Chapter 8 Review Questions

Chapter 8 Review Questions

1) Describe the use of teams at KARLEE in the Performance Excellence Profile. How does the team-based structure support performance excellence? KARLEE Company is structured as a team of teams. Each branch of the company functions as an individual team, working toward the good of the overall team. It is linked by an integrated leadership system that has a focus on present day business as well as the organization’s future. Also the company includes everyone in meetings and focuses strongly on motivation, as well as trust honesty, and respect. 2) Donald Peterson, former CEO of Ford said “No matter what you are trying to do, teams are the most effective way to get the job done.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Absolutely, not only does teamwork incorporate the mindset of “Divide and Conqueror” but the overall moral and energy saturating the air in a functioning team environment is remarkable. 7) How are Six Sigma project teams different from the other types of teams discussed in this chapter? Six Sigma projects are designed to perform one-time tasks, and require a diversity of skills and implenmentation. They not only address immediate problems, but also provide an environment for individuals learnignt, management development, and career advancement. Six Sigma teams are comprimesed of several types of individuals, including: The champion: Senior level managers who promote and lead the deployment of Six Sigma in a significant area of the business. Master Black Belts: Full-time Six Sigma experts who are responsible for Six Sigma stategy, training, mentoring, deployment, and results. Green Belts: Fuctional employees who are trained in introductory Six Sigma toos and methodology and work on projects on a part-time basis assisting Black Belts whole developing their own knowledge and expertise. Team Members: Individuals from various functional areas who support specific projects. The roles of the Six Sigma champion and the Master Black Belt leaders are similar to those of the champion and sponsor. 8) How did the team at Norfolk General Hospital illustrate the effective teamwork practices discussed in the text?

Norfolk General began by focusing the team on the process instead of individual performance, and to create a sense of teamwork that would override the differences in status that sometimes hamers the work of medical professionals. 11) Are teams absolutely necessary for total quality to be successful? Sketch out a plan for a total quality effort that does not involve teams. Yes for total quality to be successful , teams are very necessary. Without them, there is no central organization of the company, no way to introduce new employees to business processes, and seriously hinder the overall success of the company.