Milestone Three: Organizational Quality Plan Student Name Here Southern New Hampshire University OL-324: Managing Quality Instructor Name Here April 21, 2024
Company Background and History Boeing, a prominent aerospace company with a rich history spanning over a century, is the company I've selected for analysis due to its well-documented struggles with quality issues in recent years. The company was founded in 1916 by William Boeing, has played a pivotal role in shaping the aviation industry, and has been a key player in the development of commercial and military aircraft. (Boeing, n.d.). Boeing's history is marked by milestones such as the development of the iconic Boeing 707, which revolutionized air travel in the 1960's, and the introduction of the groundbreaking Boeing 747, the world's first jumbo jet, in the 1970's. (Boeing, n.d.). Description of Quality Issue In recent years, Boeing has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning its 737 MAX aircraft. Boeing's most notable quality issue in recent years revolves around its 737 MAX aircraft. The 737 MAX was grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes in 201fi and 2019, which were attributed to a faulty flight control system known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). (Ontiveros, 2021). The crashes raised serious questions about Boeing's safety protocols, regulatory oversight, and corporate culture. In addition to the well-documented issues with the MCAS, Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft faced another safety concern in early 2024. On January 5, 2024, an incident involving a new Boeing 737 MAX-9 aircraft led to an emergency landing of Alaska Airines Flight 12fi2. (FAA, 2024). The incident, where a section of the plane's fuselage near the cockpit reportedly blew out mid-air, prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and prompted a temporary grounding of some Boeing 737 MAX-9 planes. (Cohen, 2024). The company is 2
currently facing a criminal investigation and lawsuits related to recent safety issues, that includes the Alaska Airlines incident. (Sherman, 2024). Quality Culture Boeing's quality culture is under scrutiny following several safety incidents involving their planes, the manufacturing of their planes, and allegations of a broken safety culture. These issues have had a significant impact on the company's reputation. One of the key quality issues Boeing has faced is related to the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. In 201fi and 2019, two of these planes crashed due to a faulty flight control system, resulting in the deaths of 346 people. Following these incidents, Boeing committed to a safety management system program, but it seems they have failed to comply with their own quality control requirements. (Carpenter, 2024). The F.A.A. has recently indicated that Boeing's safety culture remains flawed and in need of profound improvements. (Walker, 2024). The impact of these quality issues on Boeing has been significant. The company is facing legal issues, including lawsuits from victims and investigations by regulatory authorities. They also have a loss of trust from customers, regulators, and the public, leading to a decline in sales and revenue. The company's reputation has been tarnished, and it will have to undertake