Toyota Contemporary Business And Management Management Essay

Toyota Contemporary Business And Management Management Essay Toyota massive recalls and quality issues have become the serious concern for the company total quality management principle Toyota Way. Toyota company overview Toyota came into existence from year 1867 with headquartered in Japan. Toyota moved its some operation in 1957 to North America sub division. The companys main primary business is in automobile production. Toyota has brand name and the company became the market leader in the auto sales. The Toyota has geographical presence around the world in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Middle East. The Toyota sales and production graph is shown below for geographically location of Europe. This graph shows the market position of Toyota from year 2005 to year 2009. As it is shown in the graph Toyota has major portion of market share in auto industry and the Toyota is loosing the edge of leader as the graph shows the sales in 2009 is going downward. This sales trend is not a good sign for the Toyota future and shows the some problems facing by Auto market leader. (Toyota, 2010c) Europe market Sales history Ultra Luxury Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini The auto industry overview can be summarized in the strategic groups of market makers in the auto industry are shown in the graph below. Luxury Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche Cost/ Price Mass Market Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagens Prestige Toyota has a long history of success and it is usually termed as the most profitable automaker and provides best auto performance in the industry. In 2007, Toyota sold 9.4 million vehicles globally only about 3,000 fewer than General motors (GM) Toyota quality issues But with series of success and market reputation, in recent years, Toyota has facing serious issues with quality, defects in cars and massive recall of different models around the world. All these issues have put a serious concern for the reliability on Toyota model. The sales have dropped and Company is facing series of law suits and challenges with more recalls. Toyota consumers are not very happy with quality issues in Toyota product. (Kageyama, 2010) Literature Review TQM concept is utilized around the world by organization to achieve the competitive advantage and to get improved financial results. (Edge man, 2006) TQM concerned about the total quality management of the organization from supplier to customer. Edward Deming provides 14points on how to implement TQM in the organization. In literature it is also used Japanese term Kaizen for the continuous improvement to achieve goals and improvement in business process. (Heizer Render, 2008, p.198-200) The points are listed as below: Create consistency of purpose Focus to bring change Build quality into product and service Build strong ties based on performance Continuous involvement in quality improvement activates Start training Emphasize leadership control and management Drive out fear Break down barrier between various departments to promote open communication. Respect workers Provide support, help and understanding Remove barriers Promote education and program of improvement Put everybody in workforce in the transformation track To analyze the problems with Toyota, lets contrast the Toyota TQM program named Toyota way with these 14 principles to determine the reasons for the quality issues. Toyota way is guiding principles prepared by the president of Toyota Group Fuji Cho (2003). The principle states that these principles are tools for people and the principles are more centric for people suggestion that actually bring the improvement and quality in production and service.( Fuji Cho, 2003) 14 principles of Toyota Way Comparison with Deming Theory Make decision based on long term strategy even in case of short term loss This is according to Deming principle of quality improvement. Right process will produce the right result Use pull production to produce only what is needed basically lean production strategy Level out work and eliminate waste Toyota laid the foundation of building first time right quality so that it does not need any future fix This is according to Deming principle of quality improvement Standardized task for continuous improvement and employee empowerment In accordance with Six Sigma and Deming Principle of TQM Use visual control so that no problems left unseen Use reliable and tested technology to serve people and process Develop leadership quality in employees and add value to organization This is according to Deming principle of quality improvement People should follow your company philosophy Respect and help networks of partners and suppliers to improve This is according to Deming principle of quality improvement Solving the problems from root Make decision slowly but implement it fast Learning organization with continuous improvement This is according to Deming principle of quality improvement and Six Sigma implementation steps The various components of TQM to make the effective TQM program are listed below: First component of continuous improvement is already taken care by Toyota Company. Toyota principle also focuses on eliminating the waste and utilizing lean production system. Toyota philosophy is to produce in amount which is needed. Just in time will eventually helps to cut the costs of quality, improves quality and lastly, better quality ends up with less inventory and better control over