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Article
Prioritizing Tactical Quality Improvement
Faculty Articles
  • Douglas N. Hales, University of Rhode Island
  • Samia M. Siha, Kennesaw State University
  • V. Sridharan, Clemson University
  • Judith I. McKnew, Clemson University
Department
Management and Entrepreneurship
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2006
Abstract

Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to test a method for improving decision-making at a tactical level--i.e. at the shop floor level. This is done by testing the use of the binary sorting algorithm (BSA) to improve decisions concerning quality improvement efforts among machine operators in a plastics manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach--The method used was the "action-research" approach since the researchers were actively involved in the training, implementation, and use of the BSA. Findings--It was found that using the BSA to prioritize quality improvement efforts by machine operators reduced the "scrap-from-line" rate in a plastics manufacturer. Research limitations/implications--The study should be replicated in different companies and industries using multiple methods because action-research is limited in its generalizability. Also, since the researchers are actively involved in the process, our observations could not be considered objective. Originality/value--To the authors' knowledge this is the first application of the BSA to improve decision-making at a tactical shop-floor level in a manufacturing company.

Citation Information
Hales, Douglas N., et al. "Prioritizing Tactical Quality Improvement." International Journal of Operations & Production Management 26.8 (2006): 866-81. Print.