Showing papers on "Quality (business) published in 1985"

A Conceptual Model of Service Quality and Its Implications for Future Research

Abstract: The attainment of quality in products and services has become a pivotal concern of the 1980s. While quality in tangible goods has been described and measured by marketers, quality in services is la...

What is total quality control the japanese way

Abstract: This book can be used as a checklist to examine your own company's readiness to engage in quality control and other attendant duties. Read only one chapter at a time and reflect carefully on the conditions existing in your company.

Do Higher Prices Signal Higher Quality

Abstract: The author reports some empirical results on the strength of the quality-price relation. For many products, the relation between quality and price appears to be very weak; hence, for many products,...

Productivity management : planning, measurement and evaluation, control, and improvement

Abstract: Productivity Perspectives THE BASICS Productivity Basics PRODUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES Introduction and Strategy Overview The Normative Productivity Measurement Methodology (NPMM) Multi-Factor Productivity Measurement Model (MFPMM) Multi-Criteria Performance/Productivity Measurement Technique (MCP/PMT) MFPMM, and MCP/PMT Summary and Surrogate Productivity Measurement Approaches Organizational System Performance: Is Productivity a Critical Component? PRODUCTIVITY CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT: THEORIES AND TECHNIQUES Productivity Control and Improvement: A Taxonomy or Conceptual Framework Selected Techniques and Approaches Motivation Basics Techniques for Improving Motivation and Performance Performance/Productivity Action Teams PRODUCTIVITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Designing, Developing, and Implementing Successful Productivity Management Programs/Efforts Case Examples: Honeywell's Productivity and Quality Center Appendixes Author and Subject Indexes Name Index Index.

Quality testing and disclosure

Abstract: Sellers are often more able than consumers to test product quality. We show that whether such firms will voluntarily test quality and disclose what they learn depends in a paradoxical way upon the presence of mandatory disclosure rules: only if disclosure is mandatory will a seller not test and disclose. We then ask whether it is even desirable for consumers to be informed about quality at the time they purchase. We show that if information about product quality can be obtained only after all production decisions have been made, and if income effects are negligible, then consumers andfirms will agree that a regime in which consumers are uninformed (informed) is preferable to a regime in which they are informed (uninformed) if income and quality are complements (substitutes) in utility. Consumers and firms can disagree-in either way-about which regime is better if income effects are not negligible.

Efficacy, effectiveness, variations, and quality. Boundary-crossing research.

Abstract: more from integrating efficacy, effectiveness, variations in population-based rate of use, and quality of care into an operational model for policy, planning, and evaluation needs than from continuing to treat them as isolated subjects. We have been asked, however, specifically to consider future directions for quality assessment research and the uses to which its products should be put, and that is the main focus of this article. Nonetheless, our views of the directions research in this area should take are

The ecology of classroom assessment

Abstract: Research on classroom assessment has tended to focus on standardized tests and has paid minimal attention to teacher-developed assessments. As a result, we have a narrow understanding of the classroom assessment environment. This study was designed to broaden that understanding by exploring the nature and quality of teacher-developed assessment. Teachers from a range of grades, subjects, and school districts described their patterns of test use, concerns about assessment, and use of performance assessment by completing an extensive questionnaire. When responses are summarized across teachers, the results suggest that the foundation and structure of classroom assessment consists primarily of teacher-developed assessments, with performance assessment serving as one of the key assessment tools. Teachers are concerned about assessment and know that improvement may be needed, but they will need help to bring about necessary changes. Action plans are suggested for enhancing the quality of teacher-developed tests.

Organizational Work and the Perceived Quality of Life: Toward a Conceptual Model

Abstract: A preliminary conceptual model for examining the effects of organizational work on the perceived quality of life (pQL) defines pQL as affective beliefs (hot cognitions) concerning the status of one's life. The potential influences of work on pQL are considered in terms of effects mediated by the perceived quality of work life versus those mediated by the perceived quality of nonwork life; person-changing versus environment-changing effects; and first-party versus second-party effects.

The statistical debate on the net barter terms of trade between primary commodities and manufactures: a comment and some additional evidence*

Abstract: (I950) [P-S] hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the net barter terms of trade (NBTT) between primary products and manufactures have, over the longrun, exhibited a downward trend.' Spraos presented a detailed and thorough analysis of both the adequacy of the various statistical series available to proxy the NBTT's behaviour over the long-run and the wide range of conceptual (including quality) problems involved in such an exercise. On the basis of his analysis, Spraos concluded that the balance of the evidence for the seventy-year period ending with the outbreak of World War II supported the P-S hypothesis of a secular deterioration in the NBTT. It should, however, be noted that the evidence also suggested that the particular series cho-sen for analysis by Prebisch (I950) himself did appear to exaggerate, possibly to a large extent, the rate of deterioration. However, when the analysis was extended to include the post World War II period, Spraos found that 'while the deteriorating tendency cannot be decisively refuted, it is open to doubt... when the record up to the I970S is taken into account' (i980, p. I26). As we shall see in this paper, closer scrutiny reveals a statistical problem with Spraos's analysis and the purpose of this paper is to show that, once appropriate action is taken to overcome this problem, some quite strong evidence in support of the P-S hypothesis emerges. The paper is organised as follows: Section I briefly discusses Spraos's methodology and Section II discusses an econometric issue arising from this analysis. Section III presents our empirical evidence, while Section IV summarises the main findings of the paper.

