Quality management practices in a flexible manufacturing Systems (FMS) environment

摘要

The paper claims that the study is unique in that it overcomes the shortcomings of previous studies by examining a large number of QMPs that range from the importance of quality to the use of tools and techniques. Thirty QMP variables were investigated under five heads: Importance of quality as a strategic objective (one variable). Marketing and consumer related quality (nine variables: market share, multinational markets, number of complaints, number of returns, warranty period, ability to meet delivery, loss of customers, product safety, and maintainability degree). Cost of quality (nine variables: cost of rework, cost of scrap, cost of extra inventory, cost of warranty, down time, lost orders, R&D expenditure, inspection, quality training). Total employee involvement (six variables: responsibility, worker participation, worker loyalty, skill variety, autonomy, and feedback). Quality tools (the use of five techniques: SPC, SQC, Taguchi method, p-charts, and c-charts). The sample comprised of 102 U.S. companies in the aerospace, electronics, industrial and farm equipment, metal products, motor vehicles and parts industries. Analysis of variance technique was used to detect significant differences in the QMPs of users and nonusers. The paper concludes that: FMS users are more aggressive in the adoption and implementation of QMPs than nonusers. Users are more likely to involve human resources (HR) in developing a culture of quality and capability in using quality-related production tools. (39 refs.)