BUSI 310 Replies

Jordan South

RE: Key Term: Toyota Production System (TPS)

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Definition: A system with the goal of efficiently producing quality products through the elimination of waste, inconsistencies, and unreasonable requirements. (Satterlee,2013.p.225.)

Summary:

In the article (Potential facilitators of workplace learning in a TPS company) Dr. Sandra Jonsson who is an Associate Professor in Leadership and Organization, and Head of Department of Urban Studies at the Malmo University in Sweden, presented research on utilizing the TPS(Toyota Production System) in regards to workplace learning. TPS is internationally recognized for the past 25 years in bringing a Quality Control that is unmatched by its competitors. Using one aspect of this model, Kaisen, which means continuous improvements the company Scania wants to implement this system to develop its employees and create workplace learning. Workplace learning can be stimulated by improvements of conditions for learning, and the practice of instruction and training in a work setting. (Engestrom and Kerosuo, 2007; Watkins, 1995). By creating better work conditions and creating a more organized environment, can have potential for employees to be more proactive in carrying out work related tasks. Although it is argued that the TPS is a system that offers a very limited potential for creativity and innovation it does bring a more quality driven platform to then give employees the opportunity to have more opportunities to voice their opinions about whether the product is being produced with unmatched-quality. Also, managers are more empowering and act as coaches to motivate employees to watch for defects, and ask questions to be sure that the job is being done successfully. Teamwork is a focus of importance as it helps when small groups, instead of individuals are working on a project. As it allows for members of the team to carefully discuss to make sure that the product is of utmost quality and allows for others learn more from each other. Lastly innovation needs to be a driving force as well as pushing quality as a product needs to be continually developed and sometimes altered to meet the growing demand from the public. In the conclusion of this article the known potential facilitators of workplace learning which are empowering leadership, teamwork, and innovative climate were able to be applied to a TPS setting successfully.

Discussion:

Toyota has been an innovator in the automobile industry for quite some time, and their success can be linked to the Toyota Production model, as well as TQM (Total Quality Management) which ideas are based on the work of W. Edwards Deming. TQM is a cycle of continuous improvement. Each and every year we can see Toyota deliver on a product that is innovative, having been tested for quality, Toyotas are some of the longest lasting cars, trucks, and suvs on the market. They have the highest resale value of any automobile in the market, and can be trusted as something that won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road. As discussed earlier, one of their keys for success is the TPS which is based on the concepts Jidoka and Just-In-Time. Jidoka allows for the front-line workers to stop equipment immediately when issues arise, which allows for minimal defects. Just-In-Time means that “each process produces only what is needed by the next process in continuous flow”. (Satterlee, 2013.p. 225). So products are only made when they are needed, in the amount needed, which cuts down on overhead production costs, and saves companies lots of revenue. TPS gives companies a model of excellence to not only save the company money, but its goals are to deliver the highest quality product, at the lowest possible cost. In my study of the TPS I went to a Toyota dealership to see how customers are treated, and what sets Toyota apart from other cars. One thing that was noted is that even the employees believed that their product could not be duplicated anywhere else. The model that was used was closely related to TPS, which was no haggle pricing. Which meant that research was done to not only be competitively priced, but also be at a price point that was already the lowest possible price. In the end, we could not find a single Toyota on the lot for less than $20,000. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The quality that Toyota brings to the car market has been found to be unmatched. Never has a car market been able to produce a system that not only works for their company, but is a model for those in other industries as well. (Satterlee,2013.p.225) also states that in TPS employees are responsible for improving their own work. When I went to this dealership I could see that some employees were more dedicated than others, but there was a since through the management team that constant improvement was something they strived for. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the best experience at this dealership as communication was not there between the salesman and the finance manager, regarding the car we were purchasing. In conclusion TPS is a highly successful system of operations, and the quality of production and manufacturing is top-notch. Despite having had a bad experience Toyota has reached out to make things right which to me and my wife means that they do care about the constant improvement of their products, and services.

Biblical Integration:

God has given us a system of quality control management, it is His word. In Psalms 119:105 it says that it is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path. The Bible is our source for constant improvement. If your goal is to be a better student, a better father, a better wife, a better employee, then we as believers can find sources in His word for improvement. If difficulties arise God’s word consistently tells us to not fear, and that He is with us! Like TPS we can constantly become greater, and improve in every area of life.

