Module Seven

Content

• Module Overview

In this module, you will examine human resources (HR) and its impact on quality management. Conflict can arise between operations managers and human resources managers. For example, an operations manager may have a critical vacancy to fill, and this vacancy may take longer to fill than the operations manager thinks is necessary, due to restrictions by the human resource manager. There may be time-consuming regulatory requirements that must be fulfilled by the HR department prior to filling the vacancy.

Conflicts like this can create inefficiencies and decrease the effectiveness of the organization. Therefore, it is vital that employees understand that they have common interests and relationships related to this extremely important resource. It is important that managers maintain close relationships and understand duties in their respective areas. Responsibilities need to be clearly defined, and workplaces properly organized, to properly deal with the needs of human resources.

Motivation, commitment, involvement, morale, and job satisfaction are key factors that must be considered to ensure that effective, efficient, and quality products are prepared and provided to the customer. Therefore, it is imperative for the entire team to understand the workings of human resources throughout the organization. A consistent application of workplace policies must be adhered to. The quality of the product is not the only thing at stake; in addition, employees who witness inconsistencies may ultimately show signs of low morale and poor motivation. Low employee morale and poor motivation become problems for everyone, and they could exacerbate conflict between human resource managers and operations management (IEC, 2015).

Performance management, employee training, workplace policies, recruitment, staffing, conflict resolution, and benefit allocation are just some of the areas where common interests exist and must be thoroughly understood to create a well-oiled organization. All of these areas can have an impact on ergonomics, safety (including equipment safety), other employees, guests, and EPA regulations.

Reference

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). (2015). Factory of the future. Retrieved from http://www.iec.ch/whitepaper/pdf/iecWP-futurefactory-LR-en.pdf

• Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will meet these learning objectives:

o Create a risk mitigation plan to address the risks associated with the introduction of a new product
o Analyze a company and offer guidance as to how to form and appropriately manage the launch of a new product
o Apply principles of total quality management (TQM) in managing the product introduction as well as customer expectations

• Plan at a Glance

This is the recommended plan for completing the reading assignments and activities within the module. Additional information can be found in the module Reading and Resources section and in the task list.

1. Read the assigned chapter in your textbook and complete the Milestone Three assignment.

• Reading and Resources

Required Resources

Textbook: Operations and Supply Chain Management, Chapter 8

o What are time studies, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
o What are the different pay structures that can be used, and what are their benefits and disadvantages?
o What is work sampling, and why and when is it used?
o What benefits are derived from a safe workplace?
o What types of environmental concerns must members of a workplace consider?

Additional Support (Optional)

PDF: Five Trends That Are Dramatically Changing Work and the Workplace- https://www.knoll.com/media/18/144/WP_FiveTrends.pdf

This article addresses a variety of trends in work and the workplace.

Video: Rod Stickman - Working Safely, by Design (3:00)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgjeXT9c54M

This video talks about workplace arrangement and its importance in ensuring safety. For a transcript of the video, click here.

Video: Productivity in Operations Management (3:50)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG7G_yFqfoA

This video discusses numerous employee-related issues of concern to operations managers. For a transcript of the video, click here.

• 7-1 Final Project Milestone Three

This milestone will allow you to further expand on plant considerations and how they apply to safety.