Student Learning Objective 2

Explain the fundamental definitions of total quality management and continuous improvement.

Learning Objective C

Assess the competitiveness of the local region and the nation utilizing a quality management approach.

Content

The content of the final module examines competitiveness in the United States and the Rio Grande Valley. In particular, information from the McAllen Economic Development Corporation is presented showing strong employment results in Northern Mexico and Southern Texas.

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Slide 1: Quality Of Life and Competitiveness

Figure 2-2: Quality of Life Issues in the United States

• Many of the higher paying manufacturing jobs are being exported to foreign countries
• The number of people having to work at more than one job to maintain their quality of life has increased continually since the 1960s
• The most financially rewarding work years have historically been those between ages 40 and 50. In the 1950s, people in this age bracket experience a 36% increase in real income. By 2001, their counterparts had experienced a decline in real income
• The gap between the haves and have-nots in society is growing

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Slide 2: US Manufacturing Jobs

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Slide 3: McAllen Economic Development

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Slide 4: Global Advantages of US Companies

1. Strong entrepreneurial spirit

2. Presence of a 'small capitalization' stock market for small- and mid-sized companies

3. Rapidly advancing technologies

4. Comparatively low taxes

5. Low rate of unionization

6. World-class system of higher education

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Slide 5: Global Disadvantages of US Companies

1. Expanding government regulation

2. A growing 'underclass' of have-nots

3. A weak public school system (K-12)

4. A poorly skilled labor force and poor training opportunities

5. An increasing protectionist sentiment (to restrict imports)

6. Growing public alienation with large institutions (public and private)