Total Quality Management in Abu Dhabi University

ISO 8402 defines quality as â€Å"the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs† Basically, â€Å"quality is satisfying customers need both present and future† (Charantimath, 2006).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Total Quality Management in Abu Dhabi University specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Quality captures a product’s fitness for use, ability to distinguish feature or grade of the product in appearance, performance among others, degree to which a specific product is preferred over competing products of equivalent grade, degree of general excellence and finally it is concerned with how well a product conforms to design and other specifications (Charantimath, 2006). For a company’s product or service to be competitive, then all these attributes have to be preserved and enhanced from time to time. Tota l quality management is the process which managers use to continuously identify and administer the activities needed to achieve the quality objectives of an organization with an aim of offering high value products and services. Reasons why Abu Dhabi University implemented ISO system ADU quality policy states that â€Å"it is committed to providing quality degree programs to its students. Focusing on the needs of students, it engages in a process of continuous improvement grounded in evidence-based assessment of students leaning and satisfaction with their Abu Dhabi University experience† (Abu Dhabi University, 2011). ISO system was adapted to aid in executing this policy. An interview with Mr. Stephen Deunch’a (Quality Officer Assurance) revealed that implementation of ISO facilitated establishing processes and procedures in all department of the University. Secondly, it improved effectiveness of the processes and quality services. Finally, it introduced commitment to continuous improvements of quality. Timeline of the whole project The process of acquiring ISO certification is lengthy and requires a lot of company’s time and resources. There are five major steps for obtaining ISO certification. ADU began the process in December 2008 and completed in January 2010. The process involved documentation of procedures, documentation of quality manual and policies, revision and approval, Internal Auditing and semiannual management reviews. Impact of acquiring ISO certification Standards are important to stakeholders of an organization as they ensure positive characteristics such as quality, durability, efficiency, safety and environment friendliness are reinforced. For instances, all the employees of ADU have a universal understanding of procedures of various processes. Also, the University will direct resources in processes which are internationally standardized hence minimizing wastage. ISO also benefits the community at large because there int erests are catered for and so it builds their confidence in the products.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More ADU’s Vision, Mission and Values ADU’s Vision 2013: â€Å"Abu Dhabi University is recognized as a national University of choice for quality education, applied research that drives regional economic development, and enjoy international accreditation† (Abu Dhabi University, 2011) ADU’s Mission â€Å"The Mission of ADU is to offer highly rewarded career oriented undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs aligned with the needs of UAE and the region through excellence in teaching, student learning, faculty scholarships and engagmnet in community development† (Abu Dhabi University, 2011) ADU’s Culture and Shared Values â€Å"ADU’s community is student-centered, commited to faculty/staff development and prides itself in col legiality, inclusiveness while respectful of Arab culture, integrity, equity, innovation, agility and service above self† (Abu Dhabi University, 2011) Office responsible for implementing ISO Execution of ISO standards is the responsibility of every employee. However, the Executive Director of Quality Institutional Research and strategy Departement has the primary responsibility of implementing ISO 9001:2008. Assurance Unit has been asigned the responsibility of implementation of ISO system. The Provost is responsible for achieving and maintaining internationa institutional accredation while the Dean of each college has the primary responsibility for achieving and mainintg individual program international accreditations for all programs in their college where such accreditations exist (Abu Dhabi University, 2011). Next Steps Currently, the Univeristy has implemented Balances Scorecards to be used for performance assessment of all managers. The University should extend measuring for all core processes, it should consider self measurement because scorecards is a perfomance measurement system that only track programs which lead to achieving strategis plan. It does not assess an individuals contributions towards achiving the strategic goals. References Abu Dhabi University. (2011, November 30). Vision and Beyond. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Total Quality Management in Abu Dhabi University specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Charantimath P. (2006). Introduction to total quality management: Total Quality Management, (3), 1-3. This essay on Total Quality Management in Abu Dhabi University was written and submitted by user Joaquin G. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Exponential Decay and Percent Change