system. The next component of TQM is Six Sigma and it is focused on strategy to bring customer satisfaction. It describes the process, design, product in high capabilities and in more statistical sense. Sigma and its symbol means standard deviation and this particular component is used to minimize the production defect. Six Sigma Process: Source Dilioa.2009 Six Sigma has five step implementation process abbreviated as DMAIC. It means define, measure, analyze, improves and control the quality process. The diagram shown below illustrates the process of Six Sigma Six Sigma Management Kit Toyota has utilized this component of employee empowerment. Toyota has a strategy to involve the employees in every step of transformation. The main focus is given on the process improvement and providing more responsibilities to employees and authority so that they perform better. Next component of Benchmarking defines the standardization of process, service, cost and practices. The benchmarking development process involved determine what needs to benchmark, form a team and identify benchmarking partners, collecting information and analyze if the process is correctly define in terms of benchmarking and lastly, match the process to the level of benchmarking (Heizer Render, 2008, p.201). Toyota did implement the standardization of process but, the internal benchmarking should be more consistent and inclined to remove any barrier in case of different geographical sub division like Toyota has around the world. Taguchi concept believes in the fact that quality issues arise because of poor design of product or process. The concept also aimed to improve the quality by utilizing quality robustness, quality loss function and target oriented quality. Robustness means consistency in the production process to meet the consumer demand. Quality loss function is a mathematical relationship illustrated by equation L = D2C Where L = Loss to society D2 = Square of distance from targeted value or quality C = Cost of deviation at the specification limit In other words, this function identifies all cost related with poor quality and show how the cost increase as the product quality align with customer needs. The diagram shown below illustrates the distribution of specification of products produced. Target oriented quality is mechanism to bring the product to target quality through continuous improvement in process. (Heizer Render, 2008, p.203) The Taguchi Loss Function The last component of TQM is to have proper knowledge and training of using TQM tools. There are seven TQM tools defined as Check sheets, Scatter Diagram, Cause and effect diagrams, Pareto Charts, flow charts, Histograms and Statistical process control (SPC). (Heizer Render, 2008,p.204) Conclusion Toyota lacks several Deming principles and six sigma implementation steps in its program Toyota way. There is no education and training program for the employees. Also, there is no communication strategy within the various sub division of the organization. There is no program to remove the barrier and to provide openness in the work environment. The company principle lacks behind in providing any vigorous education program to bring change in form of quality improvement. Toyota way principle has also not catered fully all the aspects of six sigma component in their guiding principle. Recommendation Based on the analysis of TQM and Six Sigma concept Toyota needs to bring some major strategic changes in there processes to handle the quality defects and recall issues. Toyota needs to revise its Toyota Way program to focus more on the quality management. Although, its process and product whose standardization effect the performance. But, after this analysis it can be recommended that it is people who run those processes and they also need to give special attention for the standardization service to bring quality in product. Toyota has already undertaken the need for quality process, but it should also bring knowledge propagation, education and training for employees to bring consistency and quality in their work. The controls and performance measurement program should be made more vigorous to meet the customer expectation and gain the competitive edge as before Toyota has. The knowledge and training of TQM tools and other education program to increase the quality performance of Toyota product should be provided to employees on regular basis. The other issues related to quality improvement can be resolved by increasing the frequency of communication and company strategic philosophy in different geographical regions around the world. The company has already taken crucial steps to handle this problem by executing these three major steps. First, Toyota has unleashed the program Toyota way which consists of its core-value and respect for people principles. Toyota has also announced to provide massive training program around the world in various production facilities. In the last effort Toyota has emphasized on the facilitation of knowledge transfer and learning across its all sub division. (Toyota, 2010a) To sum up, Toyota is on the right track to fix the quality problems and company needs to have better control and supervision of this improvement process. Toyota restricting effort is in accordance to the Total quality management principle and it would benefit Toyota to regain the confidence of customer and improve quality standards in its production. Toyota has renowned name in auto industry and this research report supports the Toyota actions to correct the quality issues.

