The Importance Of Quality In Children’s Clothing Production

Fitness for Purpose

Quality refers to the standard of excellence set that surpasses other offerings of a similar kind. In the case, of ABC, it relates to the production of products of high caliber that exceed those produced by the competitors concerning remaining competitive in the business environment.

According to Dispensa (2001), fitness for purpose is quality assurance mark that warrants productions that are designed and created to fit the intended use. In the case of the firm, the concept applies to the designing and creation of clothes that fit the children based on their age without providing loose fitting (Dispensa, 2001). The measure would enable the firm produce quality products that meet the demands of children who remain core clients to the business. The clothes created have to fit children, and no exaggerations should be made that will deviate from meeting the needs of the prescribed age limit. Therefore, all the productions raised in the firm have to meet the diverse needs of children wear, and nothing short of the demands should be accepted in the production.

Compliance in quality management refers to the aspect of making a product conform to the specifications defined in previous productions. At the same time, it relates to the point of the durability of the cloth products which have to be strong to match the playful nature of children. In this case, the quality of the children clothing have to remain all time high and one that can be recognized by individuals and always retain a perception of quality every time people see the brand name (Dispensa, 2001). Moreover, the product has to be reliable relating to the degree of trustworthiness of a product and the dependability of the clothing by children who remain the primary consumers.     

Value refers to the amount of benefit a product delivers to the users of a commodity. In respect to the firm, value relates to the extents the product shall meet and satisfy the needs of children and the durability of the product (Dispensa, 2001). The firm, therefore, needs to create strong products that meet the playful nature of children. As a result, the return rate among the parents for the products would determine if the high quality managed to return value to the customers.

The high costs to be spent by the firm are justifiable based on the losses it would prevent and the profit it would realize for the firm. The costs go towards improving the production processes to guarantee a quality output from the scenario. In return, the quality children wear produced would gain a good standing in the market and encourage repeated purchases. Prevention costs from the budget are important in preventing or avoiding quality setbacks.

Compliance

The prevention costs go to product service requirement which deals with the establishment of specifications for the materials to be used, the processes, and the type of finished product is going to the market (Giannetti, Risso & Cinquini, 2016). On the other hand, it touches on the quality planning which deals with creating a plan for quality, operations, production, and inspection to ensure a proper outcome from the process. The last costs in prevention are attributed to quality assurance that checks the several projects to ensure everything goes according to plan.

The appraisal costs relate to the activity of measuring and monitoring activities related to quality. It deals with the evaluation of purchased materials, and products to ensure conformity to specifications. In this case, the costs go to the verification of materials, carrying quality audits on the processes in clothing manufacture, and carrying an assessment on the supplier rating on the products used in production. The appraisal costs have an effect on the overall production which enhances quality needed for a competitive advantage in the market.

Another proportion of costs go to the external failure costs that are incurred to act as a remedy to the defects discovered by clients. The cost goes to repairs and servicing, claims of warranting, product returns, and complaints filed by clients. In the process, the costs go to addressing employee concerns which boost the image of the firm and attract a potential client base with the provision of warranty on the products (Giannetti, Risso & Cinquini, 2016). Preventing external failures is essential in protecting the firm’s image and building a strong name towards gaining a competitive advantage as opposed to the firms which do not offer the same.   

Internal failure costs deal with costs incurred towards preventing defects discovered before products are delivered to the market. The costs include those regarding process waste due to poor communication, organization, and errors in production (Franks, Davis, Bebbington, Ali, Kemp & Scurrah, 2014). Another set of costs goes to scrap which cannot be repaired as well as on those that need repair to meet the required quality standards. The last batch of finance is directed to the analysis stage that provides information on the causes of internal product failure. In the long run, the repairs and designing allow for a quality production that meets the market demands. Consequently, it promotes a high rate of customer return since the products in the market meet the required standards.     

