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1.

ISO 9000 is a family of standards and guidelines related to the quality


management system (QMS). The purpose of ISO 9000 is to implement a QMS
designed to improve customer satisfaction by fulfilling customer
requirements, achieve continual improvement of organizational performance,
continually improve processes and comply with regulatory requirements. ISO
9000 QMS is based on eight principles, directly from total quality
management. The eight principles are as follows; customer focus, leadership,
involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management,
continuous improvement, factual approach to decision making and mutually
beneficial supplier relationships. Personally within my current position at my
company, I do not have any first hand exposure to ISO9000, however after
reviewing the subject it would make sense that some of the programs I am
asked to participate in were designed with ISO 9000 in mind.

2. Pareto Charts are visual tools used to separate the important from the trivial.
The concept which was first promoted by Dr. Joseph Juran, involves the idea
that in the real world; a minority of causes lead to the majority of problems.
Below is an example of a pareto chart found on the internet that
demonstrates utility costs by appliance types.

3. Fishbone diagram is another name for cause-and-effect diagrams used to


identify and isolate causes of a problem. The technique was developed by Dr.
Ishikawa, a noted Japanese quality expert and therefore it can also be
reffered to as an Ishikawa diagram. This chart, differs from the other total
quality tools in the sense that it is the only one that is not based on statistics.
Fishbone diagrams are simply a means of visualizing how the various factors
associated with a process affect the processs output. The real beauty of the
fishbone diagram is that it takes data which could easily be represented in a
list format, and turns it into a format which is way easier to comprehend,
remember and interpret. According to Dr. Ishikawa additional benefits of
using cause and effect diagrams include; creating the diagram itself is an
enlightening and instructive process. The next benefit is that such diagrams
focus a group of people and therefore reduce irrelevant discussion. The third
benefit is that such diagrams separate causes from symptoms and force the
issue of data collection. The fourth and final benefit that can be found in Dr.
Ishikawas book is the diagrams can be used and applied to virtually any
single problem.

4. Histograms are an additional total quality tool that are used to chart the
frequency of a specific occurrence. The two types of data that are associated
with histogram processes are; attributes and variables. An attribute is
something that the output product of the process either has or does not have.
Variables data on the other hand are something that results from
measurement. Posted below is a histogram chart that I created to apply to
my business unit, and chart the amount of times per month a certain footage
amount for pipe was achieved.
5. Control charts are a mechanism to understand process behavior,
predictability and stability over time. The main objective of a well-designed
control chart is to determine if a given processs variability has gone out of
control? The control chart is a tool used in quality control for inferring an
unplanned change has taken place in a process measured by a process
continuous variable X. Control charts are normally developed for processes
which are repetitive in nature, and expectations are set to perform around
continuous process variable X. A repeatable process is one in which process
do the same thing in same way and produces the same results. There are
four common process states that are outlined within the figure below and
depict different situations where control charts could potentially be used.

6. A flowchart is a graphic representation of a process. A necessary step in


improving a process is to flowchart it and make it easy for any party involved
to understand. Often times, the flowcharting process will begin by asking
several different team members who know the process, to flowchart it
separately and then compare. There may be a number of common items
between the two flowcharts that can be easily agreed upon. There is a
standard set of symbols for flowcharts, with each shape depicting a different
part of the process being explained. Below is a very simple flowchart
outlining the rough process install of a new gas service line to a residential
home.
7. Failure mode and effects analysis or FMEA, aims to identify all possible
potential failures of a product of process, prioritize them according to their
risk, and set in motion action to eliminate or reduce the probability of their
occurrence. The pure objective of FMEA is to compare the criticality of all of
the identified potential failure modes and establish priority for corrective
action. The FMEA should be employed at the following points throught a
potential business cycle; during the design or redesign of a process, product,
or service, When improvements are needed or planned for existing processes,
products or services, When existing processes, products or services are to be
used in a new way, During an after the fact failure analysis, and finally when
safety or health is an issue.

8. The art of problem solving is constantly evolving and being redeveloped to


better suit the ever changing business atmosphere that we are exposed to
today. Many corporations invest tons of money into developing processes
designed to solve problems, and other have processes that are tried and true
and have been used for many years. Some processes are complex and others
are simple and practical. An example of the latter would be a program
developed by Toyota, which has been in place in their corporation for a
number of years, and even adopted by other companies as a model for
success. Toyotas program consists of eight somewhat simple steps that are
as in order as follows; Clarify the problem, breakdown the problem, set the
target, analyze the root cause, develop countermeasures, implement said
countermeasures, monitor results and process, and finally standardize and
share success. Steps one through five are the planning process. The doing is
found in step six. Step seven is the checking, and step eight involves acting
out the results of the new standard. To my knowledge, the company I work for
does not have a standardized process, however upon review, the Toyota
process seems like it would work well for our business and I intend on looking
into the feasibility of implementation.