Music Through the Centuries Essay

The period between 1400 and 1600 is called the Renaissance period. Also known as the period of rebirth, this period brought out the inventions that made a great impact on the lives of people up to the present. The critical and ambitious minds of inventors allow the invention of clock, gunpowder and eyeglasses. Consequently, certain aspects of music also changed. Polyphonic and imitation among voices became rampant. The vocals, whose main purpose is to bring forth emotion and meaning in music, were greatly utilized and some pieces of church songs were intended for a capella performance. With these, the Renaissnce period acquired the name Golden Age of A Capella Music. The impact on music was so vast that families for musical instruments develop. Harmony gained significant attention to the composers who favored blending over contrasting. At the same time, texture became richer because bass was registered for the first time. Some of the famous composers in this era included Josquin Des Prez and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. If given the chance to choose a musical composition in this period, I will choose the Ave Maria by Josquin Des Prez. The song is very relaxing and soothing. It has a great combination of overlapping and alternating high and low notes. Vocals are good and an atmosphere of peace and lightness is exemplified as one listens to this music. After the Renaissance comes the Baroque period (1600-1750), which is characterized by splendid, glamorous and lavish effects on arts, science and music. The canopy of the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed and a number of natural laws were found such as the laws of pressure by Robert Boyle. Modes, which were rampant during the Renaissance and Medieval period, were replaced with major and minor tonalities. Basso continuo was greatly accepted and used, as well as the doctrine of affection, which allows the composers to express their feelings freely in music. Composers during this period realized that counterpoint, free use of dissonance, imitative polyphony and homophobic method are essential in their field of artistry. They showed emphasis on volume, texture and pace in music and frequent usage of basic triads and inversions. At the same time, the composers began to explore the inner ability of music to express human spirits and to depict natural phenomena. Opera also flourished because of the Italian’s desire to recapture the Greek drama where music played an important part. Solo vocalists and the style of homophony were utilzed to help the listeners focus on the melody of the song. Orchestra also began to take shape as string intruments such as violin became dominant. Famous composers that popularized this grandiose style of music included Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldo, and George Frideric Handel. To name one of the great muscial compositions in this era, I would prefer Cantata 80 of Bach. This song is festive-like with good transition of high notes and low notes. The song brings a warm and welcoming aura. This song expresses a high level of emotion as well as a great evidence of how good and hard it is to compose a piece of music. After the Baroque period comes the Classical period (1750-1825). During this period, the first edition of Encyclopedia Brittancia was released. The first vaccination was made and the electric battery was invented by Volta. Compared to Baroque music, Classical music has less complicated texture but has far more variety and contrast because of the use of words such as pitch, tempo, mood, and timbre. Melody is shorter than the Baroque music but with clear-cut phrases and cadences. Functional harmony was retained but tended to focus on slow rhytmic harmony. Metric pulses were present but were not emphasized. Moreover, occasional pauses and rhythmic set points were also common. On the other hand, the orchestra continued to develop with an additional section for the woodwind instruments. The same with the opera wherein piano is considered the most inportant intrument in every performance. Great importance was given on instrumental music, and sonata form was the most important design in this period. Using these styles of music, several composers became known during this period such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. The Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart is an adorable and explicitly unique music. Listening to this music, one can feel the notes freely moving across the music sheet. It has charming and rich melodies that made this music a classical favorite not only in the past but also in the present. The joyful, skipping melody made this music enjoyable and light to hear. Classical period was succeeded by the Romantic period (1825-1900), also known as the Age of Sentimentality. It is during this time that telephone, light bulb, and radio transmissions were developed. In terms of music, there was a simultaneous development of musical extremes. Although basso continuo was totally abandoned, chromaticism flourished and textures were more developed. The virtuosity of the composers were enhanced and they put emphasis on beauty, elegance, and balance in their compostitions. Music became lyrical with dramatic contrasts in dynamics and pitch. Because this was the period for freedom of design and form, music became thematical. Programme music developed and the idea of nationalism flourished because of the need to break away from the strong influence of Germany on music. Fryderyk Franciskez Chopin and Franz Schubert were some of the famous composers in this period. The song of Erlking by Schubert is a good example of romantic music. This song is great because it is very enticing and one can feel the energy flowing through the entire piece. The continuous pulsation of notes gives this song a playful genre. It can be compared to prancing horses that can give one this feeling of excitement and curiosity. With the Classical Music declining, Modern Music became the reigning music in the 1900s. Some of the events that totally changed the history of the world are World War I and II as well as the Vietnam War. This change had a great effect on how music was viewed during this period. Modern Music focused on treating variety, continuity, and mood. Noise makers such as sirens and typewriters as well as percussion instruments became a vital part in this industry (Thinkquest, 1999). The aim to build an unusual music resulted to the employment of tongue fluttering and other special techniques. Dissonance is also preferred than consonance,which resulted to a development of fantasy-like, distant, and mystifying music. To gain an impression of imbalance, polyrhythm was employed. Some of the great composers in this era were Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky. The Ancient Voices of Children by George Crumb is a great example of how modern music should sound like. This work is extraordinary and mystifying. The music itself is powerful but there is a haunting effect that provokes the listeners to seek for musical images. It stirs up the emotions of the listeners through the tensions placed on the entire musical score. The music’s great shimmering echoes and frequent echoing silence and passages made this song my personal favorite. References Thinkquest (1999) Characteristics of 20th Century Music. Retrieved from http://library. thinkquest. org/27927/20%20century_Characteristics. htm

