Moreno‐Muñoz and et.al, 2007).
 To enhance the growth of organization by 25 percent till 2017.
 To increase the number of customer base so as to improve the network of the
organization in an appropriate manner.
 To increase the number of personnel within the firm till the year 2017 by 30 percent.
c) Appropriate systems to achieve objectives in most efficient way
The suitable system includes value added chain as well as statistical process that can be
implemented by the firm such as TripleS in order to make sure that objectives of the firm are
achieved in an effective manner. With this system organization can develop budget and can meet
quality standards as well (Parahoo and Fleming, 2010). Through the subsequent approaches in
the mentioned systems can be implemented within TripleS. This is required for the purpose of
attaining business targets in an effective manner. They are:
 Searching and offering knowledge in relation with the objectives that business is
required to achieve: In this, the objective that need to be attained by TripleS has to be
conveyed within the entire department. As such, this facilitates in gaining insight to
the expectation of the employees in the organization (Pulakos, 2009). Further,
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through this business can achieve its goal within the estimated budget. Along with
this, the quality standards within the organization can be attained in an effective
manner.
 Communication of system needs to the personnel: When the personnel of TripleS will
gain knowledge regarding the system requirement then this would assist in attainment
of business goals within the specified time span. With this, the firm can attain its
goals in stated budget. In case, employees gain importance of system then they would
achieve targets with effectiveness.
 Motivation of the personnel with training and compensation: The personnel can be
offered with knowledge regarding system with the assistance of education (Squire,
2006). Through this they can gain information regarding departments like marketing,
finance as well as human resources.
 Reviewing of implementation process in a regular interval: Later, after implementing
the system it is being monitored on continuous basis that deviation can be determined
and appropriate measures can be taken in order to resolve this (Tonchia and
Tramontano, 2004). Such plays effective role in increasing the efficiency and
effectiveness of the process through minimizing the defects. Through this, TripleS
can make determination of whether the process is conducted within the desired time
and cost or not.
d) Work activities meeting operational plan through effective monitoring and control
It is important to keep a track on the activities of the individuals and departments. This is
in order to ensure that they do not deviate from the plan. This requires the firm to develop an
appropriate systems that can be used for the purpose of monitoring and control. These systems
include the following: Just in time: It is referred to as inventory strategy that can be used by the firm with the
aim to enhance its efficiency. Further it assists in decreasing the waste by the means of
receiving goods only that are required in the process of production (Trevino and Nelson,
2010). This in turn reduces the cost of inventory to a greater extent. Through this,
effective monitoring can be ensured.
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 Value added chain: Under this, firm determines the aspect where it can delivers best
value to the customers. In order to carry out such, TripleS makes determination of every
step in the process of product. Further determination is made regarding the stage that can
be eliminated or other improvement can be made. Thus, it is effective monitoring and
control technique that assists in cost saving and brings improvement in production
capacity.
TASK 3
a) Designing systems to manage and monitor quality standards specified by firm
In order to resolve different quality related issues, the management of TripleS has to
adopt an appropriate system for managing and monitoring quality standards that are specified by
the firm. In this context, some important elements are explained below: Total quality management–It is the most effective approach that could be undertaken by
TripleS firm to get ensure about the quality of software and satisfy the needs of clients in
best possible manner. With reference to this approach, business entity needs to pay extra
attention to five main principles of TQM to improve service quality (Vaask and Pitsi,
2010). It includes consideration of customers need, involvement of employees,
continuous change and accurate evaluation so that management will be able to generate
appropriate outcomes. ISO amendments– in order to monitor service quality, the management of ABC firm
needs to consider ISO amendments while managing different business operations and
quality of service (Cartwright, 2005). By acquiring different certifications related to ISO
9000 and ISO 14001, management will be able to ensure about the quality of services.
This is because, TripleS has to restructure business operations as per the ISO norms that
leads to positive impact on service quality and satisfaction of clients.
 Quality circle– In this process, the management formulates a group of experts or
individuals through which organization is able to resolve different issues which are
addressed in the staff management and software development (Quality Circles, 2016). It
provides wide range of information about several aspects of business operation so as the
overall performance of organization can be improved.
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b) Quality culture to ensure continuous monitoring, evaluation and development of process
Development of an appropriate quality culture is very crucial task for manager of TripleS.
This is because it requires continuous monitoring, evaluation and development in various
business operations and service development process. In this context, first of all management has
to adopt an appropriate approach of continuous improvement by assessing support of wide range
of operations as per distinct business requirements along with current market trends.
Furthermore, the company has to adopt appropriate training programs that ensure continuous
advancement in skills and expertise of staff as well as utilization of their skills in business
operations for maintaining quality culture. In addition to that, management of TripleS requires
developing an appropriate strategy for optimum allocation of wide range of physical and human
resources for maintaining service quality within low cost (Williams and Snow, 2012). By
enhancing understanding of staff about different quality standard, business entity is able to
increase coordination among the employees associated with different department that leads to
direct impact on quality of products and services produced by TripleS. Business entity can use
various continuous monitoring in the form of performance evaluation, evaluation of satisfaction
of client etc. This approach helps the manager to carry out detail evaluation of staff performance
with reference to predetermined standards.
c) Recommending improvements that align with organization's objectives and goals
On the basis of case study, it can be stated that TripleS Company is facing various issues
due to poor communication, quality, customer services etc. that are having direct impact on
quality of services and product. In this context, some important recommendation are suggested
below related to organization's objectives and goals: Advancement of individual skills– For bringing out betterment, the management of
TripleS should have to arrange a proper training and educational programs for their
workers (Business activity monitoring, 2016). This approach improves skills and
knowledge of staff as per the current market trends so as they can manage different job
operations in an appropriate manner that would lead to positive impact on overall quality
of different products and services which are having direct impact on satisfaction of
consumers and sales of the company (Curran, Blackburn and North, 2002). The
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improvement in skills and expertise influences motivation level along with productivity
of staff.