9. Decision making is a critical task in a total quality setting. The role of


decisions within an organization are similar to the role that fuel plays in an
automobile engine in the sense that they keep things running. In total quality
settings, managers should be prepared to have all of their decisions
evaluated and even criticized after the fact. Although it may seem unfair for
decisions to be critiqued after the fact, having ones decisions evaluated is
part of accountability, and can be an effective way to improve a managers
decision-making skills. Without accountability, it is impossible for the concept
of total quality to resonate through an organization and onto the consumer. It
is important that decision making processes are chosen wisely and adapted
correctly into an organizations framework.

10.Quality tools are important in the sense that decision making is almost
always one of the biggest challenges a manager will face in their day-to-day
lives. Selecting the correct quality tool for a specific job can be confusing at
first, but with a proper understanding of the different tools, a manager can
implement one on more tool to aid them in decision making for total quality.
Used properly, quality tools can lead to better decisions and more effective
problem solving. One way that a manager can understand the different tools
and the best times to apply them is through creation of a matrix that includes
the different tools on one axis, and the uses on the other. Highly functioning
managers will sometimes facilitate the process by providing their personnel
to also understand the different tools and when they can be used. A specific
goal of mine as a rising manager within my organization is to understand
these different tools and work on implementing them into our daily lives.

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSIGNMENT - 4


4 sustainable investing myths, debunked
Although public enthusiasm for sustainable investing is surging, there is
confusion, doubt, and skepticism surrounding the space. The first, and most
common myth that exists is that investors must sacrifice high returns when
investing in sustainability. Oxford University and Arabesque Partners analyzed 41
studies and found a positive relationship between sustainability and financial
performance of stock prices for 80 percent of studies reviewed. A second myth that
exists amongst prospective investors is that sustainable investing is risky in
uncertain markets. There is doubt that policies will create the necessary incentives
to ignite a transition to a low-carbon economy. An example many critics of
sustainable investing point to is the bankruptcy of once promising SunEdison. What
these people do not point out is that companies like Peabody, the largest private
sector coal company in the world recently when bankrupt. A third and final myth is
that sustainable investing is simply unfeasible. Sustainable investing undoubtedly
requires some extra work on behalf of the investor, and therefore implementation
can be complex. To avoid complexity, investors should start with smaller, highly
liquid investment funds. My group members and I seem to agree that it is vastly
important that these myths be debunked on the national level, and the world moves
towards the reality it will undoubtedly need to face in years to come.
5 Sustainable Packaging Trends to Watch in 2017
This article outlines an increased sense of importance being placed on packaged by
applicable companies. Companies are no longer focused on only improving their
product, image and customer experience they are also focused on their packaging
as it relates to sustainability and the environment. Cutting down on plastic and non-
degradable waste is an aspect of social responsibility that consumers wish to see in
companies they purchase goods from. The article has listed 5 packaging trends that
consumers can expect to see from companies interested in improving their
packaging in 2017. The trends include; labels which more clearly explain how to
dispose, packaging that is lightweight, increased use of recyclable materials in
creation of the packaging, edible packaging (very early stages) designed to allow for
total destruction of packages and lastly slimmer packaging. My group and I
believe that these trends are all highly positive in regards to the consumer visibility
aspect, and companies should be onboard as lighter, slimmer packages will reduce
shipping and manufacturing costs. Thus being said, we are in agreement that the
goal of these companies is indeed SMART

