The SAGE Handbook of Process Organization Studies offers a compendium of perspectives on process thinking, process organizational theory, process research methodology and empirical applications.
Society, globally, has entered into what might be called the "service economy." Services now constitute the largest share of GDP in most countries and provide the major source of employment in both developed and developing countries. Services permeate all aspects of peoples' lives and are becoming inseparable from most aspects of economic activity. "Quality management" has been a dominating managerial practice since World War II. With quality management initially associated with manufacturing industries, one might assume the relevance of quality management might decrease with the emergence of the service economy. To the contrary, the emergence of the service economy strengthened the importance of quality issues, which no longer are associated only with manufacturing industries but are increasingly applied in all service sectors, as well. Today, we talk not only about product or service quality but have even expanded the framework of quality to quality of life and quality of environment. Thus, quality and services have emerged in parallel as closely interrelated fields. The Encyclopedia of Quality and the Service Economy explores such relevant questions as: What are the characteristics, nature, and definitions of quality and services? How do we define quality of products, quality of services, or quality of life? How are services distinguished from goods? How do we measure various aspects of quality and services? How can products and service quality be managed most effectively and efficiently? What is the role of customers in creation of values? These questions and more are explored within the pages of this two-volume, A-to-Z reference work.
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`This reader is an outstanding piece of work. It captures the essence of operations management by providing an interesting and sometimes provoking set of readings. It also provides an excellent review of the topic. Its approach to operations management is both topical and comprehensive. The editors have done an outstanding job of including many of the significant recent developments in the area, particularly in the technology and operations strategy areas' - Nigel Slack, Professor of Operations Strategy, Warwick University How have consumer demands, environmental and ethical concerns, the advancement of technology and the globalization of business changed and redefined operations management? This Reader explains new and emerging areas and re-evaluates some important mainstream issues. Leading specialists contribute their experiences and thoughts on four key areas. They are: - Strategy - makes the case for regarding operations as a strategic asset in their own right - Methodology - examines the myriad of approaches taken towards process improvement - Technology - asks why problems associated with the implementation of technology continue to dog organisations - Human Issues - repositions human input to the top of the operational agenda
This book focuses specifically on quality assurance in the social work and social care context. Designed for managers and practitioners responsible for quality assurance and performance management, it utilises traditional theories and seeks to adapt these to meet the social care environment. The history and background to the development of 'quality' are examined and the literature and research reviewed in order to develop a theory base. Common practical issues and dilemmas for managers are explored with a clear service user focus throughout. Using an accessible style, this book enables readers to transfer learning to their own unique settings and roles.
Key Concepts in Operations Management introduces a selection of key concepts and techniques in the field. Concise, informative and contemporary, with consideration given to explaining the principles of the topic, as well as the relevant debates and literature, the book contains over 50 concept entries including: Operations Strategy, Managing Innovation, Process Modeling, New Product Development, Forecasting, Planning and Control, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management and many more.
Key Concepts in Operations Management introduces a selection of key concepts and techniques in the field. Concise, informative and contemporary, with consideration given to explaining the principles of the topic, as well as the relevant debates and literature, the book contains over 50 concept entries including: Operations Strategy, Managing Innovation, Process Modeling, New Product Development, Forecasting, Planning and Control, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management and many more.
Covering the most critical topics and strategies in the field, Essentials of Operations Management provides business students with the most up-to-date coverage of modern topics not always found in other texts, such as human resources in operations, facility location, "green" operations, and the balanced scorecard approach to operations. Author Scott Young draws on his many years of teaching experience at both the undergraduate and MBA level to provide the essential content necessary for success in operations-in an affordable text. Key Features Includes a complete chapter (Chapter 4) on managing the operations workforce-an important topic for the well-rounded operations manager Applies "The Balanced Scorecard" approach to operations in Chapter 5, introducing students to a performance measure that balances customer, internal processes and learning and growth measures against traditional financial measures Covers sustainable operations in Chapter 7, including discussions of "green" operations and why they are important for any new operations manager Includes end-of-chapter projects and exercises that help students apply concepts to real-life situations Provides students with ample review opportunities through additional end-of-chapter features such as review questions, key terms, and summary points Instructor Resources on CD include PowerPoint (R) slides, chapter overviews, lecture outlines, review questions, and additional cases. Essentials of Operations Management is appropriate for undergraduate or MBA students taking Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, or Operations Strategy courses in schools of business.
The 100 methods presented in this introductory guide all relate to the implementation in organizations of the philosophy and practices of Total Quality Management". Ranging from an introduction to the technique of brainstorming to a description of the activities of "quality circles", the spread of methods presented is deliberately wide and inclusive, to reflect the range of processes involved in full TQM: idea generation; data collection; data analysis; data display; decision-making; and team work. Each method is explained and illustrated in terms of its purpose, when and how it should be used, and its benefits. To provide a context to the discussion of the individual methods, the first section outlines the key concepts and processes involved in implementing a Total Quality Management approach.
