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Assignment TQM
Assignment TQM
Guilds, also known as unions in medieval Europe, played a significant role in shaping the
economic, social, and political landscape of the time. Here's an overview of their history:
1. Origins and Development:
Guilds emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, as artisan
associations formed to protect the interests of craftsmen and regulate trade.
Initially, guilds were informal groups of skilled workers in specific trades, such as
blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers. Over time, they evolved into more organized
institutions with formal structures and regulations.
2. Functions and Structure:
Guilds served multiple functions, including regulating apprenticeship training, setting
quality standards for goods, controlling prices, and providing support to members and
their families.
Each guild was governed by a set of rules and bylaws, often overseen by a master
craftsman or guildmaster. Membership was typically restricted to those who had
completed apprenticeships and demonstrated proficiency in their trade.
3. Economic Influence:
Guilds wielded significant economic power in medieval cities and towns. They
controlled the production and distribution of goods, ensuring quality and fair pricing.
Guilds also played a role in protecting the interests of their members against
competition from non-members and ensuring a stable supply of skilled labor.
4. Social Functions:
Guilds provided a sense of community and camaraderie among members, offering
support in times of need, such as sickness, death, or financial hardship.
They also played a role in social mobility, as successful craftsmen could rise through
the ranks of the guild hierarchy to become masters and even guild leaders.
5. Decline and Legacy:
The decline of guilds began in the late Middle Ages and accelerated during the
Renaissance and early modern period. Factors such as the growth of trade, the rise of
capitalism, and changes in government regulations contributed to their decline.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, many guilds had been disbanded or transformed into
other types of organizations, such as trade unions or professional associations.
Despite their eventual decline, guilds left a lasting legacy on European society,
shaping the development of trade, industry, and labor relations for centuries to come.
Overall, guilds played a crucial role in medieval Europe, acting as key economic, social, and
political institutions that helped regulate trade, protect the interests of craftsmen, and foster a
sense of community among members.
QUESTION 2: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION FROM THE END OF 17th CENTURY
TO THE 18th CENTURY
The Industrial Revolution marked a transformative period in human history, characterized by
the shift from agrarian and handmade production methods to industrialized and mechanized
manufacturing processes. Here's an overview of its history from the late 17th century to the
18th century:
1. Pre-Industrial Context:
By the late 17th century, Europe was primarily agrarian, with the majority of the
population engaged in agricultural activities.
Cottage industries, where goods were produced in homes or small workshops, were
common, but production was limited by manual labor and traditional techniques.
2. Emergence of Early Innovations:
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, technological advancements began to
emerge, laying the groundwork for industrialization.
Key innovations included advancements in agriculture, such as crop rotation and new
farming implements, which increased agricultural productivity and freed up labor for
other industries.
In addition, advancements in metallurgy, such as the use of coke in iron smelting, led
to improvements in the production of iron and steel.
3. The Textile Industry and Mechanization:
The textile industry played a central role in the early stages of the Industrial
Revolution. Inventions such as the flying shuttle, spinning jenny, and water frame
revolutionized textile production by mechanizing key processes like spinning and
weaving.
The invention of the steam engine by Thomas Newcomen in 1712 and later
improvements by James Watt in the late 18th century further accelerated
industrialization by providing a reliable source of power for factories and machinery.
4. Expansion of Industry:
Industrialization spread beyond the textile industry to other sectors such as coal
mining, iron and steel production, and transportation.
The construction of canals and later railways facilitated the transportation of raw
materials and finished goods, further stimulating industrial growth.
Urbanization also accelerated as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of
employment opportunities in factories and mills.
5. Social and Economic Impact:
The Industrial Revolution brought about profound social and economic changes.
While it led to increased production, technological innovation, and economic growth,
it also resulted in significant social upheaval.
The factory system introduced long working hours, harsh working conditions, and
low wages for laborers, leading to the emergence of labor movements and calls for
reform.
The Industrial Revolution also transformed social structures and living standards,
contributing to the rise of the middle class and the decline of traditional artisanal
crafts.
6. Global Impact:
The Industrial Revolution had far-reaching global consequences, shaping the course
of world history and laying the foundation for modern industrial societies.
While it originated in Britain, industrialization eventually spread to other parts of
Europe, North America, and eventually the rest of the world, driving global economic
growth and technological progress.
Overall, the period from the late 17th century to the 18th century witnessed the emergence of
key technological innovations and the beginnings of industrialization, setting the stage for the
profound changes that would define the modern world.
QUESTION 3: THE WORLD WAR II
Total Quality Management (TQM) emerged as a concept after World War II, influenced by
the experiences and lessons learned during the war. Here's an overview of the history of TQM
in relation to World War II:
1. Context of World War II:
World War II (1939-1945) was a monumental conflict that involved numerous
countries and resulted in immense human suffering, destruction, and economic
upheaval.
During the war, the necessity of efficient production processes, quality control
measures, and resource management became evident as nations mobilized their
industrial bases to support the war effort.
2. Quality Control in War Production:
The demands of wartime production required unprecedented levels of efficiency and
quality to meet the needs of military forces.
Governments and industries implemented strict quality control measures to ensure
that weapons, equipment, and supplies met rigorous standards and specifications.
Techniques such as statistical process control (SPC), inspection, and quality assurance
were utilized to monitor and improve production processes.
3. Contributions of Quality Pioneers:
Several quality pioneers made significant contributions during and after World War II,
laying the groundwork for the development of TQM principles.
Walter A. Shewhart, an American engineer, introduced statistical methods for quality
control, including the concept of control charts, which became widely used in wartime
production.
W. Edwards Deming, another American statistician, played a key role in promoting
quality management principles in post-war Japan through his lectures and workshops.
His teachings emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, statistical
analysis, and management commitment to quality.
4. Post-War Reconstruction and Quality Management in Japan:
Following Japan's defeat in World War II, the country underwent a period of
reconstruction and industrial revitalization.
Deming's teachings, along with those of other quality experts like Joseph M. Juran,
were embraced by Japanese industry leaders and government officials seeking to
rebuild the nation's economy.
The Japanese adopted principles such as kaizen (continuous improvement), total
employee involvement, and customer focus, which formed the basis of what would
later be known as Total Quality Management.
5. Spread of TQM to the West:
In the decades following World War II, the principles of TQM gained recognition in
Western countries, particularly in industries facing increased competition and
globalization.
Organizations such as Ford Motor Company and Motorola in the United States
implemented TQM practices, drawing inspiration from Japanese approaches to quality
management.
The publication of influential books like Deming's "Out of the Crisis" and Juran's
"Quality Control Handbook" helped popularize TQM concepts and methodologies in
Western business circles.
6. Evolution of TQM:
Over time, TQM evolved into a comprehensive management philosophy that
encompasses principles of customer focus, continuous improvement, employee
involvement, process management, and data-driven decision-making.
TQM became recognized as a key driver of organizational success, leading to its
widespread adoption across various industries and sectors worldwide.
In summary, the history of Total Quality Management is closely intertwined with the
experiences of World War II, where the necessity of efficient production and quality control
measures laid the foundation for TQM principles that continue to shape modern business
practices.