Capsicum production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part 1: History, botany, cultivation, and primary processing.

Abstract: The genus Capsicum (Fam Solanaceae) was known to ancient cultures and was more recently historically associated with the discovery of the New World This genus provides many species and varieties used in flavoring foods popular in the cuisines of many parts of the world From the pungent chilli to the colorful paprika and the bell pepper, with its remarkable aroma, the genus is of great interest for its chemistry, sensory attributes, and physiological action The Capsicums, among the spices, are second only to black pepper in trade both in volume and value The production of the different pungency forms, the processed seasonings, and the concentrated oleoresins, through technologically advanced processes and in specified standard grades, are critically reviewed The pungency of Capsicum fruits, its evaluation, chemical structure relationship, its increasing acceptance and preference by a variety of populations are of great research interest The wide traditional use in the growing regions and its intense physiological effects have attracted the attention of researchers of many different disciplines These aspects are reviewed in four sequential parts Part I deals with history, botany, cultivation, and primary processing

Product Quality Signaling in Experimental Markets

Abstract: In a series of eleven markets, sellers possessed products that were exogenously designated as either grade "regular" or grade "super." Supers were valued more by buyers but grade could not be observed by buyers prior to purchase. Sellers could add costly units of quality to their products that were observable and valued by buyers. The data are analyzed with perfect information models, signaling equilibrium models, and pooling models. A variety of behaviors are observed across the eleven markets. Signaling is observed in most markets with some markets approaching the most efficient signaling equilibrium. Pooling or partial pooling occurs in a few markets. The performance seems to be sensitive to the relative cost of signaling and the market institutional setting.

Quality engineering in japan

Abstract: For controlling quality of products, there are two things we have to consider; how to measure the quality and how to improve it. The former is discussed in section 2 by introducing the difference in quality levels between Japan and USA. After briefly introducing all countermeasures for improving quality of products, an on-line quality control system design is proposed as the one which is more economical than removing defec- tives after manufacturing by conducting inspection. It has been ma?y Japanese companies' policy to keep pro- cess conditions at best in order to produce uniform products as far as possible. This paper discusses the optimum feed-back process control system design by checking either quality characteristics or process pa- rameters after introducing overall quality countermea- sures starting with product design.

Job Involvement Through the Life Course: A Panel Study of Three Age Groups

Abstract: Utilizing panel data for three age groups from the 1972-73 and 1977 Quality of Employment Surveys, this study investigates the interrelations of work experiences and subjective job involvement in three age groups that are indicative of different career stages. Whereas job involvement is quite volatile in the initial stage of the work career, it becomes more stable, supporting the "aging stability hypothesis," as workers grow older. Work experiences and rewards also change less as workers age, suggesting that the growing stability with age in job involvement occurs in the context of an increasingly stable work environment. Work autonomy exerts a significant influence on job involvement in all age groups. However, the fact that this intrinsic dimension of work has the strongest influence on involvement in the youngest cohort supports the contention that there is a highly formative stage in young adulthood, after which time the person becomes more resistant to environmental pressures to change. The findings also suggest that the effects ofjob involvement on occupational achievement may be specific to the middle stage of the career. The results of this study indicate the potential of applying a life-span developmental perspective to the study of the sources and consequences of job involvement.

Perceived Quality of Fifty Selected Journals: Academicians and Practitioners:

Abstract: This paper was undertaken to help academicians and practitioners better fit manuscripts to journals. Fifty selected journals were analyzed for perceptions of quality.

Effects of Product Trial on Consumer Expectations, Demand, and Prices

Abstract: Product quality is often unknown to consumers when they make their purchasing decisions. Demand is thus based on expectations rather than on complete information. This paper models the effects of private information acquired through product trial on consumer expectations, demand, and prices. These effects depend on the quality of the product relative to consumer prior expectations, consumer perceptions of quality, consumer expectation revision mechanisms, and the number of purchasers.

Combining Individual Judgments

Abstract: It is often assumed that n heads are better than one, that a judgment obtained from a group will be of higher quality than could be expected from an individual. This chapter considers the effectiveness of methods that have been proposed for combining individual quantitative judgments into a group judgment. For the most part, it will be found that n heads are, indeed, better than one, and at least one investigator has concluded that it does not much matter how they are combined. But the potential for improving performance is so great and the problems of achieving it so subtle that a clear understanding of the issues is essential.

