Case study: The Top Automotive Engineering Failures: The Ford Pinto Fuel Tanks. Compile a discussion on the generic model for total quality management implementation and suggest how each stage would assist Ford in the development of their next project.

Answer 1

The generic model for total quality management (TQM) implementation consists of several stages that help organizations improve their quality standards and processes. By analyzing the case study on the Ford Pinto fuel tanks, we can discuss the application of each stage in the development of Ford's next project.

1. Identify the stakeholders and define their requirements:
In this stage, Ford needs to identify all stakeholders involved in the project, including customers, engineers, regulatory bodies, and the manufacturing team. They should gather information on their requirements and expectations for safety, quality, and performance. This step would help Ford understand the potential risks and concerns related to the project.

In the case of the Ford Pinto, if this stage was effectively implemented, Ford could have identified the potential risks associated with the placement of the fuel tank too close to the rear bumper, which led to a high risk of fire in rear-end collisions.

2. Establish a cross-functional quality team:
Ford should form a team consisting of members from different departments, such as engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and marketing. This team should work together with a common goal of ensuring the overall quality of the project.

In the case of the Ford Pinto, a cross-functional quality team could have potentially identified the safety issues with the fuel tank during the initial design phase, raising concerns about the potential risk of explosion in rear-end collisions.

3. Develop a quality policy and objectives:
Ford needs to establish a quality policy that demonstrates their commitment to providing safe and reliable vehicles. This policy should define clear quality objectives, such as reducing defects, improving safety features, and adhering to industry standards and regulations.

For the Ford Pinto case, a well-defined quality policy and objectives could have emphasized the importance of ensuring the highest safety standards in their vehicles, preventing the decision to compromise safety for cost savings.

4. Implement quality planning:
During quality planning, Ford needs to develop a detailed plan outlining the steps to be taken to meet the defined quality objectives. This plan should cover areas such as design, manufacturing processes, testing procedures, and supplier selection and evaluation.

For the Ford Pinto, quality planning should have included thorough testing and validation of the fuel tank design, ensuring its safety in rear-end collisions. Additionally, supplier selection and evaluation processes should have emphasized the need for high-quality components that meet safety requirements.

5. Implement quality control measures:
Ford must implement a robust quality control system to monitor and measure the project's progress and performance. They should conduct regular inspections, assessments, and tests to detect any deviations from the expected quality standards.

In the case of the Ford Pinto, effective quality control measures would have identified the potential risks of the fuel tank design, allowing for necessary modifications to ensure safety.

6. Implement continuous improvement:
Ford should establish a culture of continuous improvement, where all employees are encouraged to identify and report any quality issues or potential improvements. This involves conducting regular audits, gathering feedback from customers and employees, and implementing corrective actions to rectify problems.

For Ford's next project, continuous improvement practices could be implemented to address any potential quality issues during the design and manufacturing stages, ensuring that similar failures do not occur.

In summary, by following the stages of the generic model for TQM implementation, Ford can enhance their development process for their next project. This methodology promotes a comprehensive approach to quality management, enabling organizations to identify potential risks, set clear quality objectives, and continuously improve their processes and products.