The implementation of total quality management practices in the project implementation process is a multidimensional aspect. It covers the human resources, technical definitions as well as the standards of the deliverables. Quality management was a problem in the project as a result of the following reasons. First, the supply of clean electricity to the baggage system of the airport was a problem. On the other hand, the motors as well as the circuitry that were used in the system were highly sensitive to any power fluctuations or surges. As a result of this, the electrical feedback tripped circuit breakers of hundreds of motors regularly. This affected the quality of the services that the system offered (Washinton 321).
Furthermore, after the system, breakdown the management called the engineers to fix the problem. This would take a very long period hence would stop offering the services. The relationship between the management team and the top officials of the project was very poor. This is one of the significant issues that contribute to poor quality delivery. In this case, the management team had no prior baggage handling competence or experience. This is because it was a public works project. The team treated the baggage system same as pouring concrete or putting of air conditioning ducts. As a result of this, there were delays as well as limited access, which resulted to poor service quality. Total quality management is a management practice that gives quality priority. It uses the quality triangle, which is made of three components. These components include the focus given to the customer, the necessity of teamwork and scientific method that can be used to obtain data (Garcia 29). Quality is essential in the transportation industry since it determines if the customer is satisfied. An unhappy customer is likely to go to the competitors for quality service. The application of total quality management in the industry is limited by the fact that there was no method obtain quantifiable data. However, research has shown that focus on quality measures and processes can help in obtaining this data. Internal control entails a number of methods that can help in obtaining quantifiable data. The data will be instrumental in enhancing quality at Denver international airport.
As a result, of this, there was the need of a more efficient baggage handling system. This led to the change of position to a much further location. One of the reasons was to avoid aircraft noise from affecting the developed. Other than that, the weather conditions would affect the airport as well as the baggage system operations especially during the winter seasons. One of the major problems with the location of the project was communication problems. This was mostly because of the long distance from the developed areas. As a result, of this, most of the operations performed in the project, and the system came into a halt. The location of any project site is crucial for the success of any project. Therefore, the choice of the location where to launch a project should be wisely done. A location that is far from the distractions is the most appropriate one. In addition to that, it should accessible in order to acquire or access the required materials for the project. The weather of the location should also be considered. It is pertinent to note that the prevailing weather conditions affect the execution process. Inventory management Inventory management plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency in the facility. The system should be robust enough to capture the movement of different items across the facility. Moreover, this will enhance accountability. The management of inventory, as well as the regulation of load shipment in every project is very crucial. This is because this is the main purpose of the project. In this case, the management should ensure that there is all-time efficiency in the handling or management of inventories. Inventory control in the Denver international Airport was a critical problem. This was because of the complexity of the problem. Other than that, the power to the system was fluctuating hence offloading using the conveyor belt was unreliable. The complexity of the automated system leads to the difficulties in trying to achieve the reliable delivery times.
In Denver, there was no control of capacity of the system. This resulted to imbalanced services hence poor inventory management. However, the problem can be brought to a halt. This is by using the line spacing solution. This is done by providing equally good services to all of the available lines of flow at all times. In the case of Denver, there should be the providence of sufficient empty carts to each of the available conveyor belts that feed bags onto the system of carts. Management of inventory should be implemented in a manner that ensure that efficiency is enhanced and automation of different functionalities is supported (Mercado 46). Maintenance It is pertinent to note that implementation process of the baggage handling system must capture the sustainability aspect of the project. Maintenance scope is part of the sustainability strategies to be implemented. Efficiency in an airport is defined by the continuity of operations as well as the availability of different functionality. A business continuity plan on the core operations is necessary to ensure that both routine maintenance activities as well as abrupt ones do not inhibit continuity in the organization. In addition to that, the high number of operations that the system handled required an often checkup and maintenance. However, this was not the case. This is because of the underestimation of the system's complexity by the management. Therefore, the system faced frequent breakdown. This resulted to poor management of inventory, congestion along the conveyors. In addition to that, the design of the system resulted to confusion among the users, employees as well as the management itself. From this, the management of Denver should ensure that there is frequent maintenance of the system design as well as its operations. This will ensure that the employees, users as well as the management can familiarize themselves with it. In addition, the management should not underestimate the complexity of the baggage delivery system. The complexity of the system requires articulate business continuity plan with individuals well equipped to handle critical environments and ensure continuous operations.
Works Cited
Garcia, Daniel. Quality management. Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India: Global Media, 2009. Print.
Mercado, Ed C.. Hands-on inventory management. New York: Auerbach Publications, 2008. Print.
Harley, washinton. FAA did not ensure revenue was maximized at Denver International Airport Federal Aviation Administration.. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Office of the Secretary of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, 2011. Print.
