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Poka yoke is a type of quality control that businesses use to try to prevent defects from occurring and reaching the consumer
Discussion Board 6 – Main Thread
Rachel WheeleLiberty University
Key concept – Explanation
Poka yoke is a type of quality control that businesses use to try to prevent defects from occurring and reaching the consumer. Poka yoke is a Japanese term that means mistake proof (Connor, 2006). The goal is to prevent defects in the early stages of manufacturing so that zero defects reach the consumer (Brownhill, 2005). Training is the main tactic used when using poka yoke in the service industry (Shahin & Ghasemaghaei, 2010). I selected this topic because I am interested in learning the methods that make businesses better and less wasteful.
Comparision
Meredith and Shafer (2010) do not spend much time discussing poka yoke other than to state it is a mistake proofing technique whose goal is to catch errors from occurring in the first place (Meredith & Shafer, 2010). The text describes a couple of examples of poka yoke but does not mention the consumer. Connor (2006) points out that poka yoke should be implemented after as many variables as possible can be removed from the process (Connor, 2006). This is because each variable point has the potential for errors. Shahin and Ghasemaghaei (2010) explored poka yoke and its application in the service industry (Shahin, & Ghasemaghaei, 2010). They found that the service industry is inherently fraught with variables and so training and empowering employees to prevent errors from occurring is critical for the success of the service business (Shahin, & Ghasemaghaei, 2010). This mistake proofing process has been implemented in studies involving intellectually impaired persons to create a work environment that fosters higher productivity with improved results (Treurnicht, Blanckenberg, van Niekerk, 2011). Smith (2012) states that all members involved in the process should be trained on what mistake proofing is and why it is important to them, the company and the consumer (Smith, 2012).
Article Summary
The article written by Manivannan (2006) explains what poka yoke is, how it is used, and why it is useful. First Manivannan explains that poka yoke is error proofing or defect proofing a process in the early stages of development (Manivannan, 2006). He does state that error proofing and defect proofing are often used interchangeably. The author states that instead of using inspection as a method for looking for defects that poka yoke should be implemented to stop the defects from occurring in the first place. Poka yoke is a customer focused method. Manivannan explains that a defect is anything outside of the normal specifications that causes customer dissatisfaction. The author goes on to explain that if the beginning process is designed so that it can only be performed one way, it will then reduce operator error and will produce a zero defects item (Manivannan, 2006). Manivannan has found four reasons why poka yoke should be implemented. One is that it creates knowledgeable workers that understand error proofing principles and can participate in design improvement. Another is that by starting with an error proof design there is a reduction in variation. Poka yoke also leads to greater predictability in the product, eliminating the need for inspection. Finally, poka yoke gives the firm a competitive advantage by reducing costs by stopping defects in the first place and eliminating the need for returns, repairs and reworks (Manivannan, 2006).
Application
The concept of poka yoke was invented by Shigeo Shingo and was first applied at the Toyota Motor Corporation (Manivannan, 2006). Videotapes, CDs and DVDs are all examples of poka yoke because they are designed so that they can only be played if put in the machine correctly (Connor, 2006). This prevents user error. Other examples of poka yoke would be a knee surgeon writing No on the knee not to be operated on; dead man switches on machinery to prevent hands and or feet from being caught in the machinery, and designing machinery so that parts cannot be inserted upside down, backwards or in the wrong direction (Connor, 2006). Poka yoke is an important method for companies to use to prevent defects from occurring. By preventing defects the company will save money and can generate higher profits and lower the cost of the goods to the consumer. Poka yoke is good for business and good for the consumer.
References
Brownhill, M. (2005, February). Beyond poka-yoke. Fabricating & Metalworking 4(2), 44-45, 47.
Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/229391303
Connor, G. (2006, June 1). Poka-yoke: human-proof your process. Industrial Maintenance & Plant
Operation 67(6), 12. Retrieved from http://rx9vh3hy4r.search.serialssolutions.com/?ctx_
ver=Z39.88-2004&ctx_enc=info%3Aofi%2Fenc%3AUTF-8&rfr_id=info:sid/summon.
serialssolutions.com&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:journal&rft.genre=article&rft.atitle=Poka-Yoke%3A+Human-Proof+Your+Process&rft.jtitle=Industrial+Maintenance+%26+Plant+
Operation&rft.au=Gary+Connor&rft.date=2006-06-01&rft.pub=Advantage+Business+Media&rft.
issn=1099-4785&rft.volume=67&rft.issue=6&rft.spage=12&rft.externalDocID=1073730251
This article explores the uses and applications of poka yoke. The authors state that employees should be involved in problem solving because those who regularly work the process may have some of the best ideas. The best point I think the author makes is that even a 100% inspection rate will not result in 100% accuracy, so instead of inspection the focus should be on reducing defects in the first place. The author suggests that a reduction in variation should be done first as a low cost and simple option before implementing poka yoke. This article was helpful in getting a broad overview of what poka yoke is and how it is applied in real life.
