Implementation of quality standards as a determinant of the fulfillment of strategic objectives by the East African Portland Cement Company Ltd
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Date
2012-07Author
Sompoika, Jenifer Sintoiya
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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Lack of existing evaluation of the effect on the implementation of standards at East
African Portland Cement Company inspired this research topic. The challenges as well
as the extent to which the implementation of standards has assisted to achieve the
strategic objectives were the key interest in the study. The two standards implemented
were the Quality Management System and Occupational Health and Safety
Assessment Series. The senior management was interviewed and data collected from
secondary sources to support the impact of the implementation.
It could be concluded that the achievement of some of the strategic objectives were
enabled by the standards implementation. The culture of EAPCC Ltd was a major
obstacle during implementation but this was to a wide extent changed positively. The
standards introduced a culture of accountability, responsibility and performance
monitoring. It also ensured increased operational efficiencies hence ultimately
decreased the cost of production and plant maintenance thorough capacity utilization.
Staff motivation increased as a result of transparency and clarity of job description up
to the lowest cadre of staff.
The main challenge encountered after implementation was the bureaucratic nature of
standardization which also stifles creativity. The high costs associated with the
certification process, value of time and management of change are other challenges
faced by the top management at a period when the cash flow was poor. These
organizational changes necessitated by standards implementation required a paradigm
shift. The organization recognized this and implemented the behavioral and cultural
change program. It was widely accepted eventually by all stake holders. Its
implementation facilitated the take off of other value adding systems such as the
Enterprise Resource Planning.
It is recommended that integration of the standards is the future in order to consolidate
efforts. There are standards computer systems in the market such as Q-Pulse standards
management system that will not only integrate with other systems but ensures real
time management of standards implemented. This enables control of information and
communication therefore ultimately achieve of strategic objectives.
Citation
MBA ThesisSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
School of Business, University of Nairobi
Description
Implementation of quality standards as a determinant of the fulfillment of strategic objectives by the East African Portland Cement Company Ltd