MGT 424

Week 12: Interactive activity

12.1 Learning Outcomes:

• Recognize the importance of quality management theory, principles, and practices

applied in businesses on national and international levels.

• State the importance of standardization and quality standards.

12.2 Action Required: (Read)

Case – Mercantile Stores

During the 1980s, Mercantile Stores was a major retail organization located throughout the

Southeast, Midwest, and Gulf Coast regions and included seven divisions: Gayfers, Maison,

Blanche, Castner Knott, McAlpin’s, Jones, Joslins, and J. B. White. Mercantile’s mission

statement was “Mercantile Stores is dedicated to creating excitement in merchandising by

providing the highest level of service to our customers and a broad assortment of fashionable

products that offer superior quality and value.” In 1983 Mercantile initiated a program for

processing incoming merchandise at regional distribution centers. This was seen as more

efficient than receiving merchandise in the individual stores. In 1986 the company remodeled

and expanded existing stores to accommodate a greater selection of fashion merchandise.

Designer apparel offerings were increased in 1987.

In 1989 a major technological initiative called Quick Response was instituted. It

integrated all facets of operations, from inventory planning to purchasing and inventory control, to provide customers with better service. Some of the technologies introduced were price look-up and point-of-sale laser scanning systems, electronic purchase ordering and replenishment, and electronic invoicing and funds transfer. Stronger partnerships were developed with suppliers to help ensure that suppliers have sufficient merchandise for stocking the stores. The company was in constant contact with its suppliers for mutual benefit. For example, Hanes hosiery used selling information furnished electronically and shipped 97 percent of Quick Response orders. Sales increased 17 percent, and the inventory level decreased by 15 percent.

The Quick Response program eliminated bottlenecks within the merchandise processing

functions. Previously, shipments had required a high amount of labor-intensive efforts: opening cartons, physical counts, sorting, and manual ticketing. Advance shipping notice capability provided the means of knowing exactly what was coming and when. Shipments arrived pre-ticketed by suppliers with external shipping container marking. Entire containers were scanned for contents and matched to purchase orders.

Mercantile Stores also established a University Business School for training its

management associates to implement quality practices within the company The school’s motto, Investing in Excellence Through Education, reflected the company’s commitment to the development of its people. Sales associates, department managers, and store managers were empowered and challenged to embrace ownership and responsibility in their jobs. For example, they planned and monitored their own forecasts from start to finish. Complete customer satisfaction was seen as the responsibility of all associates. Decisions were made as close to the customer as possible, and promotions were made from within the company.

Answer

Reference

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MGT 422.

Week 11

11.3 Test your Knowledge (Question):

As a company executive, would you try to increase employee benefits? Why or why not?

Answer

Reference

Week 12

12.3 Test your Knowledge (Question):

Explain about the employee traits in relation to the engagement continuum.

Answer

Reference