Showing papers in "Industrial Management and Data Systems in 1984"
TL;DR: The National Quality Campaign (NQC) was launched by Lord Cockfield in April 1983 as mentioned in this paper, which was to bring together and publicise companies which could demonstrate success through the management of product quality.
Abstract: The management of quality is a major consideration in the factors governing the demand for products and extends into all parts of the company. This was the theme of the National Quality Campaign, launched by Lord Cockfield in April 1983. One initiative of the campaign was to hold a series of regional working luncheons to bring together and publicise companies which could demonstrate success through the management of product quality. The first luncheon was held in Manchester during November 1983 and similar initiatives were staged throughout the UK until June 1984. In this article the authors report the views on quality of the seven senior executives who took part in the Manchester get‐together, typical quality policies pursued by their companies, and aspects of their quality management systems.
25 citations
TL;DR: The first generation of large mainframe computers certainly acted as a centralising force within companies as discussed by the authors, and the arrival of cheaper minicomputers and the development of online terminals to mainframes had a "decentralising" effect in the sense that machines could be purchased and operated at departmental/site level.
Abstract: The first generation of large mainframe computers certainly acted as a centralising force within companies. The arrival of cheaper minicomputers and the development of online terminals to mainframes had a “decentralising” effect in the sense that machines could be purchased and operated at departmental/site level.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue the case for strategic planning in a small business, arguing that the necessary analysis of the sales history, margins and profits on a product basis reveals patterns of performance which may easily be overlooked in day to day management.
Abstract: In the case of small business, the owner‐manager is most likely to be the individual who establishes corporate objectives as well as carrying out a thorough evaluation of product lines, markets, and future competitive positions. Planning helps in the identification of present areas which have potential for future strengthening. This is sometimes not realised, with some business people believing that planning identifies new areas of product opportunity only. The necessary analysis of the sales history, margins and profits on a product basis reveals patterns of performance which may easily be overlooked in day to day management. The author argues the case for strategic planning in a small business.
6 citations
TL;DR: A recent report by the TUC's Women's Advisory Committee, "Sexual Harassment at Work", raises a number of important legal issues which the author discusses in this article.
Abstract: A recent report by the TUC's Women's Advisory Committee, “Sexual Harassment at Work”, raises a number of important legal issues which the author discusses in this article.
4 citations
TL;DR: A new era for management is emerging as mentioned in this paper, where staying closer to the business of the company's primary expertise with an action-based, value-driven philosophy is being emphasised.
Abstract: A new era for management is emerging. Staying closer to the business of the company's primary expertise with an action‐based, value‐driven philosophy is being emphasised. A simple flexible organisational form directed at generating customer satisfaction is becoming more dominant. This requires more effective supply management than ever before. An enlarged role with greater significance for purchasing is resulting.
4 citations
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TL;DR: On a journey across India the author visited hotels and in this paper discusses their merits as conference venues and discusses the merits of conference venues as a conference venue for conferences in the future.
Abstract: On a journey across India the author visited hotels and in this article discusses their merits as conference venues.
4 citations
TL;DR: A report on the Seventh European Information Technology and Office Automation Exhibition held in London in February 1984 is given in this paper, where the authors present a survey of the main themes of the event.
Abstract: A report on the Seventh European Information Technology and Office Automation Exhibition held in London in February 1984.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the success in practice of small firms in obtaining technology and new products from universities, under licensing agreements and through other technology transfer activities, and draw heavily upon research into the use of technology licensing by small and medium sized firms.
Abstract: The author considers the success in practice of small firms in obtaining technology and new products from universities, under licensing agreements and through other technology transfer activities. His analysis draws heavily upon research into the use of technology licensing by small and medium sized firms, carried out at Bath University over the previous three years.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue the case for factoring, the cost of which must be looked upon as an investment, to make more efficient use of resources by improving a firm's cash flow.
Abstract: The author argues the case for factoring, the cost of which must be looked upon as an investment, to make more efficient use of resources by improving a firm's cash flow
2 citations
TL;DR: The author proposes a human model, which builds up “systems” according to laws, based on concepts of cybernetics, coupled with some of the significant insights of the tradi‐tional social sciences.
Abstract: Action learning can only be understood if organisation is understood. Organisation can only be understood if the behaviour of the human creatures which compose organisation can be captured by a reasonably realistic model. For this reason the author proposes a human model. From this he builds up “systems” according to laws, based on concepts of cybernetics, coupled with some of the significant insights of the tradi‐tional social sciences.
1 citations
TL;DR: There is an urgent need to relax the link between work and organisation, to bring about a social renewal in which the key word is participation, and the key figure a certain type of manager as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: There is an urgent need to relax the link between work and organisation, to bring about a social renewal in which the key word is participation, and the key figure a certain type of manager.
TL;DR: Become fitter, trimmer and keener executives during the annual conference by electing to use a health hydro as the venue.
Abstract: Become fitter, trimmer and keener executives during the annual conference by electing to use a health hydro as the venue.
TL;DR: The advantages of pruning corporate portfolios are welcomed in the US, but many British companies still assume that selling subsidiaries will be viewed in terms of failure by the outside world as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The advantages of pruning corporate portfolios are welcomed in the US, but many British companies still assume that selling subsidiaries will be viewed in terms of failure by the outside world. Evidence suggests, however, that there are rewards in profit trends and enhanced share ratings. The decision to divest may set in motion a management buy‐out.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss how management can best approach the introduction of machine monitoring systems (MMS) and how to improve the performance of the MMS system when compared to other MIS systems.
Abstract: Machine Monitoring Systems (MMS) are an example of new MIS based on new technology. MMS can vastly increase manufacturing efficiency but problems with machine operators may ensue, since the system can also serve to monitor the productivity of individuals. The article discusses how management can best approach the introduction of MMS.
TL;DR: The first of two articles as discussed by the authors discusses the key strategic issues and their interrelationships in the changing and complex environment of the oil industry and deals with the key issues in the search for flexibility in the more open system in which the oil majors now operate compared to the comparatively closed system largely controlled by the Seven Sisters.
Abstract: The first of two articles to discuss the key strategic issues and their inter‐relationships in the changing and complex environment of the oil industry. Part I deals with the key issues in the search for flexibility in the more open system in which the oil majors now operate compared to the comparatively closed system largely controlled by the Seven Sisters.
TL;DR: In this paper, the sources of complexity and variability which lead to marketing organisations having to perform a range of functions or roles in dealing with trades associations are discussed, and sources of conflict in trades association/marketing relationships with their implications for marketing management.
Abstract: The sources of complexity and variability which lead to marketing organisations having to perform a range of functions or roles in dealing with trades associations are discussed. Then sources of conflict in trades association/marketing relationships are considered, with their implications for marketing management. All these factors taken together point to the need for a new approach to the development and implementation of marketing plans.