Value

Customers benefit from products that reach the highest quality and serve them diligently. In this case, the costs going towards production process to ascertain a high-quality standard. Consequently, the benefits are passed to the consumers who upon realizing the same tend to trust a given brand. Therefore, the firm is better placed to take advantage of the quality associated costs by passing the benefits to the customers thereby having the upper hand in the competitive industry (Giannetti, Risso & Cinquini, 2016). Quality products fetch high prices in the market which increase the brand recognition for firms and therefore transfers to high revenues.

Productivity

Process improvement in the organization translates into efficiency in production which relates to a proper use of resources towards an increased output. The concept works towards the benefit of the firm through greater efficiency in production. The costs incurred in quality management would introduce a positive culture towards increased production as the processes would be improved and efficient (Bartik, 2015). In the end, the firm shall experience a substantial rate of productivity among the workers and the output realized. The measure would lead to increased revenues for the firm and gaining of a competitive advantage over other producers in the industry.    

Data and information are essential parts in organizational development. The data gathered over time is useful in comparing the production standards in the past and using the present information to improve the systems of production continuously towards success (Sallis, 2014). Every day, trends in production do change leading to the adoption of informatics. Due to such features, the information acquired improves production in the firm as employees continuously gain knowledge in improved processes. Information is power and contributes positively to the growth of the firm which can be used to evaluate the level of performance in the organization. Success in business emanates from research and development which serves as the base for gathering data and information for change in organizations (Sadiq, 2013). Therefore, the data and information will eventually drive success through continuous improvement in the production of the garment firm.  

ISO 9000 refers to a standardization series that gives a set of standards regarding quality management and assurance that helps firms to maintain and promote a sound and efficient quality system. The standards are broad and apply to all organizations regardless of their size, and thus serve as a universal measure for quality management (Oakland, 2014). ISO certification in business is important as it serves several stakeholders interests in the business. Organizations certified with the ISO have to adhere or demonstrate previous adherence to quality standards stipulated in the requirements for accreditation. ISO certification provides benefits as it aligns a production towards the customers by determining the satisfaction levels of clients, meeting the requirements, and discovering the future needs and trends in the industry (Oakland, 2014).

Process Improvement

Besides, it fosters a good leadership standard through setting goals and equipping the workers with the necessary resources towards production. The provisions allow for proper engagement with people and make them accountable to their performance which elevates the performance of the overall business (Bon, & Mustafa, 2013). Therefore, adoption of the ISO certification leads to increased performance and benefits to businesses.

Total quality management refers to a philosophy of continuous improvement that enables streamlining businesses towards efficiency of people and machines thereby leading to improved quality. ABC Garments would benefit from the approach by driving efficiency in identifying and eliminating possible problems in the work processes. First, the firm would take advantage of the reduction of wastes and duplication of duties and redundant processes. Besides, the firm would benefit from the quality management aspect of eliminating wastes and costs incurred in rejected products and the elimination of repairs and reworks for the firm (Oakland, 2014). Eventually, it would lead to improved production and disposal of wastes while increasing customer satisfaction. At the same time, it would ensure the existence of proper human resource planning where the right people with matching skills shall exist and having the less skilled undergo training to fit in the changing environment. Total quality management is a special feature in business that enhances quality through continuous improvement in processing.

There exist different awards in the business world with the most recognized one being the Deming Prize and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality one. The Baldrige award was established in the United States to raise awareness regarding quality management in recognition of companies that have implemented and successfully used quality management systems in their daily operations. The award is given based on exemplary performance in diverse areas of business such as the leadership in organizations, workforce planning, customer relations, knowledge management and measurement (Santos, Rebelo, Lopes, Alves & Silva, 2016). Besides, it focuses on improving key operation processes and the comparison of the performance regarding finance, human resource development, governance, and partnership with the stakeholders.