References:

Satterlee, 2013.p 224-225

Sandra Jonsson (2014) “Potentials facilitators of workplace learning in a TPS based company”, Journal of Management Development, Vol. 33 Issue: 10, pp.1004-1018

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

 TPS BUSI ARTICLE.docx (210.909 KB) 

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RE: Key Term: On-the-job training (OJT)

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Discussion Board Thread

Re: On-the-job training (OTJ)

Definition:

"On-the-job training (OTJ) is conducted at the employee's worksite and normally monitored by a supervisor or senior employee. On-the-job training includes serving as an assistant to an experienced worker and lateral transfer into a position, which supplements an employee's current skills and coaching."

Satterlee, Anita 2013. Organizational Management & Leadership: A Christian Perspective (2nd edition). Raleigh, NC: Synergistic International Inc.

Summary:

Days Contract Hire is a company based out of the UK providing fleet solutions to companies in the private and public sector and has grown to become one of the country's top independent vehicle funding, leasing and fleet management companies. In the article The outlook is bright for apprentices at Days: On-the-job training benefits young people and company as a whole, Days Contract Hire talks about their history of hiring apprentices for on the job training which helps the apprentices' prepare for a long-term success within the company. "By being part of Investors in People we are able to improve business performance productivity and competitiveness through a well-managed, loyal and driven workforce", Aled Williams company director explained. On the job training can be beneficial for many companies looking to provide the best quality and customer care to each client.

Discussion:

As we all know each company and employment needs differ. Many companies will use on the job training to carry out a range of job functions which the company requires. Training employees with on the job training can help mold an employee to what the company wants and needs and this can provide the best service to the clients.. Some companies will use specific equipment and tools such as certain software programs. By training an employee within their own working environment where they are able to use these tools, can help the employee to have a better understanding of the process and learn quicker because they are experiencing hands on learning. Individual employees can also gain more confidence in their job being guided by a trainer who is giving them feedback and instruction.

On the job training can also help lesson staff turnover. Days Contract Hire says their staff turnovers have been 9.2 per cent over the past 10 years, which is below what the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development gives as the current national average for the industry of 11.9 per cent. Aled Williams states consequently our clients benefit from dealing with a highly motivated, experienced and knowledgeable team, all of which are key factors in enabling Days Contract Hire to offer a bespoke service. In my own personal on the job working experience, over the last nine years I have been working for a large orthopaedic practice and have learned several different aspects of the company. Starting off being trained in the medical records department, to front desk administration, to medical assisting for the company's spine surgeon, to now managing and overseeing the company's credentialing department. On the job training in each of these departments has helped me prove what a hard worker and quick learner I am which has also helped me move up within the company. An employee knowing and feeling that they are valued by the company will ultimately make the employee want to stay and will create less turnover.

Additionally, on the job training within the company also means that the employee is actually working as they are learning. The employee will become more productive and creative as they adjust to the job. New ideas can be formed by each employee training that can improve the outcome of the company and how the company is ran. On the job training in my opinion is one the best ways for an individual to learn.

Biblical Integration:

In verse (Titus 1:5) states, the reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. Titus 1 shows how Paul, a servant of God and an apostle to Jesus Christ is elected to preach God's word as directed by God. This verse ties in with on the job training because Paul is being taught God's word while also preaching and appointing elders in every town in the hope that he will be granted eternal life that God promised before the beginning of time.

References:

(2014) "The outlook is bright for apprentices at Days: On-the-job training benefits young people and company as a whole", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 22 Issue: 3, pp. 24-26

Satterlee, Anita 2014. Organizational Management And Leadership: A Christian Perspective (2nd edition). Raleigh, NC: Synergistics International Inc.

Titus 1

 The outlook is bright for apprentices at.docx (21.239 KB) 

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1 day ago

Jordan Wolfe

DB #4 - Just-in-Time (JIT)

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Discussion Board Thread Re: Just-in-Time (JIT) Definition:

            “Where each process produces only what is needed by the next process in the continuous flow.”

Satterlee, Anita. (2013). Organizational Management and Leadership: A Christian Perspective. (2nd ed.). Raleigh, NC: Synergistics International Inc.

