Jim Smith Journalist Profile

Articles

Employee Involvement Pays

2 months ago | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith |Michelle Bangert |Dale Norwood |Greg Cenker

Throughout my career I was fortunate to participate in many employee involvement initiatives. Each opportunity played a key role in my development as a manager. It’s not rocket science to realize that top management commitment is one of the critical success factors in the deployment of organizational quality initiatives. While recognizing the importance of such commitment is easy, it’s not so easy to translate that into action. My experience has proven what most experts propose is true.
Organizations Need to Assess Risk Level and Take Appropriate Actions

Jun 24, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

In today’s world most organizations face a multitude of potential risks which include cyber-attacks, data breaches, system failures, service disruptions, and natural disasters, just to name a few. An organization can attack the biggest threats, and then take actions to implement the best measures to manage those risks at acceptable levels. In risk management, the first step is to identify potential risk factors before proceeding with any decision.
Organizations need to assess their risk level and take appropriate actions.

Jun 12, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

In today’s world most organizations face a multitude of potential risks which include cyber-attacks, data breaches, system failures, service disruptions, and natural disasters, just to name a few. An organization can attack the biggest threats, and then take actions to implement the best measures to manage those risks at acceptable levels. In risk management, the first step is to identify potential risk factors before proceeding with any decision.
Organizations Need to Include Quality as a Core Business Strategy

Jun 4, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

Some time ago, a company asked for a review of their manufacturing environment. Immediately it was noticed that management did not allow a manager to blame an employee’s actions as the root cause in a safety or quality incident investigation – even if the employee blatantly violated a procedure or rule. Certainly, this follows Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s principles.
Measuring the Right Things Lead to Organizational Excellence

May 1, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

Companies that consistently show excellent results have certain things in common. Among the commonalities is having a sound business strategy which is well communicated throughout the organization, along with clear measures for success. Most people have heard the phrase, “What gets measured gets done”; however, more than that, organizational excellence comes from having clear world-class performance measures that are consistently achieved.
Implement basic principles to improve organizational efficiency

Feb 1, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

Most people agree that employee productivity is important, but there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding that fact. There are countless experts doling out advice on productivity. Sometimes, this advice is good. Other times, it’s not supported with facts. The bottom line is to get all employees engaged in the common goals of the organization. The ability to sustain profit by supplying customers with their needs and expectations. This certainly sounds fundamental, doesn’t it?
Everyone Embracing Change is Key to Success

Jan 18, 2024 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

Change management is a process for ensuring that the people affected by change understand the nature of the change and the reasons for it. Successful change management is an all-hands-on-deck activity. Organizations must guard against fear of change which tends to paralyze progress. Fear of change is a real and valid concern. People are afraid of change because of its potential impact on them, their function, and even their future.
Marketplace Projection is a Minefield

Oct 25, 2023 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

With all the noise and rhetoric in the current environment, it’s challenging to determine if we’re in a period of stagnation, economic growth or decline. It depends on which ‘experts’ you’re listening to, but the following is, nonetheless, true. Manufacturers want to make the most of improving conditions; they want to re-energize their companies to take full advantage of the marketplace, which is especially true in a robust economy when opportunities present themselves.
Part 2: Delivering the Best

Sep 27, 2023 | qualitymag.com | Jim Smith

This column continues the discussion on delivering the best effort to break through roadblocks as we journey through life. If you haven’t had the chance to read my previous column, I would encourage you to do so. Individuals’ failure to perform may be because they fail to see the point of the challenge set before them. The best approach might be to re-address the objectives surrounding the challenge.
Snow and ice management trends from Monroe Truck Equipment

Sep 13, 2023 | trailer-bodybuilders.com | Jim Smith

As winter approaches, snow plowers and snow management professionals gear up for another season of battling the elements. Effective snow and ice management strategies evolve season to season, incorporating new trends and technologies that help you and your team provide efficient and reliable services.