BUSA 4800 Quality Management

Quality management was the first management subsystem where data analytics dominated the decision making model. Students will study the behavioral, technological, and statistical concepts inherent to the system of management called total quality managements (TQM) which more recently has morphed into Six Sigma. One of the principle tenants of quality management is the notion that continuous improvement of quality requires the continuous measurement and assessment of quality and that quality improves as variance is reduced. A knowledge of statistics and spreadsheet software (EXCEL) is used to develop a basic SPC based data management system. If organization effectiveness (competitive advantage) is the product of quality and efficiency, then this course holds efficiency constant and explores methods to improve quality (see BUSA 3700 for the companion(MS software based productivity ) in service and manufacturing organizations. Students will learn to employ spreadsheet logic to solve an array of problems.

Credits

Prerequisite

BUSA 3500 or permission of instructor

Typically Offered

Athens Campus: spring evening — Demorest Campus: fall evening, spring day

Student Learning Outcomes

At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a vocabulary of quality management terms and concepts.
Understand the scientific method including the development of theories and the use of statistics to test those theories.
Understand the theoretical differences between approaches to continuous improvement including TQM and Lean/Six Sigma as well as standards organizations such as ISO and American Society for quality (ASQ)
Demonstrate competencies in the tools commonly employed in the Lean/Sig sigma management practice to control business processes and outcomes.
Implement critical thinking, ethical considerations in management, strategic planning, and oral and written communications
Apply project management strategies, including work decomposition, networking tasks, staffing requirements, scheduling and budgeting for quality implementation projects.
Understand the complex communications required for providing information to all project stakeholders, including team and sponsor.
Demonstrate familiarity with quality management themes including continuous improvement, cost control, data analysis tools, and working within an organizational culture.