A systemic Framework for Implementation of TQM Programmers

The purpose of this paper is to present a systemic framework for implementation of TQM program in a manufacturing organisation that produces motor vehicle components in Port Elizabeth - South Africa. The approach used included conceptualisation of the systemic framework and then involvement of the stakeholders in adding scenarios to be considered in the design and implementing the framework in the real field. The findings obtained during the implementation of the systemic framework established that reduction of scraprate, reduction of production costs, reduction of cycle time and employee motivation could be achieved through the implementation of a Systemic Framework for the TQM programme. The TQM team was satisfied that the implementation of TQM programme using the systemic framework was relevant in their particular situation. The developed systemic framework for implementation of TQM was tested in a company that manufactures motor vehicle components. The experience gained shows that the framework has a big potential for successful implementation of TQM. The developed systemic framework has a holistic approach in implementation of TQM; in that case it can be used to guide the design and implementation of successful TQM programmes. The developed systemic framework is a holistic approach, which took on board all four basic characteristics that portray an organisation. Organisations are portrayed by four interrelated characteristics namely, organisational processes, organisational design, organisational culture and organisational politics. For a successful implementation the TQM intervention should take into consideration these four characteristics

Using Information Technology as a Strategic Tool for Competitive Advantage

Application of IT in modern industry is gaining momentum and IT has now been recategorized as the fourth production factor after material, machine and labour [1][2]. However, there are very few researches, which show the strategic role of IT in a company [3]. The introduction of IT has rarely helped the companies to acquire the expected competitive advantage. The main hurdle is the historical growth of the IT and the deficiency in taking into consideration the interactions between IT and the corporate strategic planning [4]. Corporate strategies can be effectively implemented, only when concrete measures have been taken to make sure that the individual business processes, the functional departments and the overall corporate strategy are in harmony (i.e. all of them are running in the same tune). However, it is disconcerting to mention that, the correspondence between overall corporate strategy and IT-strategy are rarely harmonized. The requirement for a strategic adaptation of IT is very important for modern companies since for them such communication techniques are very important for the success of the company. The endeavour in this article is to display how one could use IT strategically for gaining competitive advantage. (Af. J. of Science and Technology: 2002 3(2): 107-113

Applicability of participatory approach in a community infrastructure upgrading project

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature and extent of community participation through analysis and review of the concept of “Participatory Approach” and its applicability in a Community Infrastructure Upgrading Project (CIUP). The approach used to get the data was through case study using quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through interview, questionnaire and observational methods. The research established that participatory approach failed in this community because the people failed to comprehend the purpose of the project knowledge, which resulted into low level participation in the planning, implementation and decision making processes. The community representatives, who were supposed to disseminate the information back to the community, had low level of education, which resulted into inability to grasp the intent of the project and to disseminate that knowledge back to the community. The study explored problems associated with application of participatory approach and the challenges encountered during its applications in this particular community. It is concluded that participatory approach in this project failed in the implementation because the poor attendance of meetings, lack of awareness about the project, less participation and involvement in planning, implementation and decision making.Key words: Participatory Approach, Project Managemen