TQM in healthcare

Article Abstract:

Several managers in the British healthcare industry have not been as supportive of the total quality management (TQM) movement as their American counterparts. They argue that TQM is more useful in the private sector and that the concept of customer is not appropriate to healthcare provision. However, recent changes in the UK health service have emphasized the importance of increased customer choice and patient satisfaction, making their arguments against TQM untenable. In the US, TQM has already ingrained itself in the healthcare sector as a result of soaring health care cost, heightened participation of American patients in health care purchasing, increased competitiveness among hospitals, and rising malpractice litigation costs. In the UK, the concept of TQM is still in its infancy stage. However, it is expected to gain prominence as internal and external pressures mount.

Health Care, Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, United Kingdom, Analysis, Health care industry, Medical care, Total quality management

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The role of consultants in AMT implementation

Article Abstract:

Two hundred consultancies in the advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) were surveyed to gain a better understanding of the role these consultants have been playing in recent years. Results showed that companies call in AMT consultants mainly because of their fear of failure, inexperience in dealing with customers, inadequacy of available technical expertise, and previous experience in setting up technological systems. The survey also found that majority of firms adopted AMT because of its potential ability to help manufacturers become more responsive to market changes and raise their quality standards. The most common reasons for the failure of AMT implementation were found to be the manufacturers' inability to accurately assess business needs and the lack of support from upper management for this technology. Other results of the survey are discussed.

Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Equipment and supplies

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Managing information technologies in small business: some practical lessons and guidelines

Article Abstract:

Information technology (IT) pertains to the computer-based equipment and programs that support all areas of business, including telecommunications. The decision to adopt IT is often difficult for small businesses to make considering the many issues that must first be addressed. Among the issues that should be considered are the variety of vendors and systems, the pace of technology change, the life cycle of the technology, the potential benefits of the IT for the organization, and the human problems that are bound to occur upon adoption of the technology. Some lessons learned from the experiences of large companies in acquiring and managing IT are offered to small business owners and managers.

Information technology, Small business, Technology application

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