Task Assignments - Questions Related to Quality Management

Running Head: TASK ASSIGNMENTS 1
Task Assignments
Author’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date

TASK ASSIGNMENTS 2
Task Assignments
Task 1: Written Questions
Question 1: Identify and discuss in detail five quality management and continuous improvement
theories
Deming’s theory- this is a theory of TQM that uses the Shewart Cycle for continuous
improvement. It uses the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach (Goddard, 2016).
EFQM framework- is a model that focuses on four key areas that include: focus on
customers, focus on results, constancy of purpose, visionary and consistent leadership as well
as processes and facts forming the management focus.
Corby’s theory- the theory was developed by Philip Corby who ran a robust TQM movement
centered on quality. According to the theory to achieve improved or desired results, the
management must totally committed to their duties, supervision must be superior and
employees should also be urged to fix defects.
Joseph Juran’s theory- the theory was named after Joseph Juran who came up with quality
trilogy which involves quality control, quality improvement and quality planning.
Ishikawa’s theory- The theory was developed by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa argues that TQM
should be improved from human perspective. The theory recommends cause and effect
diagram, stratification, pareto analysis, process control charts, and cover sheets for
continuous improvement.

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Question 2: What does Kotter’s 8-Step change model tell us about transformational change for
businesses?
The 8-step model informs us that change needs thorough preparation. For change to be
implemented, it is important that people dedicate adequate time to it. Change requires that one
does thorough preparation if their intention is to achieve success. Also, the model informs us that
the means defines the end. That is to imply that the actions one takes would determine the kind
of results to achieve. Thus, if thorough preparation is done and every important issue are
considered, then it would possible to achieve desired results.
Question 3: What is the diffusion of innovation theory and why might a manager implementing
an innovation be particularly interested in this theory?
The diffusion of innovation theory is centered on how an idea or product spreads within
an organization or society. According to the theory, any product or idea that is developed usually
spreads or diffuses to the people who in most cases attach value to it. Once a product is created,
it has to reach people and that happens through diffusion. For instance, previously people did not
have Smartphones, but later they penetrated the market. As a result, so many people own them
today. For managers implementing innovation they are interested in this theory because it
teaches them on how to understand society and their adoption of innovation or technology.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the ISO 9000 Standards for Quality Management and what
standards are included?
Majorly, the purpose of ISO 9000 Standards is to increase customer satisfaction.
Customers are key stakeholders that institutions have to continuously improve their services to

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attract and retain them. In addition, the purpose for these standards is to improve business
efficiency. These standards are critical at promoting business efficiency and organizations utilize
them to be competitive. Besides, the standards included are customer focus, leadership,
engagement of people, process approach, relationship management, evidence-based
management, and improvement.
Question 5: What is cost-benefit analysis and what is it best used for? In your response outline
how you complete a cost-benefit analysis.
The cost-benefit analysis refers is a systematic approach that measures weaknesses and
strengths of choices applied to determine options that can offer the best approach to gain benefits
while keeping savings. It is best used for decision criteria for projects. It is used for evaluation
for decisions. Complete cost-benefit analysis begins with brainstorming costs and benefits,
assigning monetary value to costs, attaching monetary value to benefits, comparing costs and
benefits and identifies flaws of cost and benefits.
Question 6: Discuss the concept of a learning organisation in one
Learning organization is a new concept in the corporate world, where companies
facilitate learning of their employees or members continuously in order to transform themselves
(Pedler, & Burgoyne, 2017). Companies are constantly seeking to expand, develop new
knowledge and grow; all these aspirations or goals can be achieved by improving members.
Employees are key stakeholders, and continuously seek new knowledge that can help them
transform companies. Further, a learning organization is great at transferring, acquiring, and
creating knowledge. It is also skilled at modifying its behavior so that they reflect new insights
and knowledge.

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Question 7: Why is the concept of shared vision an essential component of a learning
organisation?
In a learning organization, the concept of shared vision allows members to have a
common goal or denominator. Members who share a vision feel that they have a sole
responsibility of working industriously to transform an organization (Mehta, 2019). Also, to
achieve certain goals, members of an organization would develop strategies that would propel
them forward. Thus, the concept of shared vision is one essential component of a LO because it
allows members of an organization to develop a common stand or vision that allows them to
propel a company forward or to its objectives. In addition, shared vision facilitates learning in a
LO.
Question 8: Discuss the concept of team learning in relation to a learning organisation
Team learning fosters collaborative efforts necessary in a learning organization. In a
learning organization people are supposed to learn or share ideas together. Therefore, team
learning is required to consolidate efforts of all individuals objectively to foster learning.
Question 9: Identify and outline three different sustainability practices that are now common in
Australian workplaces.
In Australian workplaces include water management, space management and responsible
energy consumption. Australia is carbon-intensive economy that requires organizations to
implement sustainability practices that to protect the environment. Organizations are supposed to
run sustainably for them to realize their goals and potential. That is why organizations are slowly
implementing critical aspects of Paris Agreement in order to achieve sustainability.

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Question 10: Provide a definition of risk as identified in the Australia/New Zealand Standard for
Risk management
Risk management is the architecture that is principles, process and framework used to
manage risks effectively (Joint Australian New Zealand International Standard, 2004). In
essence, risk management allows organizations to minimize losses and reduce uncertainty in its
operations. Similarly, managing a risk refers to applying architecture with a view to manage
risks.
Question 11: Discuss the concept of risk management. Outline the factors that make a risk
management system successful and the factors that may inhibit effective risk management.
The concept of risk management is critical in the running of affairs of organizations. For
organizations to achieve their goals or objectives, they have to manage risks. The risks as
uncertainties can strike an organization at any time and therefore risk management is used to
minimize any unforeseen perils that maybe lurking around the organization’s operations
(Hillson, & Murray-Webster, 2017). Besides, risk management is guided by principles and
guidelines. That is to insinuate that for risks to be effectively managed, then necessarily
guidelines or principles ought to be observed strictly. More importantly, when organizations
observe risk management they gain a high possibility of achieving their objectives, minimize
losses, better controls, improve governance, bolster financial reporting, achieve efficiency and
effectiveness, among others. Nevertheless, factors that make risk management system effective
include good governance, effective planning, good leadership, and commitment. On the other
hand, factors such as inadequate planning, poor governance, poor resource allocation, weak
controls, and low stakeholder trust and confidence.