Manivannan, S. (2006, November). Error-proofing enhances quality. Manufacturing Engineering 137(5),
99-104. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/
219712842
Meredith, J. R., & Shafer, S. M. (2010). Operations management for MBAs (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Shahin, A., & Ghasemaghaei, M. (2010, November). Service poka yoke. International Journal of
Marketing Studies 2(2), 190-201. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.
liberty.edu:2048/docview/820481205
This article examines the use of poka yoke in the service industry. The service industry is described as being when an employee has contact with a customer. The authors explain that it is very difficult to implement and measure poka yoke in the service industry because of the many variables involved as well as being very subjective. The authors found that poka yoke is most easily implemented and accepted by employees if the employees are involved in the creation of best practices, management is encouraging and frequent checks are made to ensure the best practices are being followed. Since poka yoke in the service industry is more involved with the human side of business rather than the manufacturing industry which is concerned with measurements and specifications, there may be more resistance to implementing the technique. The article strongly points out that poka yoke does need to be implemented with more care in the service industry. This article was helpful to see that poka yoke can be implemented in the service industry as well as the manufacturing industry.
Smith, J. L. (2012, July). Team up to prevent mistake proofing. Quality 51(7), 15. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/1029931528
This article explains some of the benefits of poka yoke being a team process. The author states that at least from mid-management down, training should be implemented on the benefits and reasons behind poka yoke as well as the on the instrument being used to mistake proof a particular item in the manufacturing process. The author states that when workers on the floor are given tools to reduce mistakes, if they are difficult to use or difficult to implement they will be disregarded. The main idea of this article was that all employees should have some understanding of poka yoke and why it is being used. My first thought when I saw this article was that it would be about how poka yoke should not be used in team formats. I believe more thought should have gone into the title of this article, especially given the topic, and which signals to me more poka yoke could have gone into the article.
Treurnicht, N. F., Blanckenberg, M. M., & van Niekerk, ,H.G. (2011). Using poka-yoke methods to
improve employment potential of intellectually disabled workers. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering 22(1), 213-224. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/
docview/869509283?accountid=12085
The main goal of this article was to determine if the poka yoke technique would be as effective when implemented in a workplace where the workers are intellectually disabled. The authors narrowed the parameters of intellectually disabled for the purpose of the study as having an IQ roughly between 80 (borderline intellectual disability) – 35 (moderate intellectual disability). The type of work was the assembly of 10-way ribbon cables of differing lengths. After instituting the poka yoke method the authors determined that productive work can be performed by some individuals with intellectual disabilities. I found this article interesting because it was found that by mistake proofing the work process, even those within the population that normally would not have the opportunity to work are able to perform the work as well as those without intellectual limitations.
Ethic and Governance
Ethic and Governance
Kantianism serves as the best ethical theory to provide the necessary guidance in the process of decision making. Kantianism argues that an individual is best placed to act morally if he or she is controlled by the principle of autonomy and the categorical imperatives (White, 2011, pp. 89). According to this school of thought, any decision can be said to be moral if the decision maker is autonomous and rational. Rationality constitutes reason which Kant defines as the faculty of principles. Immanuel Kant, the proponent of this school of thought, argued that rationality was the only force that could ensure that human beings who considered themselves as free fulfilled their duty to the moral law (White, 2011, pp. 88). The decision making process from the perspective of this school of thought is based on abstract universal principles that call man to his moral duty. These include promise keeping, honesty, justice, fairness and respect. Autonomy as an essential principle in the process of making ethical decisions, frees an individual from any form of subjective concerns. Instead, it makes a decision maker morally upright and the decisions that come forthwith are morally right form a universal perspective (Zerbe, et al, 2008, pp. 67-68).
Kantianism also serves as the best theory since it is defined by categorical imperative. The first formulation of the categorical imperative requires an individual to act in a particular way the he would at the same time will that it should be made universal. In addition to rationality and autonomy this categorical imperative requires that a decision maker includes the aspect of universalization of his act. This imperative asserts that every rational decision maker should be working on the same principle of moral action. It prohibits any individual from making subjective moral laws that favour him or her (White, 2011, pp. 89).
