Thesis Chapters by Collins Osei-Poku
Title- To develop a conceptual TQM framework for an aluminium smelter: A case study in a Middle E... more Title- To develop a conceptual TQM framework for an aluminium smelter: A case study in a Middle East country.
Author- Collins Osei-Poku
Year of submission- November 2015
Purpose- This is an empirical research to develop a conceptual TQM framework, and to make recommendations for its implementation in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East.
Methodology- The research uses a single case study of an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Triangulation is addressed by collecting data from three sources: web-based questionnaires, semi structured interviews and secondary data from the organisation’s documents.
Findings- The research shows that the smelter shares many quality practices similarly employed in other organisational contexts. The findings however differentiate the smelting company from other organisational context in terms of creativity, and the company is found to depend much on standard procedures. It is concluded that the organisation must first consider standardising all processes and procedures before gradually advancing to an innovative work culture, in order to minimise employee resistance that may arise as a result of the changes. Conclusion is also made on the need to restructure the current training and incentive programmes to position the organisation well for the TQM journey. The findings further disclose how critical HSE is to the organisation, which is therefore included in the proposed TQM framework. The multicultural workforce of the organisation is identified as the main challenge to building a suitable quality culture, and it is concluded that senior management adopt a strategic culture change process to align employees in the same direction.
Research limitations- The research is mainly limited by the single case selection, which makes generalisation difficult. Techniques are however adopted to improve the validity, credibility and reliability of the research. Examination of the studies to more similar cases is recommended to improve generalisability. Another limitation is that literature from different locations, other than the Middle East, are utilised to supplement the scarce TQM literature in the Middle East. This could limit the contextual nature of the research.
Originality/value- This research appears to be the first to develop a conceptual TQM framework to be used organisation-wide in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Thus, the study adds to the theoretical contribution of TQM in the Middle East. The conceptual TQM framework would also serve as a guide for practitioners to successfully implement TQM in a smelting organisation.
Keywords- TQM framework, Middle East, Aluminium smelter
Paper type- Case study
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Thesis Chapters by Collins Osei-Poku
Author- Collins Osei-Poku
Year of submission- November 2015
Purpose- This is an empirical research to develop a conceptual TQM framework, and to make recommendations for its implementation in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East.
Methodology- The research uses a single case study of an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Triangulation is addressed by collecting data from three sources: web-based questionnaires, semi structured interviews and secondary data from the organisation’s documents.
Findings- The research shows that the smelter shares many quality practices similarly employed in other organisational contexts. The findings however differentiate the smelting company from other organisational context in terms of creativity, and the company is found to depend much on standard procedures. It is concluded that the organisation must first consider standardising all processes and procedures before gradually advancing to an innovative work culture, in order to minimise employee resistance that may arise as a result of the changes. Conclusion is also made on the need to restructure the current training and incentive programmes to position the organisation well for the TQM journey. The findings further disclose how critical HSE is to the organisation, which is therefore included in the proposed TQM framework. The multicultural workforce of the organisation is identified as the main challenge to building a suitable quality culture, and it is concluded that senior management adopt a strategic culture change process to align employees in the same direction.
Research limitations- The research is mainly limited by the single case selection, which makes generalisation difficult. Techniques are however adopted to improve the validity, credibility and reliability of the research. Examination of the studies to more similar cases is recommended to improve generalisability. Another limitation is that literature from different locations, other than the Middle East, are utilised to supplement the scarce TQM literature in the Middle East. This could limit the contextual nature of the research.
Originality/value- This research appears to be the first to develop a conceptual TQM framework to be used organisation-wide in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Thus, the study adds to the theoretical contribution of TQM in the Middle East. The conceptual TQM framework would also serve as a guide for practitioners to successfully implement TQM in a smelting organisation.
Keywords- TQM framework, Middle East, Aluminium smelter
Paper type- Case study
Author- Collins Osei-Poku
Year of submission- November 2015
Purpose- This is an empirical research to develop a conceptual TQM framework, and to make recommendations for its implementation in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East.
Methodology- The research uses a single case study of an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Triangulation is addressed by collecting data from three sources: web-based questionnaires, semi structured interviews and secondary data from the organisation’s documents.
Findings- The research shows that the smelter shares many quality practices similarly employed in other organisational contexts. The findings however differentiate the smelting company from other organisational context in terms of creativity, and the company is found to depend much on standard procedures. It is concluded that the organisation must first consider standardising all processes and procedures before gradually advancing to an innovative work culture, in order to minimise employee resistance that may arise as a result of the changes. Conclusion is also made on the need to restructure the current training and incentive programmes to position the organisation well for the TQM journey. The findings further disclose how critical HSE is to the organisation, which is therefore included in the proposed TQM framework. The multicultural workforce of the organisation is identified as the main challenge to building a suitable quality culture, and it is concluded that senior management adopt a strategic culture change process to align employees in the same direction.
Research limitations- The research is mainly limited by the single case selection, which makes generalisation difficult. Techniques are however adopted to improve the validity, credibility and reliability of the research. Examination of the studies to more similar cases is recommended to improve generalisability. Another limitation is that literature from different locations, other than the Middle East, are utilised to supplement the scarce TQM literature in the Middle East. This could limit the contextual nature of the research.
Originality/value- This research appears to be the first to develop a conceptual TQM framework to be used organisation-wide in an aluminium smelter in the Middle East. Thus, the study adds to the theoretical contribution of TQM in the Middle East. The conceptual TQM framework would also serve as a guide for practitioners to successfully implement TQM in a smelting organisation.
Keywords- TQM framework, Middle East, Aluminium smelter
Paper type- Case study