There are several similarities between the award and ISO certification in the way they administer their recommendations to quality management. Both cases provide sets of measures to be used in improving relationships with the clients, improving the workplace, building career growth, initiating technology in production, and developing proper accountability in carrying out tasks (Brown, 2013). Both cases ask firms to behave responsibly and embrace the quality management concepts that initiate change in organizations. Adoption of both standards in practice leads to business success and growth as they touch on the core areas essential for change in companies (Bernardo, Simon, Tarí & Molina-Azorín, 2015).

Data and Information

Adoption of ISO certification would be essential to the firm for the first adoption. The certification allows for prior plans that include changes in the manner in which organizations work (Santos, Rebelo, Lopes, Alves & Silva, 2016). It involves changes in the way leadership is done and helps align employees towards productivity. Therefore, it is important to adopt it first then later take up the quality management strategy based on the award at a later stage. The move would allow the firm to act positively by utilizing the ISO requirements towards achieving the benefits of accreditation by the award.          

Part 1

The line manager ought to use the process flow chart where each part is observed and determined to ascertain which steps are omitted thereby causing missing buttons and improper packaging of commodities (Oakland, 2014). Analysis and check on the performance of every process lead to an identification of lapses in processes thus finding a lasting solution to the case.

Part 2

The use of a histogram would assist in prioritizing factors and help in identification of the repeated distribution that would show the rate of uniformity in specified diameter of the jeans button. The histogram serves the purpose of studying the density of data in understanding the distribution and data that repeats more often.

Part 3

The cause and effect diagram is essential in handling the case where production was lower in the morning but improved in the later hours of the day. The method allows for examination of the factors leading to the cause of the problem and once identified will lead to identification and address of the root issue Oakland, 2014). The factors relate to people, machines, the environment, and methods used in production.    

Part 4

Consumer complaints can be assessed using the check sheet method where the very purpose of the plan lists important checkpoints which update the status and progress of development (Sallis, 2014). In this case, it is viable to compare information registered by the clients at different locations.

Part 5

Determining the trend of the daily volume of calls and their different types can be determined through the use of control chart which serves the purpose of determining a process by recording all the calls which can be picked randomly.  

Part 6

The CEO can follow up all the processes in both the jeans and the shirt category. The use of flowchart is essential as it documents the steps followed in the production process. Therefore, the tool shall help the CEO in following up and determining areas of difficulty (Sallis, 2014). By so doing, the CEO shall determine the inputs and outputs and compare with the plan for posterity.

ISO 9000

Parts 7

As a new CEO, identification of the process within an organization can be made using the flow chart which records all the processes in the organization. By so doing, it would be easy to determine the processes that add value or those adding no value thus determine the ones to be removed from the process.   

360 Degree Feedback

The tool is used in measuring the performance of workers where managers receive feedback from individuals working in an environment as they interact. The feedback comes from the customers, reports, internal sources, sales people, and the subordinate staff. The 360-degree approach refers to the collection of information from diverse sources where the information becomes useful to the evaluators who sit and ascertain the performance levels of individuals. The tool is efficient as it is free from bias since the sources are anonymous and diverse in nature. In this case, respondents give honest answers that lead to proper analysis.

Balanced Score Card

The measurement tool utilizes the information in place such as in the sales quotas where it checks the same alongside the performance standards set. Further, it uses the key performance indicators for distinct positions in determining the level of performance for each in an organization (Ofori-Kuragu, Baiden & Badu, 2016). The levels achieved are measured regarding short and long term basis and thus becomes essential for the top and the middle-level management.

Management by Objective

The measurement method deals with setting goals at the beginning of the financial year or set period where a record of the progress is retained throughout the operation period. The goals exist in the form of short and long-term basis. At the end of the year, an evaluation team carries out an analysis on the extents to which individuals have achieved the set goals and determine their importance in organizations (Millo, Barman & Hall, 2016). In the long run, the performance reflects the provisions set at the beginning of operation with an evaluation being undertaken periodically to determine success.