Route choice analyzed with stated-preference approaches

Abstract: An application of scenario-based, or stated-preference, survey and analysis techniques is described in the context of cyclists' route choice Route choice modeling with observed choice data is hampered by the cost of processing network data and by the difficulty of assessing the alternative routes and the perceived attributes of the routes considered by individual travelers An alternative approach is to obtain stated evaluations of well-defined hypothetical routes Such data were collected from commuting cyclists in the city of Delft in the Netherlands and analyzed by using functional measurement to estimate the relative importance placed on such route attributes as time, traffic level, and surface quality Though the techniques used are well founded in the marketing and psychology literature, the route choice context raises issues that are particularly important for their application in transport analysis A case study of the application of stated-preference techniques to route choice is discussed and empirical results obtained for urban bicycle trips are presented

Effects of Physical Quality and Brand Labeling on Perceptions of Clothing Quality

Abstract: The effects of brand label and physical quality on perceptions of quality of clothing were investigated using a 3 × 2 complete factorial, between-subjects experimental design. 78 women individually examined and rated the quality of one of two similarly styled skirts. For half of the subjects, the skirt was high in quality, and for half it was low in quality. In addition, the skirt had either a nondesigner brand, a designer brand, or no brand-label attached to it. Analysis of variance indicated that perceptions of quality were higher for the skirt of high quality and for the skirt with either a designer or nondesigner label. Perceptions were marginally related to subjects' awareness of fashion as measured by a Fashion Knowledge Awareness scale.

Effects of dominance on group decision making: toward a stress-reduction explanation of groupthink.

Abstract: Janis (1972) proposed that groupthink is essentially a stress-reduction process. Cohesive groups reduce the stress of decision making by suppressing critical inquiry. Theoretically, groupthink could be prevented in cohesive groups if the stress could be diffused by other factors. We investigated the effects of task structure (decision-making procedures) and an individual factor (dominance) on the quality of group decision making, anxiety, and symptoms of groupthink. Students (n = 112) participated in twenty-eight 4-person, mixed-sex groups. Groups composed of highly dominant members made higher quality decisions, exhibited lower state anxiety, and took more time to reach a decision. They also tended to make more statements of disagreement and agreement, and to report more group influence on the members. Decision-making procedures had little effect on the decision process.

Factors influencing the quality of mayonnaise: a review

Abstract: Food emulsions are an important part of the food industry. Use of one such emulsion, mayonnaise, has grown enormously since it first was produced commercially in the early 1900's. A number of factors influence the mayonnaise emulsion. These factors that have been discussed are: the egg yolk, the relative volume of the phases, the emulsifying effect of mustard, the method of mixing, water hardness, and viscosity. Numerous research efforts have shown these factors to be of great significance in the formation and stability of a high quality mayonnaise.

Evaluating indicators for housing policy: Residential satisfaction vs marginal improvement priorities

Abstract: The research challenges the conventional usage of households' residential satisfaction as a guide for housing policy and development. A new housing indicator, ‘marginal residential improvement priority’, is introduced and is compared with residential satisfaction both theoretically and empirically. Within the context of neoclassical consumer theory it is shown that the former provides a superior indicator of households' housing preferences than the latter. It is then demonstrated empirically that these conceptual distinctions make for significant differences when the indicators are employed in a practical application. Using a sample of 971 households drawn from Wooster, Ohio, the paper considers their evaluations of four general dimensions of the residential environment and six specific features of the dwelling. Zero-order correlations between the indicators average only 0.40 across these ten dimensions. Households' relative satisfaction with these various aspects diverge substantially from the priority they place on improving these aspects in the future, with rank-order correlations not differing significantly from zero. More specifically, all household strata gave public services their lowest improvement priority and dwelling quality their highest, regardless of their relative degree of satisfaction with the dimension. Similarly, most groups gave high priority to improving interior condition and room size and low priority to improving exterior condition, independent of their satisfaction. Thus, if the efficacy of a limited amount of resources invested in a housing policy is to be maximized, they should not necessarily be directed toward those features of the residential environment with which households are least satisfied.

Fieldwork experience, Part II: The supervisor's dilemma.

Abstract: This paper examines the distinguishing characteristics of the effective and the ineffective supervisor and the role, responsibilities, problems, and current needs of the occupational therapy student supervisor. Data were obtained through questionnaires received from 188 therapists and 127 students in 65 fieldwork centers nationwide. Responses indicate a perceived lack of adequate preparation of occupational therapists for the role of student supervisor and provide evidence that the profession needs to assume a more active role in providing formal, standardized training programs for the occupational therapy student supervisor. The results demonstrate a need for greater accountability for the quality of the fieldwork experience and the supervisory process guiding that experience.

Introduction to Evaluation

Abstract: Evaluation is one of the most fundamental components of sound professional services. The clients of professionals deserve assistance that is directed to their needs, of high quality, up-to-date, and efficient. In order to hold professionals accountable for satisfying such standards, society must regularly subject professional services to evaluations. Some of the evaluation work that is directed at regulation and protection of the public interest obviously must be conducted by independent bodies, such as government agencies and accrediting boards. But fundamentally, the most important evaluations of professional services are those conducted (or commissioned) by the professionals themselves.