Effect of Toluene and Xylene in solvents on humans Essay

Toluene and Xylene are some of the major compounds in the solvents that affect the humans. Both, Toluene and Xylene, exert some effects like irritation at the site of contact and CNS depression. Irritation Solvents are in liquid form when at room temperature, but they are volatile too. When these solvents are in liquid form, once they come in contact with the skin, irritation may occur. When they are volatile, inhalation of these vapors may cause irritation in the respiratory track and the vapors may cause irritation to the eyes even. CNS Depression CNS depression is defined as the consistent effect of these solvents at sufficiently high levels of exposure. The symptoms are disorientation, giddiness, and euphoria. The syndrome may progress to paralysis, convulsions and unconsciousness. Death may ensue. The mechanism is not clear yet but the observation that narcosis (CNS Depression) was related to the solubility of toluene and Xylene in lipid and not at all related to their chemical structure, and hence suggested that narcosis resulted from CNS cell dysfunction following solubilizing of the solvents in the cell membrane. There are also a variety of specific effects of toluene and Xylene in solvents on humans. The diversity of these effects is a result of the different metabolic being formed. They are effect on liver, kidneys, nervous system, and hematopoietic system.

Piaget Essay - 1409 Words

Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Jean Piaget was born on August9, 1896, in the French speaking part of Switzerland. At an early age he developed an interest in biology, and by the time he had graduated from high school he had already published a number of papers. After marrying in 1923, he had three children, whom he studied from infancy. Piaget is best known for organizing cognitive development into a series of stages- the levels of development corresponding too infancy, childhood, and adolescence. These four stages are labeled the Sensorimotor stage, which occurs from birth to age two, (children experience through their senses), the Preoporational stage, which occurs from ages two to six, (motor†¦show more content†¦I remember as a child thinking that the sun and moon followed me as I took a walk. In addition, the child’s use of language is not as sophisticated as it might seem. Children have a tendency to confuse words with the objects they represent. If a child calls a to y block a â€Å"car† and I use it to make a â€Å"house†, the child may become upset. To children, the name of an object is as much a part of the object as it’s size, shape, and color. To the Preoperational child, insulting words may really hurt. (Coon 107). Consider my preschooler calling each other â€Å"baby†. To the adult it is an innocent word, but to the preschooler it is the worst thing they can think of.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Piaget’s description of the Preoperational stage also focused on all the other things the preschool-aged child still cannot do. According to Piaget, egocentrism is a cognitive state in which the child sees the world only from his own perspective, without awareness that there are other perspectives. (Bee and Boyd 155). The child is not being selfish; rather, she simply assumes that everyone sees the world as she does. I see many examples of ego egocentrism on a daily basis in the preschool environment and at home. For example, my daughter, Meryl, who is almost five years old, gets a phone call from her aunt. She begins asking Meryl questions. Instead of saying â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no†, Meryl simply nods her head.Show MoreRelatedPiaget2552 Words   |  11 PagesJean Piaget Intelligence Piaget was opposed to defining intelligence in terms of the number of items answered correctly on a so- called intelligence test. (Olson amp; Hergenhahn, 20090 To him intelligence is what allows an organism to deal effectively with its environment. Intelligence changes constantly because both the environment and the organism change constantly. 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