Mission and Vision Statements

The measurement type provides an opportunity for employees to be evaluated based on their contribution to the mission and vision of an organization. Businesses perform based on the expectations set which align with their vision and mission. In this respect, the provisions are used where a team of evaluators examines the performance of individuals based on the rate at which they satisfy the demands of the mission and the vision of organizations (Taticchi, Garengo, Nudurupati, Tonelli & Pasqualino, 2015). The measurement criteria emphasize on improved efficiency and performance to match the standards set in the overall goals of the firm. In this case, it allows for total adherence to performance that satisfies the reason for the formation of businesses.    

Total Quality Management

Performance Appraisal

Performance Evaluation refers to a system of evaluation where employees ability at work is measured based on a set of issues listed in a standard procedure. Marks are awarded for each category where an overall evaluation on the total weight is observed. The performance of employees is compared to the set target, and the difference observed towards development and training needs in organizations (Morrow, Mood, Disch & Kang, 2015). The measurement procedure is essential in determining the weaknesses of employees as well as the strengths and determining the best means to address their queries.

Standard Time

Standard time refers to the time taken by a qualified worker working at an optimum standard of performance to complete an assigned task. The management by objective measurement tool would be sufficient in measuring the performance of individuals according to standard time. In the firm, a standard time shall be determined by taking the slowest, and the fastest performer carries out a similar task and finds common ground. The common ground shall be used as the best standard time for working to finish a given production with the required quality.

Once a standard time is set for production, it shall serve as the main objective that is to be met by every employee. A monitoring plan shall be placed as well as evaluation to determine the time taken by different employees in completing assigned tasks according to departments. More so, the strategy shall be used in the in the production department where the use of standard time seems viable. In the end, an evaluation of the performance shall be carried out to determine the rate of which every employee managed to attain the required standard time in production (Banker, Lee, Potter & Srinivasan, 2015). Eventually, assistance shall be given to the difficult areas experienced by employees at individual levels to improve performance and efficiency at work.       

Costs

Costs are crucial elements in organizations that determine the profitability realized, in this case, it goes along with the organization mission and vision that serves as the driving force in business. In this respect, the mission and vision based measurement tool shall be used. Every employee tasked with a financial obligation shall have to be made to understand the essence of the business and remain responsible towards promoting profitability. In this case, the expenditures registered in the budget shall be observed among the executors of projects to ascertain the best person better placed to utilize funds in line with remaining profitable and expanding the business as per the mission and vision of the organization. Consequently, anyone that spends in activities failing to yield a direct benefit to the organization risks deviating from the vision. In this case, an evaluation shall be carried out to determine the profitability registered in every activity that utilizes the organizations’ funds (Banker, Lee, Potter & Srinivasan, 2015). Evaluators shall be placed to ascertain the expenditures and accountability levels of individual towards exhibiting a success. In this case, loopholes to poor performance can be realized, and proper steps are taken to prevent future occurrences.  

Quality Awards

Quality

Quality in production is critical towards the rate at which clients accept products in the market. Hence, it is important to measure the performance of employees regarding quality delivered. In this case, the plan shall utilize the balanced scorecard to evaluate the different steps in production and how individuals meet the set standards of quality checks. The employees shall be briefed and taught on the quality measures to be observed followed by a subsequent monitoring and evaluation on the steps taken towards quality production (Banker, Lee, Potter & Srinivasan, 2015). Every employee shall be observed by the supervisor at different levels to determine their adherence to the set standards. Eventually, after a determined period, the evaluation report shall be used to gauge the level of quality delivered by employees. The measurement shall enable the organization to improve continuously by training the employees on the best steps to follow towards quality production done at individual and group level.  