In the process of making ethically moral decisions, Kantianism requires that the said decision makers adhere to the second formulation of categorical imperative which demands that humanity must be treated as an end in itself rather than a means to a particular end. This categorical imperative is essential in the decision making process since it demands respect to man. A decision maker must act in ways that he respects every other person who is to be affected by the type of decision that he will make (White, 2011, pp.88-89).
The motive of any decision is important when arguing from this school of thought. The main focus for every decision maker should always be that which is right rather than that which brings the greatest benefit to the highest number of people. To be able to fulfil the requirements of an ethical decision it is essential to abide by the ethical decision model. Recognition of a moral issue stands as the first step in the decision making process (Singer, 1997, pp. 78, 80). It is essential for one to realize that there exists an ethical problem before any action can be taken. According to Kantianism, recognition requires that in the process of identifying a problem, an individual should be guided by justice, and the principles that define that which is right or wrong to be able to understand the motives of any action that he or he may decide to take (Shapiro, & Stefkovich, 2011, pp. 48-49).
The ethical decision model states moral judgement as the second step in the decision making process. This process is however defined by the principles that were used in the recognition of a moral problem. In the process of making moral judgements, Kantianism requires that autonomy, rationality and the categorical imperative should play an essential role in suggesting the best course of action. By understanding the motives of every action, decision makers must ensure that the process is less centred on the self but on the provision of a solution that is arrived at in a rational manner (Pollock, 2012, p.134).
A moral actor must possess the capability to establish the intention of any decision that has been made. Kantianism argues that the focus on doing that which is considered as morally right rather than that which will satisfy the demands of the highest number of people should form the basis of the intention of any moral action. This therefore calls on a decision maker to be able to assess the objective of any rational decision made in the process solving an ethical problem. The categorical imperative that stresses on the need for universalization of any moral decision forms the basis of the intent of any moral action. This is based on the fact that every individual can always will that a morally right action to be universalized instead of a selfish act (Kohlberg, 1976, p. 36).
The translation of an ethical decision into an ethical behaviour is also an integral part in the decision making process. As a rational and autonomous being, man can only translate a decision into behaviour when he considers not only the universality of the intended action but also the fact that the decision perceives man as an end in himself rather than means to achieving particular goals. Kantianism requires that the adoption of any behaviour should ensure that there is limited exploitation of humanity. In addition, the decision making process should be informed by that which is morally upright (Trevino & Nelson, 2006, pp.98-99).
Ranking of normative ethical theories
Kantian ethics ranks as the best out of all the other theories. As a non-consequential theory, it easily demonstrates that defects of other theories such as utilitarianism. Kantianism observes the possibility that an awful act may have excellent consequences and this makes the school of thought focus on the intent of any decision rather than its consequences (Hartman & Desjardins, 2008, p. 100). Kantianism affirms the need for moral laws that hold on universal grounds. This is because the theory stresses on the need for rationality in the decision making process. In addition, the first formulation of the categorical imperative insists any action that is considered moral to be made universal. The recognition of every rational man’s autonomy also forms the basis of Kantianism (Jones, 1991, p. 366). According to this school of thought morally upright decisions can only be made possible if the decision makers are free to act according to their understanding of the principles of morality. As rational beings, the decision makers cannot be influenced by emotions since Kantianism does not allow preference of friends (Gupta, 2010, p.10).
Kantianism has limitations some of which include inflexibility. Kantian moral laws are rigid and this makes them impossible to break even when they prove unhelpful in circumstances that warrant an alternative (Icheku, 2011, pp. 123). Kantianism also lacks motivation. This is based on the idea that just because an act is irrational, it does not provide the necessary motivation of doing that which is considered right (Brooks & Dunn, 2010, pp. 149).
Justice ethics is second. As a non-consequential theory, it is based on the degree to which an action can be considered fair (Keay, 2011, p.46). This school of thought stresses the need to ensure that all employees and stakeholder in any given instituting are treated in a manner considered as fair and their remuneration re reward are in accordance with the existing ethical and legal standards (Hamington & Sander, 2011, pp. 11-12). In any institutions, those who are considered to be of the same level should be treated equally and this also applies to those who are considered to be of a higher level (Devettere, 2009, p.100). The main objective of this school of thought when applied to any organization is that it ensures that those who are underrepresented are accorded the necessary protection from exploitation by the over represented stakeholders. A major limitation of this school of thought is that it may sacrifice the rights and privileges of other to ensure an equal distribution of benefits. This may be considered as unjust to those whose rights re reduced (Harris, 2007, pp. 145-146).