EPA accuses Fiat Chrysler of excess diesel emissions


The article titled EPA accuses Fiat Chrysler of excess diesel emissions provides
details on the January 2017 EPA accusations against FIAT Chrysler Automobiles NV.
This probe stemmed from EPA regulators investigation of Volkswagen AG, and
found that FIAT Chrysler was illegally using hidden software to allow excess diesel
emissions to go undetected. The EPA action affects 104,000 U.S. trucks and SUVs
sold since 2014. FIAT Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne rejected the allegations
aggressively during a conference call with reporters, however it seemed that we
was more upset to be compared to VW. For two automobile manufacturers as large
as VW and FIAT Chrysler to be involved in this similar type of behavior, it leads you
to believe that for whatever reason, they are still extremely reluctant to
sustainability. One of my discussion partners and I (Olu) both brought up that the
way that the Trump administration chooses to handles matters like this will be
interesting, and his proven dismay for the EPA likely has automobile makers hoping
for a favorable outcome on their behalf. This is something that greatly confuses
whether or not the goals of the EPA fit into the SMART category whatsoever.
SOURCES
Unknown. "Pareto Chart." CQE Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.
<http://www.cqeacademy.com/cqe-body-of-knowledge/continuous-
improvement/quality-control-tools/pareto-chart/>.
Lewis, Elizabeth. "4 sustainable investing myths, debunked." GreenBiz.
GreenBiz Group Inc., 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.
<https://www.greenbiz.com/article/4-sustainable-investing-myths-
debunked>.
Hill, Kevin. "5 sustainable packaging trends to watch in 2017."
BeverageDaily.com. N.p., 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.
<http://www.beveragedaily.com/Trends/Smart-Packaging/5-sustainable-
packaging-trends-to-watch-in-2017>.
Shepardson, David, and Bernie Woodall. "EPA accuses Fiat Chrysler of excess
diesel emissions." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 13 Jan. 2017. Web. 21 Mar.
2017. <http://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiatchrysler-emissions-
idUSKBN14W29S>.

Social Media Discussion with Group Member Olumuyiwa Bamisaiye


Richard,

This article sheds a lot of light on some of the common misconceptions about investing in the
sustainable financial landscape. The major players in this field need to come together and mount
a media blitz using narratives and data to crush the fears that some investors are currently
experiencing. One common myth is that investors will make less money by investing in the
sustainable arena.

The data from a Morgan Stanley study of 10,000 mutual funds shows that sustainable funds had
equal of better performance in median returns and volatility than traditional funds. Some
sustainable investment is risky, high profile failures include companies like the Solyndra solar
panel manufacturer. The lesson to be learnt from the failed companies is that the financial
prospects of the companies need to be more carefully assessed and it might be better to start
them off as small as possible.

The second common myth addressed is that sustainable investing violates "fiduciary duty". The
U.S department of labor issued a 2015 bulletin to address this states that sustainable investing
does not breach fiduciary duty. Investors that are looking for solid returns on the long run have
better prospects investing in sustainable companies because of the changing global policy
landscape. The cost of unsustainable businesses will continue to rise with time, gradually
reducing their profitability.

The third myth is that sustainable investing is risky in uncertain markets. There is no doubt that
sustainable investing is risky, but so is any other type of investing. The article mentions the
bankruptcy of Peabody, the largest private-sector coal company in the world. There is a global
shift towards sustainable investments demonstrated by the Installed capacity of wind and solar
growing by 23 percent and 50 percent in the last decade. There are many sustainable investments
that are doing well financially.The fourth myth is that sustainable investing is unfeasible. The
author admits that it is more work to participate in sustainable investing. There are a lot of
resources available to guide investors in navigating the process.

Thanks,
Olu

The next article focuses on packaging trends to watch for in 2017. The focus here is on how
companies are changing their packaging strategy by embracing sustainable practices. I really
believe this trend is better for companies and the consumers on the long run. The first issue
addressed in the article is the clarity of the recycling information. I have seen some products
where the recycling details are really vague. The trend of having clearer recycling information on
packaging will go a long way in improving packaging sustainability. The second trend is to reduce
the weight of the packaging. There are companies that are already doing a good job in this area
but others need to catch up. Having lightweight packaging saves the company manufacturing and
transport costs. The third trend is towards the use of recyclables in creating product
packaging. The use of these materials has the least impact on the environment. There are different
options available to companies based on their budget and this trend improves the participating
companies sustainability image. The fourth trend is towards having packaging that is edible. This
is a unique approach towards eliminating packaging waste. The companies aiming for this goal
are agreed that this is a great idea, but there are challenges that need to be overcome and this
option needs time before it is marketable. This option would be especially suitable for packaging
food products. The fifth trend is that packages will slim down in size. The reduction in volume
makes the products easier to transport and store. I agree with the goal of using the minimum
functional amount of packaging with the highest customer appeal. This trend will reduce costs
and improve the customer experience.

Thanks,
Olu

This article explores the accusation levelled by the US Environmental protection agency against
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The EPA contends the FCA had hidden software that allowed excess
diesel emissions to go undetected. The EPA and California Air Resources board believe that the
undisclosed emissions control software allowed FCA to violate pollution laws. This allegation
involves 104,000 U.S 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Ram 1500 trucks. FCA has
contested the charge hoping to get a favorable outcome with the EPA under the Trump
Administration. There seems to be an admission of wrongdoing on the part of FCA. The fact that
they issued a recall for one out of the eight pieces of discovered software proves that they knew
the software control was indefensible. This situation is a product of the VW scandal and it points
to the fact that better regulation and monitoring of emissions from cars needs to be in place.

Thanks,
Olu

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