Λάμπρος Σδρόλιας

The phenomenon of domination of several powerful trading countries in the international market, which import semi-finished food products from the economically and commercially weaker countries, slightly process or standardize them and channel them for their final consumption arrogating their qualitative superiority, is an undeniable fact with major negative economic and not only consequences for the origin countries. In this category of the weakest countries naturally belongs Greece. Based on these brief remarks, the purpose of this work is the search for and formulation of effective ideas, organizational processes and operational procedures in the form of a "model" for the production of innovative products, capable not only to rapidly penetrate the international market, but also to steadily control a substantial part of it. Besides, the policy of innovative production management is scientifically recognized as a modern form of "national defense" in the face of contemporary globalization and Greece should not ignore it.

The human factor nowadays is very important because of changes in the business environment. Due to the fact that the business sector faces new challenges, new markets for new products, the so-called globalization, they need to adopt flexible operational systems. So companies are dedicated to the continuous renewal and change in order to gain competitive advantage. The alignment of HR and quality policies, such as creating and communicating the TQM vision, preparing the organization and employees for TQM implementation and generating quality awareness among the employees across all levels, functions, and departments, should contribute to an increase company performance. The human resource function must take the lead in activities such as job design and teams that promote cooperation empower employees to provide information, participation and autonomy, select employees that can adapt to the organizational culture, foster programs of training and development with quality goals and define appraisal and compensation policies which support quality targets. A fruitful cooperation between HRM and TQM can produce better organizational results. Employees should be managed in a way that enhances their loyalty to the company. This means that they are been chosen carefully to meet the constant demands of business, they are been well trained and educated, and they are working in an environment where total quality management is considered to be a very essential part of the business itself.

In the highly demanding contemporary environment, organisations, and more specifically higher education institutions, are expected to respond to constant changes and financial crises, by developing innovative practices and delivering quality products and services. As quality and innovation are perceived to be sources of competitive advantage, the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) is suggested. The TQM philosophy can be useful for Greek higher educational institutions, improving the quality of services provided. Keywords: Total Quality Management (TQM), higher educational institutions

Tourism sector is currently facing challenges due to the fast paced environment, the changes that it needs to keep up with and the financial crisis as well. Within a highly demanding framework the needs for high standards and total quality management arises. Organizations that are related to tourism need to introduce a philosophy of sustainability by developing innovative practices that will enable them to reserve their competitive advantage. Therefore, total quality management can be a useful tool in improving their products and services by focusing in quality parameters. Keywords: Total Quality Management (TQM), Tourism sector, Greece

The relationship between organizational culture and effectiveness is established in literature. This study provides insight into the role of organizational culture viewed in the context of quality management in higher education in Greece. Considering the market forces of competition and socio-economic conditions, the political context and students' learning experiences and expectations, it is legitimate to apply the marketing paradigm in tertiary education. It appears that due to the impact of economic recession on higher education and the difficulty to accept and implement quality assurance practices in Greece, transformation of the existing organizational culture in higher education institutions is perceived to be the means for quality assurance systems to be accommodated in Greek higher education. Keywords: higher education, quality management, organizational culture .

Abstract: Organizational culture is considered to be important , if not essential, in all industries and businesses nowadays. Every company has its own unique personality, just like people do. This unique personality of an organization refers to its culture. In order to become more effective, organizations have realized how important is the role of their culture and the critical effects it has especially within the tourism industry. The quality of the services and products is affected to a high extent. Keywords: Total Quality Management (TQM), Tourism sector, Greece