Virtue ethic is third since it focuses on the veracity of the individual decision maker rather than the act itself. In the process of decision making, this school of thought gives a holistic approach which includes the aspects of emotions. An outstanding tenet of this theory is that it bases judgement on reason (Garofalo & Geuras, 1999, p. 132). Morality in this school of thought is viewed as a social construct which means that it emphasizes on socially agreed upon virtues and too much stress on the language of morals. Since this theory is based on an individual’s character that is defined by the society, it might be based on wrong definitions due to the possibility that the society might be wrong (Ferrell, et al, 2005, p. 67). Virtue ethics is based on virtues that are agreed upon by the society. This may result in conflict of virtues since different societies may have varied ways of defining virtues. Kantianism and justice ethics are above this school of thought since they stress on universality of moral laws (Cremer, 2006, pp. 135).
Utilitarianism ranks fourth since it is based on advocacy for decisions that promote the greatest amount of good for the greatest number. In terms of cost benefit analysis, utilitarianism may be advantageous in the decision making process by providing an objective way of finding solutions to problems. This is because it will make ethical decisions be founded on the greatest good to the greatest number of people (Davidrajuh, 2006, pp.45). However, compared to Kantianism, justice ethics and virtue ethics, utilitarianism focuses on an end without considering the underlying factors in the decision making process. The school of thought does not have the mechanism of measuring all the possible consequences including those of the future. This school of thought may be disadvantageous to the less represented by ignoring the principle of fairness in decision making (Ferrell, et al, 2010, p. 45-46).
Egoism ranks as the fifth due to its selfish nature. An act of morality, according to this school of thought, is only right if it serves the self-interests of the decision maker. The limitations of this school of thought include the fact that it cannot be universalized. In addition, it fails to meet the goal of moral theories which should focus on improving an individual through a prescription of the right sets of behaviour rather than justify his actions.
References
Brooks, L. J., & Dunn, P, 2010, Business & professional ethics for directors, executives, &
Accountants. Mason, OH, South Western Cengage Learning, pp. 149-150.
Cremer, D, 2006, Understanding Ethical Behaviour and Decision Making in Management: A
Behavioural Business Ethics Approach. Rotterdam School of Management, London, pp. 135.
Davidrajuh, R, 2006, A Conceptual Model for Ethical Business decision-Making under the
Influence of Personal Relationships. University of Stavanger, Norway, pp. 45
Devettere, R. J, 2009, Practical Decision Making in Health Care Ethics Cases and
Concepts. Washington, Georgetown University Press, pp. 100=101. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=547791.
Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L, 2010, Business ethics: ethical decision making and
cases: 2009 update. Mason, OH, South-Western Cengage Learning, pp. 45-56.
Ferrell, OC, Fraedrich, J & Ferrell, L, 2005, Business ethics: Ethical decision making and
Cases, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, pp. 67
Garofalo, C., & Geuras, D, 1999, Ethics In The Public Service: The Moral Mind At Work.
Washington, Dc, Georgetown University Press. 132.
Gupta, S, 2010, A Multidemensional Ethics Scale for Indian managers’ Moral Decision.
Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Study. Vol 15, No. 1, p. 10
Hamington, M., & Sander-Staudt, M, 2011, Applying Care Ethics To Business. Dordrecht,
Springer, pp.11-12.
Harris, C. E, 2007, Applying moral theories. Belmont, Calif, Thomson Wadsworth, pp. 144-
145
Hartman, LP & Desjardins, J, 2008, Business ethics: Decision making for personal integrity
& social responsibility, McGraw-Hill irwin, Boston, pp.100
Icheku, V, 2011, Understanding ethics and ethical decision-making: case studies and
discussions. Xlibris,pp 122-124.
Jones, TM, 1991, ‘Ethical decision making by individuals in organizations: An issue-
contingent model’, Academy of Management Review, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 366.
Keay, A., 2011, The Corporate Objective. Cheltenham, Edward Elgar Pub, pp. 46-67
http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=714169.
Kohlberg, L, 1976, ‘Moral stages and moralization: The cognitive-developmental approach’,
in T Lickona (ed.), Moral development and behavior, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, pp. 35-36.
Pollock, J. M, 2012, Ethical dilemmas and decisions in criminal justice. Belmont, CA,
Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 134.
Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A., 2011, Ethical leadership and decision making in
education: applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. New York, Routledge, pp. 58-59.
Singer, M, 1997, Ethics and justice in organisations, Avebury, Aldershot, pp. 78-80
Trevino, LK, & Nelson, KA, 2006, Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do
it right, 4 edn, John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp. 98-99.
White, M. D, 2011, Kantian ethics and economics: autonomy, dignity, and character.
Stanford, Calif, Stanford University Press, pp. 85-88.
