Chapter 5.3 - Lean production and quality management Flashcards
Benchmarking
The process of identifying best practice in an industry, in relation to products, processes, and operations. It sets the standards for firms to emulate
Cradle to cradle (C2C)
Refers to a sustainable model of production based on natural processes, thus benefiting the environment. The underlying principle of C2C is that there is no waste in nature, making it sustainable
Efficiency
Means using resources more productively, in order to generate more output in a cost-effective way
ISO 9000
The world’s most widely recognized standard for quality management. It is endorsed by the ISO to firms that use quality management systems to meet the needs of customers
Just-in-time (JIT)
An inventory management system based on stocks being delivered as and when they are needed in the production process
Kaizen
The Japanese term for ‘continuous improvement’, a lean production philosophy that requires workers and managers to continually try to find ways to improve work processes and efficiency
Lean production
The process of streamlining operations and processes to reduce all forms of waste and to achieve greater operational efficiency
Quality
Means that a product fulfils its purpose and meets the expectations of the consumer
Quality assurance (QA)
The management process of guaranteeing (assuring) that products meet certain quality standards, making sure everything is done right the first time, and ensuring that there are no defects
Quality circles
Small groups of employees who meet regularly to examine issues relating to the quality of output and make recommendations for improvement
Quality control (QC)
The traditional approach to quality management that involves inspecting, testing, and sampling the quality of work
Quality management
The function concerned with controlling business activities to ensure that products are fit for their purpose
Quality standards
Refer to national and/or international benchmarks that enable certification of quality assurance. They are used to show that certain quality standards have been met
Substandard
Means that products do not meet the needs or expectations of customers, producers, or governments due to their poor quality
Total quality management (TQM)
A philosophy and process that requires the dedication of everyone in an organization to commit to achieving quality standards
Waste
Refers to anything that prevents an organization from being efficient or lean
(product defects, stockpiling, and overproduction)
