UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

QUALITY MANAGEMENT IKK780
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 1
2014
Instructions
1. Do the following problems and submit according to the format, method and schedule specified in
the modules Study Guide.
2. Critically analyse the questions and answers them against the principles and practices of Total
Quality.
3. NB: You must work together in mini groups of 3 or 4 people. Only one person from the mini group
needs to submit via clickUP. Each problem or part thereof must be completed by one or two
person (the Author(s)) and edited and reviewed by another person (the Editor) who may not be
the same person as the Author(s). The Editor will take the final responsibility for the specific
answer (If a poor mark is received, blame the Editor for reviewing and editing poorly. Remember
that the Editor has the right and obligation to reject a poorly provided answer from the Author(s)).
The Author(s) and Editors names must be indicated at the appropriate answer. Please ensure
that all members of the mini group participate and understand the questions and corresponding
answer properly.

1. EMPLOYED VS EMPLOYABLE (20 MARKS)

South Africa has a comprehensive labour law and being employed is important for many
individuals. Critically discuss the concept of being employed versus being employable by
considering quality and competitiveness, self-empowerment, leadership and training and
education. Which concept is best and what should you do to achieve it. Make use of
appropriate headings. Answer should not exceed 1000 words.

2. APPOINTMENT DILEMMA (10)

Pricilla Shabalala is the manager of the Phenolic Department of PlastiTech, a manufacturer
of industrial plastics and composite materials. She is facing a dilemma. There is an opening
in her department and her brother has applied for it. Because her brother has been out of
work for several months, he is having a great deal of trouble supporting his wife and three
children. The family pressure on Pricilla to appoint her brother is intense. There is another
problem: Although she has no doubt her brother can do the job well, two other applicants are
better qualified. Further Pricilla, her brother and the two other better qualified applicants are
all of equal race and the companys BEE policies will not help in her making the decision, nor
will any of the companys other employment policies, which allow the hiring of family
members.

Pricilla feels a strong sense of responsibility for the productivity of her

1

department. She also loves her brother and wants to help him. This is the first dilemma she
has ever faced. If Pricilla does appoint her brother, she might be ostracized by her family
and her brothers already precarious financial condition might get even worse. On the other
hand, she is responsible for hiring the best new team member she can identify.
If you found yourself facing a similar dilemma, what would you do and why?
Answer should not exceed 500 words.

3. ASSIGNMENT PARTNERSHIP (10)

Critically discuss the pros and cons of partnering-up with fellow class mates for the purpose
of doing assignments. Are there any key requirements for such a partnership and if so, how
do they apply?
Answer should not exceed 500 words.

4. QUALITY CULTURE AND LEADERSHIP (10)

Have you ever been involved in an effort that was half hearted, because the leader of the
effort didnt seem to be enthusiastic about it? If so, what happened? If not, discuss what it
means for a person in charge in a given situation to set the tone.
Answer should not exceed 500 words

5. CUSTOMERS (10)
Is it more, less or equally important for a company to gain new customers versus retaining
existing customers? Critically discuss these concepts and if possible prioritise them with
motivation why.
Answer should not exceed 500 words

---ooo0ooo---