Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module BUSI53415: QUALITY MANAGEMENT (DL)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI53415: QUALITY MANAGEMENT (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to establish the meaning of Quality within a business context.
  • To ensure that students have an understanding of the ways quality can be managed and the reasons that quality management is necessary.
  • The module will highlight why Quality is the key to success in a competitive world marketplace, through examples based on current British, European, US and Japanese approaches to Quality Management.

Content

  • Definitions of Quality
  • The Quality Gurus
  • The Role of Quality in the Organisation
  • Measuring and Monitoring Quality
  • Quality Systems
  • Total Quality Management
  • Tools and Techniques of TQM
  • Understanding the EFQM Excellence Model

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students will:
  • have an advanced understanding of the process of managing and improving all aspects of quality in the organisation;
  • have a critical appreciation of quality management in terms of control and improvement of organisational outputs, as well as the complex processes which produce them;
  • have a critical appreciation of the requirements of various quality management strategies, their strengths and weaknesses and the management issues associated with their implementation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the Module, students will:
  • have a critical awareness of various quality management options available to organisations, from simple inspection techniques through to continuous improvement and process re-engineering strategies.
Key Skills:
    Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
  • The written assignment will test students’ understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

1 Compulsory Tutor Assessed Assignment, (1,500 words).


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University