Syllabus

Thematic definition of lectures: 1. Meaning, Development and Principles of Quality Management Explanation of basic concepts related to quality management. Characterisation of the quality concept and reasons why it is key to an organisation's success across various sectors. Historical development of quality from the beginnings of craft production to modern industrial processes. Introduction to the fundamental principles that form the basis of quality management, including customer and process orientation. 2. Important Personalities in Quality Management This topic deals with understanding the views of the most significant personalities in the field of quality and its management. It includes an introduction and characterisation of approaches to quality management from Walter A. Shewhart, W. Edwards Deming, Joseph M. Juran, Armand Vallin Feigenbaum, Philip B. Crosby and Kaoru Ishikawa. 3. Quality Management Concepts The topic focuses on quality management concepts with emphasis on Total Quality Management (TQM), its philosophy and fundamental principles. Key principles of TQM, procedures for its implementation in organisations, and factors affecting its success will be presented. The topic will cover the main advantages of this approach, such as increased efficiency, competitiveness and customer satisfaction. 4. Basic Methods and Tools in Quality Management This topic focuses on basic methods and tools used in quality management that help identify, analyse and solve problems in processes. An essential part includes the seven basic quality tools, including flowcharts, cause and effect diagrams, histograms, scatter diagrams, check sheets, Pareto diagrams and control charts. The topic will present their main characteristics, operating principles and possibilities for practical use. 5. New Methods and Tools in Quality Management New quality management methods and tools expand the possibilities of traditional approaches and support comprehensive quality management. These include affinity diagrams, relationship diagrams, systematic (tree) diagrams, matrix diagrams, matrix data analysis, PDPC diagrams and network graphs. These tools do not replace the seven basic quality methods but complement them to improve decision-making, problem-solving and process optimisation. 6. Tools Supporting Quality Improvement The topic focuses on tools supporting quality improvement, which play a key role in optimising processes within quality. The most significant methods include Lean management, Lean production, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke, PDCA cycle, 5 Whys, 8D, FMEA, QFD and Reengineering. These methods help identify problems and solve them effectively. 7. Quality Management System This topic deals with quality management systems that ensure a standardised approach to improving organisational processes and performance. The quality management system according to ISO 9001, the environmental management system ISO 14001 and other relevant systems that support effective quality management will be presented. 8. Process Approach in Quality Management This topic focuses on the process approach in quality management, which is a key element of an effective quality management system. The concept of a process, its basic parameters and the division of processes within the quality management system will be defined. The topic will also address process management and optimisation to ensure continuous quality improvement and organisational efficiency. 9. International and National Quality Awards International and national quality awards recognise organisations for exceptional results in quality management. The topic will characterise significant awards such as the Deming Prize, the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award, the European Quality Award and the National Quality Award of the Slovak Republic. 10. Technical Standardisation and Metrology The topic focuses on the area of technical standardisation and metrology, presenting European and national quality policy. The basic steps of the conformity assessment process, which ensures compliance with legislative and normative requirements, will be characterised. In metrology, its definition and importance in ensuring measurement accuracy and reliability of results in quality management will be explained. 11. Quality Audit Explanation of concepts in the field of quality auditing, whilst also clarifying the objectives of auditing. The procedure for conducting a quality audit will be presented, including its basic principles and phases. At the same time, the auditing of management systems and its contribution to continuous improvement of organisational performance will be characterised. 12. Economic Aspects of Quality The topic deals with the economic aspects of quality, focusing on quality-related costs and their impact on the overall performance of the organisation. The definition of quality costs, including costs for prevention, evaluation and failures, will be explained. Quality cost models will also be presented. 13. Development Trends in Quality Management This topic focuses on trends in quality management, introducing the integrated management system as part of a modern approach to effective organisational management. Corporate social responsibility in quality management will be characterised, emphasising ethical and sustainable practices in meeting strategic objectives. At the same time, the concept of sustainable quality management will be clarified, and ecological initiatives that contribute to long-term competitiveness and sustainability of organisations will be presented. Thematic definition of exercises: 1. Introduction to Quality Management This topic deals with changing perceptions of quality over time and explains why customer and organisational demands have gradually changed. Modern quality management concepts focused on continuous process improvement and achieving competitive advantage will also be presented. Various approaches to quality management and the definition of key quality dimensions that allow its level to be evaluated from multiple perspectives will also be discussed. 2. Developmental Stages of Quality Management The topic deals with the gradual development of quality management, from the simplest forms of control to modern management concepts. It focuses on key stages such as technical standardisation of standards, technical control, statistical quality control and the emergence of the first standards that led to the development of comprehensive and later global quality management. 3. Quality in the Market Environment Focus on the importance of quality in the market environment and its key role in organisational management. How quality affects competitiveness, customer satisfaction and long-term sustainability of businesses will be explained. 4. Total Quality Management his topic focuses on total quality management as a strategic approach to continuous process improvement in an organisation. Its main principles and management principles according to Deming will be presented. 5. Tools Supporting Quality Management The topic focuses on tools that help effectively manage quality and detect causes of deficiencies in processes. Not only traditional quality tools but also newer tools that contribute to the continuous development of the organisation will be presented. 6. Corporate Quality Management Systems The topic focuses on corporate quality management systems and will present the key principles of Toyota Production System and Lean management. The Poka-Yoke method, which serves to prevent errors in processes and increase efficiency, will be explained. Agile production and its benefits for organisational flexibility and adaptation to changing market requirements will also be characterised. 7. ISO Standards and Certification Characterisation of the importance of ISO standards that set standards for quality. Key ISO standards including their main principles and requirements will be presented. The certification process, its benefits for organisations and the sequence of steps in certifying a quality management system will also be explained. 8. Quality Management Philosophy and Its Impact on the Organisation This topic deals with the philosophy of quality management and its impact on the organisation, presenting various approaches to Total Quality Management (TQM). Special attention will be paid to the concept of TQM in the USA and Japan. The European approach to quality management according to the EFQM Model will also be characterised. 9. Human Resources and Organisational Culture in Quality Management The topic focuses on the importance of human resources and organisational culture in achieving a high standard of quality, emphasising the key role of the human factor and leadership in quality. An important element is building a quality culture that supports shared values, employee involvement and continuous improvement. 10. Customer Satisfaction and Quality Characterisation of the importance of customer satisfaction for quality and defining Voice of Customer, which provides key information about expectations and needs. The Kano model will be presented as a tool for distinguishing different categories of customer requirements and their impact on satisfaction. Methods for identifying customer requirements, which are essential for improving products and services, will also be discussed. 11. Quality Costs This topic examines quality costs and their importance in effective organisational management. Various quality cost models will be presented, such as the product life cycle cost model, PAF model, PQC model and Target Costing. 12. Quality 4.0 The topic deals with the concept of Quality 4.0 in the context of Industry 4.0 and its impact on quality management. It will present digital systems that link traditional approaches with modern technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data analysis. Attention will also focus on technologies that change and improve traditional quality management tools and techniques. 13. Current Trends and Future Directions in Quality Management This topic reflects on global challenges in quality management. It presents sustainable practices that help organisations achieve high quality while minimising negative impacts on the environment. Special attention will be paid to the growing importance of environmental and social responsibility in the creation and implementation of modern quality standards.