Zerbe, W. J., HäRtel, C. E. J., & Ashkanasy, N. M, 2008, Emotions, ethics and decision-
making. Bradford, Emerald Group Pub, pp. 67-68. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=453325.
Applying Psychology to My Life
Applying Psychology to My Life
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Punishment, positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is simply defined as the addition of a rewarding stimulus to a behavior that enhances the chance that the activity will occur again in the future. When a favorable consequence, occurrence, or reward occurs as a result of an activity, that reaction or habit is
unpleasant stimuli enhance a response or behavior. Punishment is defined as any change that occurs after a behavior that reduces the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future (LaFreniere, & Newman, 2019). There are two kinds: positive and negative. Positive punishment involves adding something to decrease the chance of a behavior, whereas negative punishment involves moving something to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.
Application: Punishment is used for negative reinforcement and negatively reinforcing a reaction or response to a stimulus. If someone praises you for something that you did, such as saying “Good job!” the praise is positive punishment. Example: Me scolding my child, the way she says it is negative punishment. Another reason for positive punishment is to reduce behavior.
Concepts of interpersonal relationships
Interpersonal relationship deals with the study of interactions between two or more people in an effort to understand their motives, needs and behaviors as it affects their particular dynamic. Morality and social standards are both important factors when addressing interpersonal relationships because it involves how people interact with one another and with society as a whole. A central concept of an interpersonal relationship is that one person’s actions will have a reaction from those around him/her, such as parents or friends. Interpersonal communication is said to be the cornerstone of all interpersonal connections. It’s the way individuals interact both verbally and nonverbally (Smith, 2019). Interpersonal relationships come in a variety of forms, some of which are given below:
The relationship between a child and his parents. This is a fundamental connection.
•A bond of friendship. Platonic bonding
•Persons who work in the same firm.
• Interactions with close relatives and family members. that is Family Relationship
• Love Marriage is a connection between a man and a woman.
Personal Application; I have a friend at work and I talk to him about his problems. He feels comfortable talking to me because he knows I will not judge him.
As a manager, I helped my employee solve his personal problems. I did not offer advice because that was his problem.
I have a friend who is going through a divorce. I keep in touch with him and help him with anything he needs whether it’s his children or work related.
When someone goes through a breakup, people tend to be too judgmental when they should be there for the person who’s going through it.
Psychological disorders and other mental health issues
Psychological disorders include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders such as social anxiety and specific phobias, personality disorders including antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder among others. These different psychological disorders can occur on their own or alongside other psychological disorders (Brower, 2021). They also range in severity from moderate to severe with some of them affecting a person’s ability to continue with everyday tasks.
Mental disorders, often known as mental illnesses, are conditions that affect your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behavior. Mental illnesses are characterized by abnormal thinking, perceptions, feelings and behavior. Mental illnesses can also be classified according to their causes: genetic or environmental factors. Some mental illnesses may develop as a result of an injury or illness. Mental illnesses can also occur together with other medical conditions such as major depression in people with heart problems, diabetes in sufferers of mental health disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident or rape victims.
Application 1; I have a very good friend who is bipolar and I am helping him get to his doctor’s appointments and go shopping for food.
Application 2; I have social anxiety disorder, so I find it hard to talk in front of people or even walk past a group of people.
Memory
Our memory is the subconscious recording of sensory input from our surroundings. Memories can be influenced by past experiences and emotions. If a person undergoes traumatic experiences, the memory of that experience can become encoded in such a way so as to cause negative emotional reactions to similar situations experienced later in life (Ma, Huang, Yang, & Yang, 2018). If memories are not recalled in appropriate context, their interpretation will be distorted and a person can experience anxiety or flashbacks about the traumatic event.
Application; For example, someone who has been bullied in school presents to a psychologist for help and is asked about his experiences. If the psychologist does not ask about the bullying incident in context of the sufferer’s life, and instead asks what happened at lunchtime or what happened to him last year when he was six years old, he may get confused and begin to question himself. Example; I will have to diagnose my mother’s illness. I have to think about the symptoms and when she had them.
References
Ma, C., Huang, J. B., Yang, X., & Yang, M. H. (2018). Adaptive correlation filters with long-term and short-term memory for object tracking. International Journal of Computer Vision, 126(8), 771-796.
LaFreniere, L. S., & Newman, M. G. (2019). Probabilistic learning by positive and negative reinforcement in generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical Psychological Science, 7(3), 502-515.
Brower, K. J. (2021). Professional stigma of mental health issues: physicians are both the cause and solution. Academic medicine, 96(5), 635.
Smith, J. A. (2019). Participants and researchers searching for meaning: Conceptual developments for interpretative phenomenological analysis. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 16(2), 166-181.