Summary:

In the article, “An Evaluation of Just-in-Time Implementation on Manufacturing Performance in Indian Industry,” Dr. Gurinder Singh from the University of Punjab attempts to create awareness of the success of implementing the just-in-time manufacturing process to increase efficiency and profits. Dr. Singh looks at the United States and how the country has implemented the just-in-time strategy to improve the overall manufacturing experience. With the relative success of just-in-time manufacturing, Dr. Singh attempts to, “create awareness of contributions made by just-in-time manufacturing (JIT) practice towards building performance measures in the Indian manufacturing industry” (Singh, 2014, pp. 278). In his study, Dr. Singh finds that just-in-time methods outscore traditional manufacturing practices when looking to improve performance (Singh, 2014, p. 279). It seems as if the manufacturing process in India can be improved then, via JIT.

Discussion:

The article relates to the selected term (JIT), because it highlights the benefits of said manufacturing process over other traditional methods. Although the article mentioned has an Indian context, it is relevant regardless of where it is implemented. In the article, Dr. Singh states how India needs to start implementing the just-in-time strategy to keep up with the, “challenges imposed by the Western world,” since the west is, “employing aggressive JIT manufacturing strategies” (Singh, 2014, p. 281). In a modern and constantly changing global economy, economic competition is ever increasing, which allows economies of scale to exist. With economies of scale, supply and demand is effected and consumers can attain products eventually at a cheaper price. This is exactly what another article prescribes, per. Scholar Hassan Zizi, in, “The Impact of Just in Time System on Egyptian Manufacturing Companies.” In this article, Zizi expresses the success of JIT, stating that, JIT promotes, “optimal utilization of production elements, increases performance rates, finds enough ways to decrease costs, improve quality, deal with time as one element of distance, and achieve flexibility” (Zizi, 2014, pp. 186). In the article written by Zizi, he ends the piece with a word of encouragement for other scholars to further study JIT to promote its enactment across the entire industry. Just-in-time seems to be the common-sense approach to manufacturing and logistics. It helps save money, reduce waste, cut costs, enhance stewardship, and promotes efficiency. Along with all these benefits, JIT, “reduces the complexity of detailed planning of material, the need for shop floor tracking, raw material as well as WIP inventories” (Singh, 2015, pp. 285). However, there are also a few downsides to the just-in-time process. A few include, “difficulty in achieving some hypotheses such as not finding production defects and reaching zero level for the defected units,” and how the, “system needs great cooperation between management and workers and between management and suppliers” (Zizi, 2014, 190). For a company to start implementing a JIT system, it will require that company to have very strong communication skills both internally and externally. Without the proper communication and transparency, JIT could fail within the first year of implementation. However, this is not a problem with the process itself, rather it is a fault of the people putting it in practice. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that every system, like JIT, has its positives and negatives. However, it seems as if JIT as a system leaves most companies with the positives outweighing the negatives.

Biblical Integration:

The just-in-time system encourages companies and individuals to be good stewards with what the Lord gives them. If a company is irresponsible for its materials or manufacturing process, then it will likely lose profit and upset management. Therefore, it is always important to remember that what one sows, he or she also reaps (Galatians 6:7). Further, Luke 16:11 also provides the Christian with a good example of stewardships regarding material gifts. This passage reads that, “if then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” This means that if one is not a good steward with the material things he or she has, how then, can that person also handle what is spiritually rich? The just-in-time practices encourages people to be good stewards and to handle supplies responsibly and efficiently.

References:

Arain, F. M., Low, S. P., & Wu, M. (2015). Just in Time (JIT) Management in the Ready Mixed Concrete Industry in Singapore. International Journal of Construction Project Management, 7(2), pp. 119-136. Retrieved May 5, 2017

Satterlee, Anita. (2013). Organizational Management and Leadership: A Christian Perspective. (2nd ed.). Raleigh, NC: Synergistics International Inc.

Singh, Gurinder. (2014). An Evaluation of Just in Time (JIT) Implementation on Manufacturing Performance in Indian Industry. Journal of Asia Business Studies. Vol. 8 Issue: 3, pp. 278-294. Retrieved May 5, 2017.

Zizi, Z. H. M. (2014). The Impact of Just in Time System on Egyptian Manufacturing Companies. Applied Study of Manufacturing Companies. The Business & Management Review. Vol. 5 Issue: 3, pp. 185-192. Retrieved May 5, 2017.

 DB 4 - articles.docx (50.382 KB) 

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