Exponential Decay and Percent Change When an original amount is reduced by a consistent rate over a period of time, exponential decay is happening. Here is an explanation of how to work a consistent rate problem or calculate the decay factor. The key to understanding the decay factor is learning about percent change. Here’s an exponential decay function:    y a(1-b)x y: Final amount remaining after the decay over a period of timea: The original amountx: TimeThe decay factor is (1-b).The variable, b, is percent change in decimal form. Because this is an exponential decay factor, this article focuses on percent decrease. Three Ways to Find Percent Decrease The percent decrease is mentioned in the story.The percent decrease is expressed in a function.The percent decrease is hidden in a set of data. 1. The percent decrease is mentioned in the story. Example: The country of Greece is experiencing tremendous financial strain. They owe more money than they can repay. As a result, the Greek government is trying to reduce how much it spends. Imagine that an expert has told Greek leaders that they must cut spending by 20%. What is the percent decrease, b, of Greece’s spending?   20% What is the decay factor of Greece’s spending?Decay factor: (1 –b)   (1 - .20) (.80) 2. The percent decrease is expressed in a function. Example:   As Greece reduces its government spending, experts predict that the country’s debt will decline. Imagine if the country’s annual debt could be modeled by this function:   y 500(1-.30)x, where y is in billions of dollars, and x represents the number of years since 2009 What is the percent decrease, b, of Greece’s annual debt? 30% What is the decay factor of Greece’s annual debt?Decay factor: (1 –b) (1 - .30) .70 3. The percent decrease is hidden in a set of data. Example:   After Greece reduces government services and salaries, imagine that this data details the country’s projected annual debt. Greece’s Annual Debt 2009: $500 Billion2010: $475 Billion2011:   $451.25 Billion2012: $428.69 Billion How to Calculate Percent Decrease A. Pick 2 consecutive years to compare: 2009:   $500 Billion; 2010:   $475 Billion B. Use this formula: Percent decrease   (older– newer)/older: (500 Billion – 475 billion)/500 billion .05 or 5% C. Check for consistency. Pick 2 other consecutive years: 2011: $451.25 Billion; 2012: $428.69 Billion (451.25 – 428.69)/451.25 is approximately .05 or 5% Percent Decrease in Real Life: Politicians Balk at Salt Salt is the glitter of American  spice racks. Glitter transforms construction paper and crude drawings into cherished Mother’s Day cards; salt transforms otherwise bland foods into national favorites. The abundance of salt in potato chips, popcorn, and pot pie mesmerizes the taste buds. Unfortunately, too much flavor and bling can ruin a good thing. In the hands of heavy-handed adults, excess salt can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Recently, a lawmaker announced legislation that will force us in the land of the free and the brave to cut back on the salt that we crave. What if the salt reduction law passed, and we consumed less of the white stuff? Suppose that each year, restaurants will be mandated to decrease sodium levels by 2.5% annually, beginning in 2011. The predicted decline in heart attacks can be described by the following function:   y 10,000,000(1-.10)x , where y represents the annual number of heart attacks after x years. Apparently, the legislation will be worth its salt. Americans will be afflicted with fewer strokes. Here are my fictional projections for annual strokes in America: 2010: 7,000,000 strokes2011: 6,650,000 strokes2012: 6,317,500 strokes2013: 6,001,625 strokes (Note:  The numbers were made up to illustrate the math calculation! Please contact your local salt expert or cardiologist for real data.) Questions 1. What is the mandated percent decrease in salt consumption in restaurants? Answer: 2.5%Explanation:   Be careful, three different things   sodium levels, heart attacks, and strokes are predicted to decrease. Each year, restaurants will be mandated to decrease sodium levels by 2.5% annually, beginning in 2011. 2. What is the mandated decay factor for salt consumption in restaurants? Answer: .975Explanation: Decay factor: (1 -  b) (1-.025) .975 3. Based on predictions, what will be the percent decrease for annual heart attacks? Answer:   10%Explanation:   The predicted decline in heart attacks can be described by the following function:   y   10,000,000(1-.10)x  , where  y  represents the annual number of heart attacks after  x  years. 4. Based on predictions, what will be the decay factor for annual heart attacks? Answer: 0.90Explanation: Decay factor: (1 -  b) (1 - 0.10) 0.90 5. Based on these fictional projections, what will be the percent decrease for strokes in America? Answer:   5%Explanation: A. Choose data for 2 consecutive years:   2010: 7,000,000 strokes; 2011: 6,650,000 strokes B. Use this formula:   Percent decrease (older – newer)  / older (7,000,000 – 6,650,000)/7,000,000 .05 or 5% C. Check for consistency and choose data for another set of consecutive years: 2012: 6,317,500 strokes; 2013: 6,001,625 strokes Percent decrease   (older – newer)  / older (6,317,500 – 6,001,625)/6,001,625 approximately .05 or 5% 6. Based on these fictional projections, what will be the decay factor for strokes in the America? Answer: 0.95Explanation: Decay factor: (1 -  b) (1  - 0.05) 0.95 Edited by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.