Productivity

Productivity is key to exemplary production that meets the demands of the consumers. In this respect, it is important to measure the level of productivity among individuals. In so doing, the firm shall utilize the 360-degree tool in obtaining information on the level of productivity of individuals collected through fellow workmates (Walters, 2014). The colleagues shall be given an opportunity to rate the best performer and the worst thereby providing first-hand information. Separately, the supervisors shall be given a scorecard to determine the productivity ratio of employees. The evaluating team can also observe the individuals through the cameras to determine their level of hard work at work environment (Banker, Lee, Potter & Srinivasan, 2015). Eventually, the diverse sources of information shall be gathered and used to determine the best and the worst individuals and develop a productivity workshop towards initiating change among the weakest performers.

The company is one of the leading the leading players in the construction industry in New Zealand where it involves itself with the transformation of resources into value-added products sold around the nation. The firm practices efficient use of resources by creating the products and utilizing them efficiently during construction (Fletcher 2017). The firm through its specialized builder’s design products that fit the purpose in a bid to reduce wastage. Besides, the firm has a monitoring team that ensures the raw materials are put to good use according to the plan. Moreover, it ensures that processes go according to plan and that little is left to waste. Consequently, the firm manages to save on costs thus becoming a significant name in the market and assuring their clients of the efficient building using environmentally friendly tools (Fletcher 2017).    

Feedback is an important step in promoting quality management and improving processes in organizations. Performance can only increase where the supervisors bring back information on the performance appraisal to the workers and have them use it towards increased productivity. Feedback control refers to the process used by managers to evaluate the effectiveness of their teams towards meeting production goals (Doyle, Francis & Tannenbaum, 2013). The control evaluates a project’s progress compared to the plant thus giving managers an upper hand in providing leadership. Feedback control allows for identification of the progress of a company based on the productions demonstrated. Besides, it assists employees in improving their performance independently. For instance, individuals with difficulties in performance can be approached independently to have them supported towards a better and increased output (Yang, Liu, Shi, Thomas & Basin, 2014). On the other hand, he data can be used to provide group performance training towards proper utilization of resources. Managers too can benefit in the decision making on the raining needs required by the individuals to succeed. The customers benefit from the increased output and quality which translates into benefits for the shareholders. Therefore, the benefits touch on the general environment where each stakeholder benefits from the proper control.     

The concept of feedback remains essential for information flow from and to workers that drives the production standards. Feedback process begins after an observation has been made and evaluation is done to ascertain the areas of weakness. Afterward, the information retrieved is used together with the affected individuals or groups where the shortfall is discussed with the concerned parties towards change. The other party is given a chance to respond and raise concerns on the issue where the supervisor or manager has to give a response towards assisting the individuals towards production. A manager must constantly continue to provide feedback to improve efficiency in increasing standards of production. The feedback operation comes to an end when workers comply with the required standards and improve the benefits to the organization.

Corrective action refers to the process of communicating with employees in a bid to improve several aspects of performance hindrances such as attendance and productivity. All employees are set to meet the performance standards essential in the workplace. ABC Garments stands to benefit from improved performance through the corrective actions delivered by the quality analysis department. The performance costs incurred on the internal quality improvement assist the firm to produce quality products that meet the demands of the market. Besides, the firm benefits from improved relation with customers by addressing their concerns and guaranteeing quality through correcting the defects in product both within and outside the market. The ability to accept defective products and reducing waste in organization reduces the overall operational costs thus making the firm more profitable.        

ABC can use the deliberations to improve its business by initiating the concept of quality management in its production plan. First, it is important for the management to identify the root causes of lapses in performance. Once identified, the team can proceed and observe the employees while evaluating their performance and the level in which they attain the requirements of the business production (Dale, 2015). The set standards on quality must be observed, and any deviation addressed promptly. Feedback would be important to enable a self-improvement among the employees as well as mentorship programs to instill growth. In cases where it fails a corrective action is necessary where individuals employees are tasked to change their operations towards the goals the firm (Nanda, 2016). Henceforth, the change would occur which have to be followed by feedback as the cycle begins again.

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