 Development of an efficient communication network: As per the present case, it has been
addressed that lack of an appropriate communication system creates issues in order to
establish proper coordination among several business operations. Therefore, management
needs to adopt suitable communication system with the latest messaging tools and
communication software so as employees will be able to manage different tasks without
any difficulty.
d) Implications of proposed changes within organization
In order to improve business performance, some recommendation are suggested related to
advancement of individual skills and development of an efficient communication network. It will
result in creating positive impacts on organization. Therefore, some implications of proposed
changes are explained below:
 By increasing skills and expertise of employees, the overall efficiency and productivity of
staff also increased as per the current business needs. It leads to positive impact on
quality of different software of TripleS. It plays an important role in order to meet the
expectations of clients so that sales and revenue of company also increases in near future.
 The management of TripleS is going to adopt new communication system with help the
latest communication devices and computer system that improves coordination among
different staff members who are working on various projects (Dumas and et.al, 2013).
Improved coordination of workers helps manager in completion of various project related
to software development as per the predetermined schedule.
TASK 4
a) Risk assessment as required by legislation, regulation and organizational requirement ensuring
appropriate action
Risk assessment is plays an important role in handling various business issues. It is
termed as systematic process that provides significant assistance to management of TripleS in
assessment of quantitative or qualitative value of risk and their impact on business operations. As
per the case, Risk assessment for TripleS is carried out below:
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What are the
risks?
Who might be harmed and
how?
Action taken for the risk Action by
whom?
Failure of
software and
increase in
customer's
complaints
 The goodwill of
organization will be
harmed
 It will create a
negative impact on
sales, revenue along
with satisfaction of
consumers (Fantinato
and Rocha, 2013).
 TripleS needs to
adopt an
appropriate
quality procedure
and strategies
 Advancement in
skills of workers
lead to positive
impact on overall
business
operations
Management
and Quality
control manager
Health and
safety issues
 It creates negative on
the employees
perception about
company and reduces
their performance
 Develop negative
image of ABC
Company
 Penalties from public
authorities
 Development of
an appropriate
safety system with
clear air, lighting
etc.
 Appropriate
training needs to
be provide in
order to handle
different kinds of
medical
emergencies and
accidents (Foot
and Hook, 2002)
Human
Resource
Manager and the
top management
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b) Health and safety regulations as well as legislation applicable in specific work situation
There is a presence of several health and safety regulation that needs to be followed by
the management of the business for the employees who are performing business operations
within TripleS. It is essential for the firm to make sure that implementation of health and safety
regulations are done in an effective manner. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 can be applied
within TripleS. Such act presents that top management is responsible to take care of its personnel
in situation when the risk is arising at workplace (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act. 1974,
2014). Along with this they are answerable for health and safety of the personnel coming for the
interview. The safety of the employees visiting the firm needs to be ensured is an important
aspect that results in increasing the morale of the personnel.
As per the case it has been provided that two of the employee got injured while carrying
out operations within the organization (Fouayzi, Caswell and Hooker, 2006). Due to this, they
want to sue the organization. Such act can be avoided in situation when the firm complies with
the health and safety legislation at workplace. Further, the company needs to develop healthy
working environment at workplace so that conflicts among personnel can be reduced to a greater
extent.
c) Systematic review of organizational health and safety policies and procedures in order to
ensure they are effective and compliant
The effectiveness of policies related to health and safety can be ensured when they are
reviewed in systematic manner. By carrying out effective monitoring on regular time interval the
performance of the policies as well as procedures can be observed in the firm. This assist in
making determination of the actual performance in an effective manner. The technique such as
inspection can be effectively used with the aim to determine the status of policies and procedures
in relation to health and safety conducted within the firm (Goetzel and et.al, 2008). This in turn
act as an aid for TripleS in evaluating the extent to which the policies are being conducted in a
legal and an ethical manner. Systematic review presents those aspects that demonstrate the vital
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actions that are required by the organization in order ensure smooth flow of work within the
business.
d) Practical application of health and safety policies and procedures in workplace
The firm such as TripleS needs to ensure practical application of health and safety
regulations. For the purpose of complying with the same it is essential for the manager of TripleS
to carry out different business tasks with greater effectiveness. This is in order to reduce the risk
that can occur at the time of employment. It is the duty of top management to make sure that
appropriate measures have been taken with the aim to promote health and safety of employees
and visitors in the business. The personnel needs to offer safe working environment that would
demonstrate practical implication of policies in relation with health and safety (Griffiths and
Sheehan, 2011). This involves safety from electrical equipments as well as clean surrounding etc.
It is the responsibility of manager to make sure that visitors are protected against the risk that
might emerge as a result of hazards at workplace.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the report that there is a presence of relationship between
processes and function within each firm. TripleS is the company that designs software. The firm
is facing wide range of issues that are affecting its operations to a significant level. The software
group have some issues while communicating with less intellectual individuals as such, they
consider themselves as on higher plain than anybody else. Such results in developing situation
related to conflict among the organization. Another issue is in relation with credit crunch that has
increased the uncertainty of business environment and affects the organization significantly. In
addition to this there are certain issues in relation to quality, systems breakdown as well as slow
response to complaints. The morale of staff is low which acts as major problem for the business
in carrying out its operations in an effective manner. Further, it is important for the business to
comply with health and safety regulation so as to ensure safety of employees to a greater extent.
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